Due to the fact that the elderly are the most at risk during the coronavirus pandemic, it is particularly important to adhere to the sanitary guidelines for the places where they remain at. That includes, among others, “Senior+” houses and clubs, as well as facilities providing care services for the elderly.

– Together with the Chief Sanitary Inspector we have prepared updated information and recommendation for these facilities. Of course, they are intended to maximally limit the risk of the occurrence or spread of the virus. I strongly appeal to adhere to all guidelines – says the Minister of Family and Social Policy Marlena Maląg.

Safe “Senior+”

“Senior+” houses and clubs are intended for the elderly to spend their time together, join various classes or workshops, learn new things, build a community. During the pandemic, daily life at the facilities was a little different, their functioning was suspended for a while, and later they had to learn how to function under strict sanitary regime.

The latest guidelines for the manager of senior homes and clubs include, among others:

• Rotating work schedule, small groups, flexible working time
• Recommendations for the personnel and the elderly to adhere to hygienic rules
• Telephone and remote contact with the participants
• Introducing all possible alternative forms of services
• Delivering meals to seniors in their place of residence

– We strive to ensure that the seniors are able to use the classes safely – sometimes in smaller groups in shifts and other times on-line. It is particularly important for the elderly to receive support and contact, to ensure that they do not feel lonely and lost – stresses Minister Maląg.

Care services during the pandemic

Another important area focusing primarily on the elderly include places providing care services, including specialised care services. We should adhere to the guidelines in order to minimise the risk for the people who use the help – as well as those who provide the services.

The guidelines include, among others, motoring the health of the people who provide care as well as strictly preventing all people who display cold or flu-like symptoms from providing the service; as well as ensuring strict compliance with the sanitary regime involving the use of disinfectants and personal protective equipment.

– We must also monitor the situation of seniors who use care services at the daily support centre which have been suspended. In the event of a large number of infections at a given area, i.e. in red zones, the care services should be provided if absolutely mandatory – states Minister Marlena Maląg.