World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is June 15. It’s a day set aside to raise awareness and to better understand the abuse and exploitation older adults may experience. Although elder abuse is a tough topic, it’s certainly one that deserves our attention. Abuse and exploitation against older adults can happen in many different ways. For example, financial exploitation can occur in the form of scams targeting older adults or stolen identity to access banking information. Neglect can stem from caregivers denying basic necessities like assistance with hygiene, nutritious food, medications, or safety.
According to a May 16, 2021, posting on the Center for Disease Control’s website if you are fully vaccinated, you can resume activities that you did prior to the pandemic.
In my lifetime I have had to move several times. Moving is hard. While the physical labor is hard, I believe the emotional pain is even harder. And the hardest for me was the loss of dear friendships due to miles of separation. Some widows lose 75 percent of their friendships after their spouse’s death. The loss of your best friend and companion can be overwhelming. Add to that the loss of friends, and it can be devastating.
As the pandemic continues, so do concerns about older adults and their mental and emotional health. May is Mental Health Awareness Month and it’s a good time to shine a light on issues and resources for older adults and their families and caregivers.
Have you ever noticed after marriage couples seem to adapt to various divisions of labor? Often the man does the yard work, car repairs, and finances whereas the woman usually does the grocery shopping, house cleaning, and cooking (although I have known some men who are better cooks). After years of marriage, couples don’t think about these divisions of labor. They just do them. This changes when someone experiences the death, divorce, desertion, or imprisonment of a spouse. All of a sudden, the person’s world is turned upside down and he or she has to assume all of the roles.
It was 1967 and I had been visiting in Pontiac, Michigan. When it was time to return to work in Chicago, I boarded a 12-seater, two prop airplane in Grand Rapids. As we flew over the glistening blue of Lake Michigan, we could see dots of cargo ships and boats. As we approached Meigs Field, the pilot informed us to keep our seat belts fastened; we were flying into a heavy, dense, dark fog. The pilot would have to perform an instrument landing instead of a visual landing.
SeniorHousingNet.com is a senior care organization dedicated to providing tools and essential resources to help enhance the lives of older adults. They have published a dedicated page that provides detailed information for families and senior citizens in Tennessee who are looking for senior living and care options that can help maintain independence and quality of life.
The TN Hope Line, 844-600-8262, is a free phone call that is answered Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Central by trained volunteers who offer encouragement and hope for lonely senior adults. Callers are invited to call and talk about whatever is on their mind. Callers who express needs such as food and basic supplies are connected with people …
by Pat Brandenstein Do you remember Saturday mornings: waking up early, pouring yourself a big bowl of Cheerios, turning on the TV (which was snowy because it was one of the first TV’s on the market), and seeing your favorite Western? The good guys—in white hats—were always ambushed by the bad guys—in black hats—waiting behind a huge rock. The ambush …
The Tennessee Commission on Aging and Disability (TCAD) is the designated state agency on aging and is mandated to provide leadership relative to aging issues on behalf of older persons in the state. During the COVID-19 pandemic, TCAD is providing the following programs and services: Options for Community Living: In-home care, meals, homemaker and personal care services Public Guardianship: Court-appointment …