Guidelines on home care provided to older people by geriatricians, specialists in gerontology and others health professionals. (Special Section: SBGG positions before the COVID-19 pandemic.)

ABSTRACT

With social isolation recommended by health authorities as a measure to control the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, home care for the elderly and people with chronic illnesses, groups with higher mortality rates when affected by COVID-19, are now an appropriate tool used by health care professionals (HCPs) to assess and monitor their patients. Measures are important to prevent infection by the new coronavirus for both medical professionals and patients. It is essential that healthcare professionals be able to provide advice to users during home care in relation to the prevention of spread, identify suspected COVID-19 cases, provide home care, or appoint hospital admission in necessary cases. The HCP that performs home care should take standard precautions to track respiratory symptoms in older adults when scheduling home visits. If the patient has respiratory symptoms and the care is not urgent, postpone the appointment until the condition is resolved.