As we continue to see Coronavirus (COVID-19) cases steadily decrease within the state, reported on the official website for California COVID-19 at covid19.ca.gov,  adults aged 65 and older are still at high risk for serious illness from the virus that causes COVID-19.

As stated by WebMD, you make fewer T cells which is a type of white blood cell that is of key importance to the immune system and is the core of adaptive immunity when you get older. Not only do you have fewer immune cells as you age, but the ones you do have also do not communicate with each other as well. When your body produces fewer immune cells, it makes it more difficult to fight off infectious diseases such as COVID-19. To help slow the spread, keep yourself protected at all times when you are outside of your home.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends you:

• Wear a mask in public and stay at least six feet apart from people who do not live with you
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or on the inside of your elbow
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily

In addition to following the CDC guidelines to staying physically healthy and safe, keeping your mental health and emotional wellbeing during the pandemic is as important. Disconnect from the television and connect with your loved ones and friends who you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling by phone. As reported in the COVID-19 Shelter in Place Impact Survey Summary by Sourcewise, 92% of respondents primarily stay connected with family and friends through phone calls.

To learn about health and wellness resources near you, speak with a Community Resource Specialist: (408) 350-3200, option 1.

Being a caregiver can be one of the most selfless yet challenging things you can do. The National Institute on Aging  declares that some common feelings of caregivers are frustration and guilt.  Feeling overwhelmed can also be a  common experience in this profession. When you can, give yourself a break and  take a walk, talk with friends, or get some sleep.

Caring for a parent can bring on additional difficulties since you may also face the obstacle of switching roles by becoming the parental figure to your own parent. It can feel strange and unfamiliar, but it is now your duty to intervene in their actions to keep them safe.

According to the Sourcewise Area Plan on Aging 2020-2024, nearly one in three caregivers within California indicated they would rely on themselves (17%) or did not know who to call (15%) when they were asked where they would call to arrange help in the home for their loved ones. If you find yourself needing to step in to support your parent when they are most vulnerable, resist the urge of trying to take on all responsibilities.

Set time aside to place some strategies and expectations around communication to better organize your lives. The Institute on Aging offers some ideas that family or friends can take on to contribute to caregiving efforts.

• Managing bills and finance
• Attending to home repairs and upgrades to ensure safety and accessibility
• Handling phone calls with insurance and service providers
• Being an advocate at doctor’s and other appointments
• Setting up technology devices so your parent can communicate with family or friends

Delegating tasks to others can lighten the load as the primary family caregiver and will allow you to focus on catering to your parents’ needs.

To learn about caregiver support through the Caregivers Network by Sourcewise, speak with a Community Resource Specialist: (408) 350-3200, option 1.

Senior Adults Legal Assistance (SALA) is a nonprofit law office that provides free legal services to Santa Clara County residents 60 or older, regardless of income. SALA’s attorneys deliver a range of services from simple legal advice and  referrals to comprehensive attorney  representation.   

Before the pandemic, SALA provided services during scheduled appointments at senior centers throughout Santa Clara County. Due to the pandemic, SALA is currently not able to offer legal services at these sites and will continue to provide services remotely via telephone or internet platforms until senior centers can reinstate in–person appointments. 

SALA assists clients with legal problems involving public benefits like Social Security, Supplemental Security Income, and more to meet basic needs. Agencies administering these benefits are closed for drop-in or in-person assistance during the pandemic, making it difficult to resolve matters if older adults do not have attorneys to navigate these systems through internet access or virtual appeals. 

SALA assists older adults who are concerned about evictions even during COVID-19 moratoriums, or tenants uncertain about their rights and protections if they cannot pay their rent, or if they need accommodations in their housing for a disability. Legal assistance for physical and financial elder abuse is also offered. When warranted, SALA attorneys represent clients in court proceedings for restraining orders to prevent this abuse, often by removing abusers from clients’ homes. 

Attorneys can help older adults in need of basic legal planning for incapacity or end stages of life with Powers of Attorney or Advance Health Care Directives, to ensure their decisions and choices will be honored.  

In addition to these services, SALA provides assessment, advice, and/or referrals for other types of legal matters. 

Older adults seeking legal assistance can reach SALA at (408) 295-5991. Callers are initially screened by SALA as to the nature of their legal matter before they are scheduled for a telephone appointment.  

As a variety of information about the Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccinations  stirs throughout the nation, keeping  informed with accurate vaccine information can help individuals stay  prepared and remove false claims about the safety of the vaccines.    

As stated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the COVID-19 vaccine helps our bodies develop immunity to the virus that causes COVID-19 without us having to get the illness. Getting vaccinated is one of many steps you can take to protect yourself and others from COVID-19. It is encouraged to continue to wear face masks and social distance to help reduce your chances of being exposed or spreading the virus to others.    

Medicare beneficiaries can receive medically necessary items and services related to COVID-19 from health care providers who accept Original Medicare or is in-network with their Medicare Advantage Plan. According to Medicare.gov, Medicare beneficiaries pay nothing for the COVID-19 vaccine and cannot be charged an administration fee to receive the shot. Avoid sharing your personal or financial information if someone is promising access to the vaccine for a fee. When filling out the form to get the vaccine, be sure to bring your red, white, and blue Medicare card so your provider or pharmacy can bill Medicare.   

Pharmaceutical manufacturers have been distributing the vaccine to federally and state-approved locations to start the vaccination of tier groups. Each state has its own plan for deciding who they will vaccinate first and how residents can get vaccines. As reported by the California Department of Public Health, California is building on lessons learned from previous vaccination campaigns and seasonal influenza efforts to prepare and plan for the receipt and distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine and its implementation across the state. Access COVID-19 vaccine information by keeping informed with the California Department of Aging. 

To learn more about COVID-19 vaccine resources near you, speak with a Community Resource Specialist: (408) 350-3200, option 1.   

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about one in four adults age 65 and older reported falling each year in the U.S., but less than half tell their doctor. Falls continue to be one of the leading causes for deaths  of individuals over the age of 65. Falling once can double your chances of falling again. Falls can occur anywhere throughout an individual’s home, with the most common areas located at stairs, bedrooms, and bathrooms.  

Sourcewise has partnered with a regional home modifications company Home Safety Services to provide the “Dignity at Home Fall Prevention Program.” Sponsored by the California Department of Aging, Sourcewise funds the Dignity at Home Fall Prevention Program to provide services that include Falls & Fall Risk Assessment, Individualized Fall Intervention, Fall Prevention Education, and Injury Prevention Strategies. The program provides information and education, in-home and virtual assessments to identify potential hazards, and purchases home modification equipment for older adults and adults with disabilities.  

Individuals who may be eligible to receive assistance must: 

• Be 60 years of age or older  
• Be an adult with a disability 
• Have a household income that does not exceed $85,409 
• Have income verification 
• Be a South County resident (Gilroy, San Martin, Morgan Hill) 

Fall prevention modifications include grab bars, shower chairs, transfer benches, handheld showers, toileting aids, ramps, and more. The program is available to qualified low-income South County residents who are at risk of falling at home. 

To learn more about the Dignity at Home Fall Prevention Program to help plan and prepare for you or your loved one, speak with a Community Resource Specialist: (408) 762‑7362.