Mitigating the Impact of COVID-19 on Older Adults in Broward County
Speaker Credentials
MS-III
Speaker Credentials
MS
College
College of Allopathic Medicine
Format
Poster
Start Date
6-11-2020 1:00 PM
End Date
6-11-2020 1:15 PM
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has produced an enormous strain on the healthcare system, financial hardship, and significant mental distress,4,7,8,9. The elderly, who are most at risk for the physical impact of the virus, isolation, and financial instability, have been disproportionately affected 1,4,7,8,9. Even as restrictions loosen, elderly individuals, due to their risk, may not immediately be able to return to their activities of daily living. Therefore, it is important to understand and mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions on the physical and mental health, and financial stability of older adults. A community-based needs assessment to understand the impact of the pandemic and additional resources the elderly still require will be distributed via mail and electronically to 65 and older residents of Broward County. Questions will evaluate physical health, mental health, access to essential items, and financial stability. Respondents are also asked about resources they would use to mitigate the impact. Zoom focus groups will also specifically address concerns elicited in completing the survey. We expect to find reports of worse physical and mental health, increasing feelings of loneliness, and financial insecurity in older adults, especially those who live alone and/or lack access to technology for electronic communication.The information gathered not only will be helpful in mitigating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and increasing the speed of recovery from the pandemic in this elderly population but will be useful in advising policy makers on the unique needs and challenges of elderly residents of Broward County in the future.
Mitigating the Impact of COVID-19 on Older Adults in Broward County
The COVID-19 pandemic has produced an enormous strain on the healthcare system, financial hardship, and significant mental distress,4,7,8,9. The elderly, who are most at risk for the physical impact of the virus, isolation, and financial instability, have been disproportionately affected 1,4,7,8,9. Even as restrictions loosen, elderly individuals, due to their risk, may not immediately be able to return to their activities of daily living. Therefore, it is important to understand and mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions on the physical and mental health, and financial stability of older adults. A community-based needs assessment to understand the impact of the pandemic and additional resources the elderly still require will be distributed via mail and electronically to 65 and older residents of Broward County. Questions will evaluate physical health, mental health, access to essential items, and financial stability. Respondents are also asked about resources they would use to mitigate the impact. Zoom focus groups will also specifically address concerns elicited in completing the survey. We expect to find reports of worse physical and mental health, increasing feelings of loneliness, and financial insecurity in older adults, especially those who live alone and/or lack access to technology for electronic communication.The information gathered not only will be helpful in mitigating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and increasing the speed of recovery from the pandemic in this elderly population but will be useful in advising policy makers on the unique needs and challenges of elderly residents of Broward County in the future.