For those who are concerned about aging parents, COVID-19 has brought an entirely new level of anxiety. How can loved ones stay safe from a virus that is more dangerous for seniors? How do you prevent social distancing from turning into isolation, which can be harmful for an older person’s physical and mental health? Being a caregiver for an aging loved one was stressful enough before the pandemic, and now many adult children are taking on shopping, errands, and other tasks for their parents while also working from home and managing remote schooling for young children.

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented many challenges to communicating and staying engaged. Wearing a mask has become the “new normal,” not only for health care workers but for everyone navigating life. It’s important to communicate effectively while wearing one.

As the pandemic sweeps the world, both organizations and individuals have been forced to adjust their practices and behaviors in so many ways. “Normal” looks very different now than it did only a short while ago and will only continue to change for all of us. In this environment, the highest quality senior living communities have adapted quickly and responsibly. Those that do it best, are more than ever, some of the safest and most fulfilling places for an older adult to live.  While moving into a senior living community during a global pandemic could be perceived as a challenging decision, we believe now may be the smartest time to make that move. 

As coronavirus has taken hold of our nation and created unprecedented social isolation, it’s also caused a surge in scams designed to exploit the fears and uncertainty surrounding the pandemic.

Scammers are offering COVID-19 or antibody testing, promises of a vaccine or cure, or ways to obtain out-of-stock products.  They are also claiming to be from banks, the IRS or other government agencies with false offers of stimulus payments or other financial relief. Hebrew SeniorLife’s Center for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and Neglect strives to empower older adults to protect themselves from financial exploitation.

The demands and uncertainty of life right now have never been greater. Some families may be juggling home-schooling their children while working from home and caring for an aging parent. Many of us are worried about our loved ones who may be isolated from social interaction and could be more at risk of contracting COVID-19. The mental and physical harm of being alone can take a toll too.

Many of our lives have changed drastically since the coronavirus pandemic has swept across the world. We’re staying home, quarantined, isolated, and lacking social interaction.

The seniors who live in Hebrew SeniorLife’s five senior living communities have been sheltering inside their apartments to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Throughout this difficult time, employees and volunteers have been delivering meals, making daily wellness calls, organizing various programs, picking up essential supplies, and much more.

Sometimes our aging parents or loved ones need more care and guidance, but it can be challenging to speak to your employer about how to manage increased caregiver needs. How do you balance the needs of your loved one and make sure you are fulfilling your responsibilities at work?

More than one in six people living in the United States working full-time or part-time are helping with the care of an aging parent, family member, relative, or friend, according to a Gallup poll.

Caring for an aging loved one at home can be challenging. Whether a senior wants to “age in place” or isn’t ready for nursing home care, many families can struggle with making sure their loved one has the right social and medical supports while still maintaining work and other obligations.

One resource that many families might not know about is adult day health which provides seniors and older adults a place to go for care and companionship throughout the day. Many programs offer support for a wide range of medical and social needs and play a critical role in respite care. It gives caregivers time to go to work or handle personal business.

Joan Kaplowitz, a resident at Hebrew SeniorLife’s continuing care retirement community Orchard Cove, believes in the importance of the written word. Wanting to share her love of words, Joan established a fund at Orchard Cove, the Joan Kaplowitz Fund for the Written Word, to bring in speakers and writing programs for her fellow residents. 

“I took writing courses over the years,” she says. “But I didn’t do it seriously. And then when I came to Orchard Cove four years ago, I signed up for a writing workshop.

Financial abuse targeting seniors is on the rise. According to the Federal Trade Commission, seniors lose more money to scammers than people much younger. Seniors over the age of 80 lost an average of $1,700 compared to $188 lost by people 19 and younger, according to the FTC.

So why are seniors common targets? There are many factors. Older Americans have had more time to accumulate wealth, which is often invested in their homes and retirement savings. Some scams target older adults because of perceived or real frailty. Today’s seniors also grew up in a more trusting time. When older adults are scammed, they’re often too embarrassed to report the crime.