The Vulnerable Senior Citizens, Private Care Homes and COVID-19

June 18th, 2020

I attended a press briefing by the Ministry of Health and Wellness this evening. The theme was “Protecting the Vulnerable,” a topic I have been addressing in recent posts. So, what does vulnerable mean in the Ministry’s view? Basically, older people (although the age limit varies from “over 60″ to “over 70,” etc. However, the critical factor is, as Professor Dr. Denise Eldemire Shearer noted, what she called “functional capacity.” For example, a 63-year-old may have a serious disability and therefore although not over 65 be particularly vulnerable. A 70-year-old may be relatively stronger health-wise, take regular exercise etc.

Having said that, Professor Eldemire Shearer reminded us that 72 percent of Jamaicans over 60 years old have chronic diseases – primarily hypertension and diabetes (24 percent of this group suffering from diabetes and around 16 percent suffering from both these conditions). This is pretty disturbing stuff. Twice as many women as men are in this highly vulnerable group also, because of obesity – another “underlying condition” that we must always take into account.

So far, the Chief Medical Officer reported, we have had 50 cases of COVID-19 over the age of 60 years, and five deaths in that age group. We have also had four deaths in the 40 to 59 year age group, however.

Considering how important this group is in terms of spread, this evening’s press briefing was surprisingly short, lasting just over an hour. I enjoyed Oliver Samuels’ phrasing of the questions (and he asked some important ones, not necessarily related to the elderly). He also reminded us, in his inimitable way, of social distancing, washing hands,

However, I had requested an update on the inspection of private nursing homes, and this was not forthcoming. Nevertheless, I can report that 782 staff at the infirmaries have been tested and only one found to be positive; which is encouraging. Considering that the (mostly unregistered) homes are “vulnerable settings,” as the CMO would describe them, I would have expected more attention to be paid to them. I await more information.

Regarding the “elderly,” the Caribbean Community of Retired Persons (CCRP), the non-governmental organization that supports Jamaicans fifty years and over, has been working hard to support “shut-ins,” partnering with Food for the Poor Jamaica. CCRP donated J$500,000 in outreach funds and the Jamaica Constabulary Force delivered food and care packages to indigent senior citizens on CCRP’s behalf. The organization is also providing advice to its members – including reminders that those over 65 should stay home and only leave home for essentials (food shopping, medications, doctor’s visits); to practice social distancing and proper hygiene at all times; and to wear masks.

Alzheimer’s Jamaica, another non-governmental organization, notes that COVID-19 adds another layer of concern:

Due to cognitive impairment, people living with dementia have a greater risk for COVID-19 exposure. Memory problems make instructions problematic to remember. For example, it can be difficult to understand instructions about social distancing (staying 2 meters from others), or hand hygiene, restrictions on walking outside, or reasons for wearing a mask. Eventual lack of insight can result in behaviour that increases risk of exposure for themselves and for their families and carers. It is most important that society does not place any blame, stigma or guilt on people with dementia because of these risks, since it is a consequence of the dementia disorder. Nevertheless, awareness of these risks is important for the protection of people with dementia and those around them.

So these organizations, and many other community-based groups are caring for our senior citizens. Let’s support them.

Women’s Resource and Outreach Centre (serving the communities of Lyndhurst Road, Greenwich Farm and beyond, including men, women and youth). (876) 929-8873 wrocjamaica.com

Caribbean Community of Retired Persons: Tel:(876) 469-1944 ccrponline.org Check out their Facebook page for further updates.

Alzheimer’s Jamaica: c/o Caribbean Institute for Health Research, Epidemiology Research Unit, 7 Ring Road, The University of the West Indies, Mona, Kingston 7  Tel: (876) 881-6370  info@alzheimersjamaica.org alzheimersjamaica.org  @alzheimersja Like their Facebook page.

A final word from Oliver Samuels, this evening: “In order to fight and win, we must listen to the experts,” he remonstrated, reminding us: “We are opening up. Nuh mek wi get cayliss!” 

If we do the right thing, Mr. Samuels maintained, “Together we are going to conquer.”

Tags: Alzheimers, Alzheimers Jamaica, Caribbean Community of Retired Persons, CCRP, Chief Medical Officer, COVID-19, Denise Eldemire Shearer, diabetes, elderly, Food for the Poor Jamaica, hypertension, Jamaica Constabulary Force, journalism, Ministry of Health and Wellness, Oliver Samuels, senior citizens, social media, Technology, vulnerable populations, Women's Resource and Outreach Centre