Seniors in At-Home Care Can See Their Grandkids After COVID Vaccine The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released brand new guidance for seniors who live at home and have been vaccinated against COVID-19. The bad news is, that trip to Barbados might still have to wait. But the good news is, you can hug your grandkids again without worrying about the infectious disease.

The guidance, which was released at nearly the one-year anniversary of the start of the COVID pandemic, says those who have been fully vaccinated (whether with a two-dose course of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine or a single dose of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine) may gather with unvaccinated, low-risk family members without wearing masks or practicing social distancing.

So Why Can’t Seniors in Home Care Do More Than This?

The reason seniors who live at home and are fully vaccinated are not recommended to travel or ditch their masks completely is simply that; the science hasn’t quite caught up yet. We aren’t completely sure yet if seniors who are fully vaccinated can infect people who aren’t yet vaccinated.

There is evidence to suggest that the virus can still live in vaccinated people and be transmitted, but there is also evidence that suggests that there is a much smaller amount of virus in vaccinated people and thus they may be less likely to infect others.

It is important to note that even though people who have been vaccinated may still get the virus, their chances of becoming sick or developing symptoms from the virus are virtually zero. As studies that are currently in process catch up with these important questions, the CDC and other agencies will update their recommendations.

A Senior in At-Home Care Asks: Hey, go back to the grandkid thing. When can I see them?

We’ll say it again…a fully vaccinated senior living at home can see their low-risk family members, grandkids included, now! As soon as you’ve received both doses of the vaccine (if you’re receiving one of the two-shot vaccines). And you’ve waited 10 days to two weeks after the second dose in order for the vaccine to take full effect.

A Senior in At-Home Care Asks: Ok, I wasn’t sure I wanted to get a vaccine before, but now I want one! Where do I sign up?

Great! The vaccines for seniors in are being administered by state and local governments, either by their Public Health Department or in partnership with pharmacies like CVS, Walgreen’s and Kroger’s. In most areas, everyone 65 and over is eligible for a vaccine, though appointments can be hard to come by. Call your medical provider, as they may be able to help you as well.

Get a Home Care Aide to Help Clean Up

Now that you know seniors who live at home can see their grandkids again. You might want to get ready for them to visit. Having help with light housekeeping might be a good idea so that your home is clean and safe for them to visit, and having some help might save you the energy it would take to clean, leaving you with more energy to play with your grandkids.

Staying Mentally Sharp and Having Senior Companionship

Not being able to go out much; and not being able to visit in person may have left you feeling like; you aren’t on top of your game mentally. Having some companionship and social interaction might help you ease back into normal social situations. And getting some mental stimulation will help you feel up to the challenge of playing with your grandkids again.

How Many People Need to Get Vaccinated Before We Can Go Back to Normal?

For many elderly people, especially seniors who live at home and have an at-home caregiver; the past year has been extremely difficult. Not being able to go out in public, or see family; or attend in-person events like movies or religious services, has taken its toll.

But with the development of these vaccines, the end is in sight. How close is it, though? The CDC isn’t yet providing estimates on how much of the population needs to receive the vaccine in order to reach herd immunity, but estimates generally range from 70% up to 95%. By Summer of 2021, enough people will have received the vaccine that things will seem more “normal.”

Home Care Powered by AUAF Can Help Prepare You For a Return to Normal

Whether it’s an at-home caregiver to help with personal care; light housekeeping or medication reminders; the dedicated and professional caregivers at Home Care Powered by AUAF can help seniors; who are looking to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic healthy and strong. Or if you have any questions about our article “Seniors in At-Home Care Can See Their Grandkids After COVID Vaccine”  Call us at 773-274-9262 or contact us to find out how to get started with at-home care.