DEOs to contact elderly

A change has been made to the parishes being targeted during an outreach to elderly citizens, 70 years and over, which is scheduled to begin on Monday, May 11.

Parishes that will now be targeted are St George, Christ Church, St Michael and St Andrew.

A press release on May 8 said that members of District Emergency Organisations (DEOs) will contact people within the 70 and over age range to check on their health care status, and whether or not they have signs of novel coronavirus (COVID-19). The DEOs are the volunteer arm of the Department of Emergency Management.

The DEOs will be making contact via telephone as physical engagement with the elderly is being discouraged at this time. They will identify themselves as members of the DEO, and will not be asking for any financial details, or requesting money.

The press release said only basic information will be collected and it will be kept in the strictest confidence.

In circumstances where elderly people, their relative or caregiver indicate that they are not feeling well, they would be referred to a medical professional and interviewed further.

Each DEO member will have a checklist to use as guidance. That list would require them to ascertain the person’s name, address and telephone number; whether they live alone or with others; if they are able to get their meals with or without assistance; their ability to go to the supermarket; whether they care for themselves alone or with help; if they are able to go to the doctor; and whether they have had any COVID-19 symptoms within the last three weeks.

In cases where the elderly people cannot speak, the DEO representative would be able to speak with their relative or caregiver.

(BGIS)