Meals on Wheels Orange County is thrilled that Dr. Chalat Rajaram, Senior Medical Director, VITAS Healthcare recently joined our Board of Directors. Dr. Rajaram has a compassionate heart for older adults and has served the Orange County medical community for over 30 years. He trained in orthopedics and general surgery and is board certified in internal medicine. Dr. Rajaram has earned numerous additional certifications and honors, and was named as Physician of the Year at the 2018 Senior Care Hero Awards.
We asked Dr. Rajaram to share his insights on the emotional effect of COVD-19 on the aging community. He said, “The knowledge that the mortality rate for older adults with underlying medical conditions is high has understandably resulted in feelings of fear and anxiety. The isolation caused by staying home has added to the emotional impact because seniors who used to go to a congregate meal site to have lunch and meet with friends are now experiencing depression and loneliness. It’s hard when human contact, which for many was already limited, becomes relatively non-existent. No family or friends can visit and no hugs!”
Dr. Rajaram’s recommendation: Continue to observe social distancing guidelines, wash your hands before and after care, call seniors many times, leave notes,make a call and send notes. Please remind seniors to take their usual medications and avoid too much media. In closing, he let us know, “I am absolutely astounded by the rapid response that Meals on Wheels Orange County has made to impact the care for older adults during this crisis. I am very proud to be a part of this team.”
