Senior residential communities face pandemic’s tough lessons At this time last year, family members could pop in at any time to see their loved ones living in a senior residential community. They could relax, catch up, and enjoy a meal together. That feels like a distant world now — and at this point, nobody knows […]
Social isolation is at an all-time high. How seniors are connecting His purple bicycle is still getting as much mileage as ever. Since the start of the pandemic, geriatric nurse practitioner Dwayne Dobschuetz, 72, hasn’t stopped making home healthcare visits. The older adults he cares for need his contact, now more than ever before. “The […]Read More
The first candidates, from Pfizer and Moderna, could arrive before Christmas, according to Alex Azar, who heads the Department of Health and Human Services. Both vaccines are notably effective in preventing illness due to the coronavirus, according to information released by the companies, although much of the data from clinical trials is still to come. […]Read More
Show appreciation toward older adults at Thanksgiving Now that the coronavirus pandemic is surging again, local public health experts are warning against Thanksgiving travel. Because older adults are at an increased risk of contracting Covid-19, public health officials recommend opting out of in-person celebrations this year. Yet, there are still safe ways to express thanks […]Read More
“Lord, give me back my memory.” For months, as Marilyn Walters has struggled to recover from Covid-19, she has repeated this prayer day and night. Like other older adults who’ve become critically ill from the coronavirus, Walters, 65, describes what she calls “brain fog” — difficulty putting thoughts together, problems with concentration, the inability to […]Read More
For many of us, COVID-19 is still causing concerns about seeking medical care when we need it. Unfortunately, delaying care for serious issues could put your health at risk. Whether you need a routine checkup or are suddenly faced with a serious medical condition, NorthShore University HealthSystem is taking every step to ensure patient safety. […]Read More
Senior communities are adapting to keep residents safe and engaged As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to wreak havoc, staff at Chicago’s senior living communities are adapting to keep residents safe and to provide engaging care in the age of the coronavirus. With the ongoing threat, care communities are doubling down on infection controls as well […]Read More
Q: I keep hearing about how older adults and those with chronic diseases have a higher risk from COVID-19. What is “older” and a “chronic disease”? A: Indeed, older adults and those with chronic health problems who get COVID-19 are more likely to require hospitalization and admission to an intensive care unit. “Older” is more […]Read More
Above photo: Writer Katie Colt, as a baby with her father Norman Sack. Photo courtesy of Katie Colt My mother recently received a call from my father’s memory care facility in northern Cook County, letting her know that he had tested positive for COVID-19 — the facility’s first known positive case. I don’t know with certainty […]Read More
With tight restrictions in place at their continuing care retirement community, Tom and Janice Showler are getting on each other’s nerves. Most days, Tom, 76, likes to drive out of their community ― Asbury Springhill in Erie, Pennsylvania — to the store to pick up a few items. “If you follow the right protocols, the […]Read More
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