Table 1.

Planning with older adults and caregivers.

Prevention and protection planning •Discuss physical distancing and PPE −Minimize travel outside home −No or limited visitors to the home, including family −Cloth masks when around any visitors −Avoid contact with anyone who is ill or exposed to someone who is ill •Promote social engagement −Continue and renew relationships with friends and family through phone calls or video chats −Connect patients with volunteers providing social calls to check-in •Promote education −Resist “scammers” for online promotions for PPE, unproven treatments, investments −Provide reliable news sources −Provide information on next steps if patient and caregiver develop exposures or symptoms of coronavirus

Medical planning •Communicate changes in medical visits −Discuss timing of visits, changes in treatment plans and their possible impact, need for equipment for telephone or telehealth visits •Ensure patients and caregivers have necessary supplies −Equipment for medical monitoring: thermometers and home equipment for blood pressure monitoring, glucometer, pulse oximeter (if appropriate) −Supplies for medical monitoring: test strips for glucometer, alcohol swabs and needles for injectables, pads for incontinence −Equipment needed for hearing (batteries, aids), sight (glasses, contact lenses), and equipment for physical mobility (walkers, canes) −Secure prescriptions for longer time (e.g., 3 month refills vs 1 month refill) and purchase necessary over the counter medications; consider grocery and pharmacy delivery

Advance care planning •Ask about care preferences, including identifying a health care proxy and end of life preferences •Discuss care plans if patient or caregiver becomes ill −Plans for who will help −Plans for obtaining vital care and supplies −Identify community resources •Collect documents −Care plan documents that include medical conditions, allergies, contact information for health care proxy and caregivers, medications, insurance information, and documentation of health care proxy and advanced planning including “do not resuscitate” (if appropriate)

*Adapted from “How older adults and caregivers can weather the coronavirus pandemic” by Mariana Gonzalez and Rachel Miller for the Philadelphia Enquirer, April 4, 2020.