Poll data shows disparities in older adults’ ability to isolate COVID-19 persons in homes
One of the most important ways to stop the spread of COVID-19 is for people who have tested positive or have symptoms, to isolate themselves from the other people they live with.
But a new University of Michigan poll suggests that nearly one in five older adults don t have the ability to do this - and that those who are Hispanic or Black, or who have lower incomes or poor health, to begin with, are more likely to lack a safe isolation place in their home.
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Many older Americans with COVID-19 lack ability to isolate at home
One of the most important ways to stop the spread of COVID-19 is for people who have tested positive, or have symptoms, to isolate themselves from the other people they live with.
But a new University of Michigan poll suggests that nearly 1 in 5 older adults don’t have the ability to do this-and that those who are Hispanic or Black, or who have lower incomes or poor health to begin with, are more likely to lack a safe isolation place in their home.
The poll also shows significant inequality in another key aspect of staying safe and healthy during the pandemic: the ability to get outside for fresh air and exercise, and to engage safely with friends, neighbors and relatives in open air.
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IMAGE: Significant disparities were seen in poll data by race and ethnicity regarding the ability of older adults to isolate a person with COVID-19 in their home to slow the spread. view more
Credit: University of Michigan
One of the most important ways to stop the spread of COVID-19 is for people who have tested positive, or have symptoms, to isolate themselves from the other people they live with.
But a new University of Michigan poll suggests that nearly one in five older adults don t have the ability to do this - and that those who are Hispanic or Black, or who have lower incomes or poor health to begin with, are more likely to lack a safe isolation place in their home.
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IMAGE: A significant percentage of adults over 50 have visited an emergency department in the last two years. view more
Credit: University of Michigan
Even before the pandemic, older Americans had concerns about seeking emergency care because of the costs they might face, the amount of time they might spend in the waiting room and the worry that they might end up hospitalized.
But the risk of catching the novel coronavirus in the emergency department and developing COVID-19 added to those worries, according to a national poll of people ages 50 to 80 taken in June.
Eighty-six percent of those polled cited risk of COVID-19 as something they d take into account when deciding whether to seek emergency care, compared with 91% who mentioned wait times, 79% who said they worried about what they d have to pay and 77% who were concerned about hospitalization.