To JFS of Metrowest, 11/20/2020:

“I am writing this letter to express my gratitude to Mr. Sean Woo from the Patient Navigator Program of Jewish Family Service, and Carol Ju from [the] Framingham Housing Authority.

I am 82 years old, living alone by myself, and speak only a dialect from China. I am very lucky to be one of the customers of JFS since 2014. Recently my health condition has been getting worse, therefore, I have to go to the hospital frequently for doctor visits, follow-up appointments, and various treatments. Thanks God that I have JFS providing me with worry-free service.

Ms. Carol Ju is always thee to help me out and get me a patient navigator, even in short notice. I once sent her a message late at night about a coming appointment, and she replied promptly to comfort me and kept me updated the next day.

I have known Mr. Woo for a couple of years from JFS. He is really impressive for his kindness and professionalism. He calls me a couple of days before each appointment to know about my medical condition and history. His calls put my mind at rest, and he is always punctual and prepared for each appointment. I had a couple of appointments at Tufts Medical Center where the office are very confusing to locate [because of the many] different entries, elevators, connectors, and wings. I would get lost in the building and most likely be late or even miss the appointment without Mr. Woo’s help.

It is greatly appreciated and I can’t thank them enough. I love JFS. Thank you again and may God Bless all of you!

Sincerely yours,

N.Z.

The CDC warns that older adults are at higher risk for dying if they catch COVID-19. To reduce risk of catching COVID-19, the CDC encourages older adults to limit their interactions with other people as much as possible, which means, we are mostly at home for the duration.

Instead of social distancing, think physical distancing + social connection. Isn’t that a contradiction, you ask? During World War II the planting of victory gardens, and the rationing of gas, food, and clothing connected Americans of all ages, classes, and cultures in a shared effort to save these precious resources for soldiers. Now, mask wearing, sheltering in place, and washing our hands frequently, and limiting the spread of the virus connects us to neighbors, friends and family no matter where they are.

Try practicing these 10 actions everyday to keep your spirits up:

1. Call someone* (keep a list of family, friends, neighbors by your phone)
2. Move your body (CDC recommends 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly)
3. Straighten up one area in your home
4. Eat something healthy and stay hydrated
5. Get outside
6. Get a good night’s sleep
7. Limit how much news you listen to (15 minutes 2x/day is more than enough!)
8. Name one thing you are grateful for
9. Learn something new
10. Do something creative (listen to music, bake, make something, etc.)

*At Call2Talk 508-532-2255 someone is available to listen 24 hours/day/7 days/week.

For more ideas about taking care of yourself during the pandemic —

Please contact Malka Young, LICSW, CCM at JFS Allies in Aging at (508) 655-9553

Ask YOUR Ally in Aging: A Series

Question:

“Dear Ally, I have been all by myself for several months now. Since I retired and my partner died, I live alone. Before COVID, I would go out, see friends, go to movies, my book club, volunteer — I was always busy. Now it’s just me, myself and I. Am I crazy to be thinking of moving to a senior community? What do you think?”

— Lonely Threesome

Ally Answer:

Dear Lonely 3,

No, it is not crazy to rethink your choices considering how the world has changed. It will be a long time before activities happen in the ways they did before. The new normal for many older adults will continue to participate in virtual activities, remote meetings, and at the most limited contact with others for short periods of time during senior shopping hours, essential errands, and social distance walks. Many retirement communities and assisted living residences have found new ways to provide creative programs. They have had to develop approaches to health and safety that were not relevant before. There is more availability and more incentives for moving in.

The questions you need to ask yourself, are the same ones you need to be thinking about whether you stay where you are or choose to move to a senior community:

1) If I became sick, how would I get the care I need?

2) How can I be assured of safe access to healthy food, prescriptions, and medical care?

3) What resources are available to prevent me from becoming socially isolated?

4) How can the “safer-at-home” life be made interesting and meaningful?

Setting up a virtual consultation with a skilled care manager can help you imagine your future in different settings and understand your choices.

There is not one right decision.

Contact your Allies in Aging Care Manager today, and you can make a plan together.

Ask Ally is written by Malka Young, LICSW, Director of Allies in Aging JFS Elder Care Solutions

Caring for our parents as they age can come with many challenges. It’s important to be able to read the signs and spot the differences between normal symptoms of getting older, indicators of a more serious illness, and knowing when to ask for help.

1. Becoming lost while driving or walking.
2. Dents and scratches on your parent’s car as a sign of minor accidents
3. Declining or poor personal hygiene
4. Mail and overdue bills piling up
5. Forgetting how to use their telephone, TV, or other devices
6. Loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyable
7. History of falls, difficulty walking, or unsteadiness

Certain things you notice may be signs of normal aging — like occasional forgetfulness, forgetting names or a particular word — but if your once-open parents are now secretive, or not forthcoming about their lives, pay attention. If your parents were very proud of their home and their yard and are now neglecting it, pay attention. Any change in weight, personality, or confusion may be a sign of serious illness.

When you need expert guidance navigating the challenges that come with aging, the elder experts of JFS Allies in Aging can help.

Contact us today to learn how we can help your loved one live better, longer.