Take extra care for the elderly, BC's Seniors Advocate Isobel Mackenzie asks.
"While the provincial health officer has advised that most people who contract COVID-19 will experience mild symptoms, it is a more serious illness for the elderly and we need to ensure that people who are not feeling well refrain from close contact with seniors and those who have underlying health conditions," Mackenzie said.
"We also need to support seniors to ensure they are properly washing their hands, cleaning surfaces they come into contact with, limiting their exposure to others in the community who may be ill and practicing social distancing for the time being."
The Seniors Advocate is also asking all British Columbians to contact their elderly friends, family, and neighbours who might need some extra help.
"It could be anything from helping a senior get some groceries, taking out their garbage, bringing over a cooked meal or bringing them up to speed on the latest COVID-19 recommendations from our provincial health officer," Mackenzie said. "These are things we can all do to help and they are important measures to keep seniors who are living in the community healthy and to reduce anxiety both for seniors and for their family members."
The Office of the Seniors Advocate (OSA) has a toll-free information and referral line for seniors or others looking for community resources not related to health care.
Seniors with non-medical related inquiries can call the OSA's toll-free number at 1-877-952-3181.
For medical questions, call 8-1-1. Learn more at www.seniorsadvocatebc.ca.
