Easing fears about the vaccine
Question: Some of my friends are afraid of getting the COVID-19 vaccine because they think it will give them the actual disease. What can I tell them to ease their fears? Answer: This is a common fear among many who are hesitant to get the vaccine. According to healthcare officials, you cannot get COVID from…
Understanding herd immunity, and what it means for vaccination
Q: I am 72 years old and received my second COVID-19 vaccination two weeks ago. I am somewhat relieved to have this added protection, but others in my age group are reluctant to get vaccinated. I have heard the term “herd immunity” used in several updates on the news but am not sure what it means….
Coping with a difficult diagnosis
Question: My husband was diagnosed with a debilitating neurological condition. We have been told there is no cure, but medication may slow his deterioration. Neither of us is dealing well with the emotional and physical changes that have already occurred. Other than following the physicians’ advice, is there anything else that would be helpful? Answer: This is…
Visiting after vaccination
Q: I am fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and feel a great sense of gratitude and relief. Is it finally OK for me to visit my aunt in her long-term care facility? A: Becoming fully vaccinated is certainly a milestone. Many long-term care facilities are allowing visitors for the first time in a year. This is…
Adapting to hearing aids
Q: My elderly mother has experienced hearing loss during the last few years. She has denied she had a problem, which has frustrated her family and friends. She reluctantly agreed to visit an audiologist, and, as we expected, she was in dire need of hearing aids. She has used them for just a short time but complains…
Help is available to find local services for seniors
Q: I am trying to gather information for my elderly next-door neighbors. Over the past year, they seem to be struggling to take care of their home and get out to do their grocery shopping. I help when I can, but they need much more than what I have time for. I have spoken with them…
Finding help with pension problems
Question: My sister’s husband died several months ago. When she applied for the survivor benefit from his pension, she was told she wasn’t eligible to receive further funds because her husband had chosen a higher payout when he first retired. This is not what he had explained to her, and she hasn’t seen any forms he signed. I have tried making calls on her…
Finding rehab help outside the hospital
Q: Two months ago, my husband broke his femur when he fell in our home. He had surgery to insert a rod and pins into the bone and was hospitalized for several days. Since that time, he has been staying in a rehabilitation hospital. I was just notified that he will soon be discharged but will…
Watch out for vaccine scams
Q: My neighbor told me she received an email claiming that she could obtain an exemption and get the COVID vaccination before her age group becomes eligible. She is on Medicare but is only 65 years old. She tends to be a little gullible. I convinced her not to do anything until I checked this out….
Other vaccines elders should consider
Q: As I plan to get my vaccination for COVID, several of my friends have been chatting on Zoom about other vaccinations we should be getting. We have seen commercials on television and are a little confused about what is recommended for those of us in the 70-plus age group. Can you help clarify this…
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