Is It Safe for Seniors to Get their Healthcare Checkups?

As more and more people are receiving their COVID-19 vaccines, we all are optimistic about life getting back to normal sometime soon.  Nonetheless doctors want to remind seniors and anyone with chronic health problems that keeping up with medical checkups as well as some preventative screenings is critical to their continued good health.  While much of routine healthcare can be handled by telemedicine, many physicians are deciding on a patient-to-patient basis whether to see the patient in person.   

The postponement of many cancer screenings and other preventative tests over the last year for diseases, which if caught early, give patients the best chance of recovery, is a worry to the medical community.  The Epic Health Research Network notes just how big of a problem it was in a July 2020 reports that showed from March to June of last year, 63% of breast exams, 64% of colon exams, and 67% of cervical exams were not done based on the number of screenings that would normally be expected in an average year.  

Other important healthcare for adults 65 years and older is eye exams.  Ophthalmologists advise seniors to have a full examination at least every year or two to check for diseases such as age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, cataracts and other eye conditions.  They also say if you notice any changes with your eyes, to call your doctor.  Additionally the American Dental Association declared in November that they "firmly believe" dental care can continue to be delivered safely.  They state there has been “no documented transmission of COVID-19 in a clinical dental setting.”  Hopefully getting vaccinated should make it safer for seniors to resume important medical care but always consult with your healthcare provider.  Doctors also warn that for now, everyone should still wear a mask.   

At the MorningStar of Happy Valley, all new residents will have priority access to the COVID vaccine.  Our luxury, three-story community offers 61 private assisted living suites and 27 secure memory care devoted to those with Alzheimer’s or dementia-related diseases.   Please visit our website for pricing, availability and for answers to your questions.  

MorningStar of Happy Valley represents the finest in senior living with our distinct mission statement: “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we are honored to create a true “home” for residents.  Contact us to learn more about exceptional assisted living in Happy Valley, OR.  

Source: 

today.com/health/should-i-go-doctor-coronavirus-covid-19-impact-routine-preventive-t180851