Black History Month celebrates the accomplishments of members of the African American community. Although this month is exceptionally observed, it is critical to bring awareness to the social and health disparities that affect older African Americans in long-term care. These social and health disparities are caused by historic oppression and systemic factors which put many…
Read MorePost-Holiday Blues: Maneuver Through COVID Shadows
Holiday seasons are often described as a time of warmth and happiness. It is a time for some people to meet their families and friends, and for some others, it is a time for a celebration. However, for some people, holidays can be a period of loneliness, depression, and sadness, especially during this pandemic era….
Read MoreOn Deciding to Vaccinate Against COVID-19
As we shift closer to reaching the one-year mark of COVID-19, the pandemic continues to puzzle us. The recent holiday season supplied a surge in COVID-19 cases and the emergence of several different variants of the virus. Recently, vaccines have become available for emergency use in the United States. While we continue fighting COVID-19 and…
Read MoreElder Neglect: What is it, and what can you do about it?
Neglect of those living in long-term care facilities and those living in the community is an important topic to understand. There are many forms of neglect and a wide variety of signs to look out for. This may make it very difficult to spot instances of neglect. Fortunately, there are steps that friends, family, neighbors,…
Read MoreCreating Holiday Joy in the Shadow of a Pandemic
We are in a “shadow” this year: the shadow of isolation, loneliness, and boredom of the panic and shutdowns. The pandemic has left nothing untouched. This includes our treasured winter holidays. Nobody likes to experience isolation and it’s easy to feel isolated when we are experiencing struggles and stress. As county and state officials begin…
Read MoreCOVID-19 and Increased Elder Abuse Risks
If the situation is an emergency, please call 9-1-1. Professionals expect that for every case of adult abuse or neglect reported, as many as 23 cases go unreported. This is a devastating expectation, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Because of the coronavirus, more and more older adults are isolated and self-neglected than ever. Not only…
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