Coronavirus Disease 2019 in Geriatrics and Long-Term Care: The ABCDs of COVID-19

J Am Geriatr Soc. 2020 May;68(5):912-917. doi: 10.1111/jgs.16445. Epub 2020 Apr 16.

Abstract

The pandemic of coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) is having a global impact unseen since the 1918 worldwide influenza epidemic. All aspects of life have changed dramatically for now. The group most susceptible to COVID-19 are older adults and those with chronic underlying medical disorders. The population residing in long-term care facilities generally are those who are both old and have multiple comorbidities. In this article we provide information, insights, and recommended approaches to COVID-19 in the long-term facility setting. Because the situation is fluid and changing rapidly, readers are encouraged to access frequently the resources cited in this article. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:912-917, 2020.

Keywords: COVID-19; coronavirus; long-term care; pandemic.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • COVID-19
  • Comorbidity
  • Coronavirus Infections / epidemiology*
  • Coronavirus Infections / prevention & control*
  • Decision Making
  • Geriatrics*
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  • Health Personnel / psychology
  • Humans
  • Infection Control
  • Long-Term Care
  • Pandemics / prevention & control*
  • Pneumonia, Viral / epidemiology*
  • Pneumonia, Viral / prevention & control*
  • Residential Facilities*
  • Risk Factors
  • United States / epidemiology