07 Dec Preventative Care Is Essential to the Nation’s Homebound as COVID-19 Surges
The recent surge in coronavirus cases hasn’t just led to an alarming rise in hospitalizations and illness, it’s also forced officials in New York and California to reinstate shelter-in-place orders similar to those that most Americans endured during the spring months of 2020. For the nation’s elderly homebound population, the latest imposition of social distancing and limited access to dental care presents additional challenges in an already severe struggle. It’s crucial at this time to refocus our attention on the essential need to embrace and promote the best practices in oral disease prevention. Our own Dr. Lindzy Goodman will continue her educational series as she joins Alvita Home Care and West 86 for a special holiday session over cocktails and expert advice on how to “dodge the tooth fairy later in life: tips & techniques for a healthy mouth.” We encourage all of our followers to attend this timely event.
New Restrictions, New Challenges
In San Francisco, a limited stay-at-home mandate has gone into place as the emergence of COVID-19 drags the state back into the “purple tier,” the most restrictive in the hierarchy. This means that all nonessential indoor businesses will close, and members from different households will not be permitted to gather between 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. until December 21. Most recently, “New York City’s Health Department recommended in a Tuesday advisory that residents 65 and over avoid public spaces and gatherings and limit nonessential activities amid the ongoing coronavirus surge,” The Hill reported.
Nearly 2 million U.S. adults, age 65 or older, are essentially confined to their homes, while another 5.3 million have functional or physical limitations that make it challenging for them to venture out, even for routine dental visits. These people experience profound difficulty accessing office-based dental care. Some are unable to entirely. The burden of managing this population’s dental care often falls on the shoulders of overwhelmed family members or caregivers.
The situation becomes more dire when you consider that state’s have shuttered many dental practices as “nonessential” services. The pandemic aside, with its unique requirements for social distancing and curbing the outbreak, it’s difficult to discount regular cleanings and checkups as “nonessential.”
Over 70% of adults 65 years and older have periodontal disease. Proper oral care is necessary to prevent eating difficulties, digestive problems, and infections. This presentation promises a wealth of tips and techniques to support individuals with their ongoing dental care throughout the aging process.
Learn About Safe and Proactive Preventative Care from the Experts
Dr. Goodman will deliver an informative webinar about the techniques, tools, and resources for oral care that can change the lives of patients with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia, particularly in the time of pandemic.
The event takes place on Wednesday, December 9, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. For those of you interested in attending the virtual happy hour, tune in at 6:00 p.m. The actual course begins immediately after at 6:30 p.m.
You can RSVP and reserve your spot here.
