Keeping older adults informed, connected, and safe during COVID-19.
In support of safety and social distancing, we have temporarily suspended most of our community programs, but there are still many ways we are staying connected with you and members of our community.
To help you through this time, our community outreach nurses have compiled links to help you navigate COVID-19, including:
- finding accurate information through trusted resources
- pertinent health articles for older adults
- important information for caregivers
- staying connected during a pandemic
- staying positive, managing stress and mental health
- ideas to stay physically active even during isolation
Important Links
We think these links share important information that can help older adults through COVID-19. We have additional links below that are organized by category for more information.
- COVID-19 Information for Older Adults via the Center for Disease Control and Prevention
- National Center on Elder Abuse: COVID-19 and Elder Abuse
- Alzheimer’s Association: a great resource for those with cognitive diagnoses and their caregivers
- Well Connected: Groups that connect over the phone
- “Coffee and Conversation” is a program run by MelroseWakefield Healthcare that brings together older adults in the community are invited to connect on the phone with others
- Go4Life: A website with ideas for exercise and physical activity as you age via the National Institute on Aging
- Tips for Feeling Our Best When Things Seem at Their Worst by Tufts Medical Center Community Care psychiatrist, Kathryn Zioto, MD, MPH.
Additional Links
We want you to be informed and empowered so we compiled useful links and organized them into categories to help older adults and caregivers during COVID-19.
General Information
For the latest local and national information about COVID-19.
- Massachusetts COVID-19 Updates and Information via Mass.gov
- COVID-19 Information for Older Adults via the Center for Disease Control and Prevention
Elder Abuse Information
You have the right to be safe, comfortable, and cared for in your own home. You have the right to be free from abuse, intimidation, exploitation, neglect, and danger.
Resources for Caregivers
If you’re caring for an older loved one, you might have additional concerns during COVID-19. We recognize the unique needs of caregivers during this time and we have compiled resources and support services for you.
- Alzheimer’s Association: a great resource for those with cognitive diagnoses and their caregivers
- ALZConnected: a free online community from the Alzheimer’s Association
- Keeping Caregiver Spirits High During the Coronavirus Outbreak: an article on AARP.com
- Family Caregiving How-To Video Series: short how-to instructional videos from AARP.com
- Tips for Sandwich Generation Caregivers In the Era of COVID-19: a downloadable article from Caring Across Generations and National Alliance for Caregiving
- Mass.gov: Family Caregiver Support Program: a program that can help you care for a member of your family
Mental and Physical Well-Being
While feeling worried is normal and expected, recognizing how you’re feeling will help you care for yourself and cope with difficult situations. Staying connected, keeping active at home, and managing stress will make you, the people you care about, and your community stronger once this pandemic is over.
Ways to stay connected
- Well Connected: Groups that connect over the phone
- Try a virtual tour of a museum or zoo without leaving your house, like the National Museum of Natural History or these virtual experiences
- “Coffee and Conversation” is a program run by MelroseWakefield Healthcare that brings together older adults in the community are invited to connect on the phone with others
Ideas for physical activity and well-being
- Go4Life: A website with ideas for exercise and physical activity as you age via the National Institute on Aging
- Safety Tips for Exercising Outdoors for Older Adults via the National Institue on Aging
- Sleep Guidelines During the COVID-19 Pandemic via the Sleep Foundation
- Food Planning During the Coronavirus Pandemic via USDA
Tips to manage stress, substance use, and behavioral health
- 7 Tips for Managing Your Mental Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic via the National Council on Aging
- Disaster Distress Helpline: provides crisis counseling for those under emotional distress via Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (1-800-985-5990)
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Talk to someone now: 1-800-273-8255 or call 911
- PatTMC CC patients have access to telemedicine visits with a mental health professional.
- Tips for Feeling Our Best When Things Seem at Their Worst by Tufts Medical Center Community Care psychiatrist, Kathryn Zioto, MD, MPH. Patients of Tufts Medical Center Community Care, who are struggling with stress, anxiety, or other behavioral health issues during COVID-19, have access to behavioral health counseling over the phone or through video chat. Contact your primary care doctor for more information.
In Conclusion
These are unprecedented times and we want you to stay well and safe – not only physically, but mentally and emotionally too.
As we mentioned above, in support of safety and social distancing, we have temporarily suspended our community programs, including blood pressure clinics, educational programs, and support groups. We hope to provide many of our programs virtually or online soon and we have already started to hold our weekly “Coffee and Conversations” on the telephone.
We are here for you, if you need assistance please contact our Comunity Outreach Nurse, Joya Pezzuto, at 781-338-7823 or JPezzuto@melrosewakefield.org.
A COVID-19 informational hotline for the community has been established for general, non-urgent questions at any time, please call 781-979-3838.
