Persons of middle-older age are more likely to acquire severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (COVID-19) infection, and older adults are more likely to have worse outcomes. So, what makes older adults more susceptible? As we age, our immune system goes through physiologic (quantitative & qualitative) changes. These age-related physiologic changes include: Having a chronic disease further weakens older patient’s immune response resulting in greater susceptibility to common infections. Skilled home care agencies predominantly serve older patients (average age 75) and therefore, it is essential for home care agencies to develop and actively implement standardized and holistic approach to assessment, care planning and management of elderly patients in home environment. It is vital for agencies to develop and implement clinical pathways and protocols that empower frontline clinicians with effective decision making. These protocols should be patient specific, and clearly define whether a clinician should call a physician or transfer patient to higher level of care. In my next blog, I will use Pneumonia as an example to expand on these thoughts!
Persons of middle-older age are more likely to acquire severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (COVID-19) infection, and older adults are more likely to have worse outcomes. So, what makes older adults more susceptible?
As we age, our immune system goes through physiologic (quantitative & qualitative) changes. These age-related physiologic changes include:
- Alterations in the barriers posed by the skin, lungs, and gastrointestinal tract and other mucosal linings
- Changes in immunity including decrease in specific cell populations
- Decreased antibody response to vaccines
- Impaired immunoglobulin production
Having a chronic disease further weakens older patient’s immune response resulting in greater susceptibility to common infections.
Skilled home care agencies predominantly serve older patients (average age 75) and therefore, it is essential for home care agencies to develop and actively implement standardized and holistic approach to assessment, care planning and management of elderly patients in home environment.
It is vital for agencies to develop and implement clinical pathways and protocols that empower frontline clinicians with effective decision making. These protocols should be patient specific, and clearly define whether a clinician should call a physician or transfer patient to higher level of care.
In my next blog, I will use Pneumonia as an example to expand on these thoughts!
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