114 – Coronavirus Updates & Suggestions (11.18.20 Edition)

In This Episode:

Dr. K shares an update on the coronavirus (COVID19) situation and more recommendations to help older adults and people concerned about aging parents.

This episode covers:

• The coronavirus situation today
• Why COVID rates are so high right now
• Latest developments in treatment & vaccination
• What this means for older adults
• If you’re wondering “Is it safe to…?”
• Dr. K’s recommendations for the holidays and winter

Related episode: 

108 – Live QA: Aging Health in COVID Times

Related news:

• Limiting Indoor Capacity Can Reduce Coronavirus Infections, Study Shows
• Covid in the U.S.: Latest Map and Case Count
• New Medicare coverage for COVID-19 antibody treatment can be ‘really helpful’ for nursing homes
• AARP Answers: Nursing Homes and the Coronavirus
• Bamlanivimab for COVID-19 — Hard to Pronounce, Even Harder to Give
• A Series of Disappointing Results of Immune-Based Therapies for COVID-19
• Journal Watch
  • COVID-19 Updates
  • Infectious Disease Blog

Resources:

• Uptodate.com COVID-19 Resources & Tools (Coronavirus Resources)
• What is a pulse oximeter
• Center to Advance Palliative Care COVID Response Resources – see info in the symptom management section.
• TheConversationProject.org:
  • Conversation Guide: Being Prepared in the Time of COVID-19
• PrepareForYourCare.org 
  • Get their easy advance directives for almost all states here.
  • Get their COVID resources, including their PREPARE for COVID-19 Tip Sheet here.
• POLST.org
  • Learn how POLST helps frail and seriously ill adults get better care, and find out what is available for your state.
• Institute on Aging Friendship Line
  • This free service provides trained volunteers to talk to older adults who are lonely or depressed; they are also qualified as a crisis line for anyone contemplating harming themselves