Milestones Newspaper June 2023

WHAT

PHILADELPHIA CORPORATION FOR AGING

WHAT IS PCA?

Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA) is a nonprofit agency dedicated to serving Philadelphia’s older adults and adults with disabilities.

PCA publishes Milestones and offers:

• Care in the home

• Home-delivered meals

• Home repairs and modifications

• Protective services

• Senior centers

• Caregiver support

• Employment and volunteer programs

• Legal services

• Transportation

• Ombudsman services

• Health education

• Information and referral

Najja R. Orr, MBA, DBA President and CEO

PCA Board of Directors 2022-23

Satya B. Verma, O.D., Chair

Glenn D. Bryan, Vice Chair

Angela Foreshaw-Rouse, Secretary

Louis A. Bove, Esq.

Louis Colbert

Nora Dowd Eisenhower, Esq.

Lynn Fields Harris

Katherine E. Galluzzi, D.O., FACOFP

Sandra McNally

Paul Nathanson

John Whitman

Eloise N. Young

Jacqueline S. Zinn, Ph.D.

Emeritus: Arthur E. Helfand, D.P.M.

Preparing & protecting: Creating a safety net

By Najja R. Orr, MBA, DBA PCA president & CEO

It’s been three years since our country was overwhelmed by the COVID-19 pandemic. We all remember the nationwide stay-at-home orders, massive supply shortages, and overcrowded hospitals.

For more information, call the PCA Helpline at 215-765-9040 or visit pcaCares.org.

As a nation, we were not prepared to deal with the pandemic. Many community-based organizations and social service agencies were forced to make significant adjustments to their operations or how services were delivered. I’m extremely proud of the staff at Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA) because they remained consumer-focused and dedicated to our agency’s mission, which allowed us to weather some of our agency’s toughest operational and community challenges and continue serving older adults and people with disabilities.

public health crisis or some other catastrophe. We are constantly challenging ourselves to always be ready to support those who need us.

Elder abuse awareness

Call 24/7 to report suspected elder abuse.

PCA Helpline: 215-765-9040

Outside Philadelphia toll-free: 888-215-765-9041 (TDD) pcaCares.org

Milestones is published monthly and distributed at more than 1,100 locations throughout Philadelphia, Lower Bucks and Eastern Montgomery counties.

Check us out online: pcaCares.org/Milestones

Editor: Alicia M. Colombo

215-765-9000, ext. 5081

PCA, 642 N. Broad St. Philadelphia, PA 19130

Email: MilestonesNews@pcaCares.org

Advertising: Teresa Heavens

215-765-9000, ext. 5053

Email: Teresa.Heavens@pcaCares.org

Subscriptions & Distributions: 215-765-9000, ext. 5081

Email: MilestonesNews@pcaCares.org

Home delivery: $12/year

The views expressed in Milestones are not necessarily those of Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA). Milestones will not knowingly accept or publish fraudulent or misleading advertising. Milestones reserves the right to edit, revise or reject ads. Milestones assumes no responsibility for errors, misprints, omissions or misinformation; for failure to publish an ad; or for any damages of any kind. Neither the publisher nor any other party is rendering expert advice in this publication. No part of this newspaper may be reproduced without the permission of PCA. ©2023 Philadelphia Corporation for Aging. All rights reserved.

At a moment’s notice, our staff and community partners pivoted to social-distanced phone and virtual communications, assuring that vital services, such as care management, Older Adult Protective Services, and home-delivered meals, continued without interruption. PCA’s senior community centers transformed their nutrition services by providing more than 1.2 million meals from March 20, 2020 through May 2023.

We all have learned many very important lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic:

• Make an emergency plan with friends, family or neighbors.

• Follow the guidance of official government and health care professionals.

• Try a computer course to have another means to connect with information, resources and people.

• Maintain your social connections and keep active to boost your mental health.

• Reach out to others in need.

• Ask for help when you need it.

Now, three years later, these topics are still just as important as they were in March 2020. That’s why we’ve devoted this issue of Milestones to providing you with information to keep you healthy and informed in times of both crisis and stability.

As for PCA, like other service-oriented organizations that provide support to the public, we are taking the necessary steps to ensure that we are prepared for the next emergency, whether it be a natural disaster,

Every year, an estimated 5 million, or 1 in 10, older Americans experience some form of abuse, according to the U.S. Administration on Aging. Among PCA’s greatest charges is to provide advocacy and protection for older adults who are being abused, neglected, abandoned, or financially exploited.

To draw attention to this cause, World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is held every year on June 15. The observance was started in 2006 by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization to “provide an opportunity for communities around the world to promote a better understanding of abuse and neglect of older people by raising awareness of the cultural, social, economic and demographic processes affecting elder abuse and neglect,” according to the National Center on Elder Abuse.

PCA’s Older Adult Protective Services team works to detect, prevent and protect older Philadelphians from all forms of abuse, including physical, sexual and psychological abuse; self-neglect or neglect by a caregiver; and financial exploitation. Staff are available to provide intake, investigation, assessment, care planning and crisis resolution. Reports of suspected abuse may be made confidentially 24/7 by anyone, including the older adult in need. (For more information see page 11.)

You can count on PCA to be here for you when you need us, just like we have been for the last 50 years. For information and assistance for older Philadelphians, adults living with disabilities and caregivers, contact PCA’s Helpline at 215-765-9040 or visit pcaCares.org.

Published by Philadelphia Corporation for Aging

Program

provides free or low-cost internet, devices

(Recipients must contribute $10-$50 toward the device cost.) U.S. citizenship or a Social Security number is not required to apply for the ACP.

To be eligible, one member of the household must meet at least one of the following criteria:

• Has an income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines –$36,620 for a two-person household, $46,060 for three people or $55,500 for four people.

The COVID-19 pandemic enhanced our reliance on the internet to access vital information and news, health care services, entertainment, and social interactions. Now, in 2023, reliable internet is an essential part of daily life. Whether you are participating in the workforce, going to school, or accessing basic resources, you need to get online to stay informed and connected with the world.

The City of Philadelphia understands the importance of broadband access and has made digital equity a high priority. In 2020, it launched PHLConnectED to help families with school-age children access free internet. The City also has a team of Digital Navigators available to meet one-on-one with residents to provide support with accessing free or low-cost internet and devices and digital skills-building resources.

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a federal benefit provided by the Federal Communications Commission that helps ensure households can afford the broadband internet access they need. The ACP can help thousands of Philadelphians get connected to free or low-cost broadband internet.

Eligible households can receive a discount of up to $30 per month toward broadband service; and a discount of up to $100 to buy a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers.

• Participates in certain assistance programs, such as SNAP, Medicaid, Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8), Project-Based Rental Assistance (202/811), public housing, SSI, WIC or Lifeline.

• Participates in the Free- and Reduced-Price School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program, including at U.S. Department of Agriculture Community Eligibility Provision schools. (All School District of Philadelphia households are eligible for the ACP under the Free- and Reduced-Price School Lunch Program.)

• Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year.

• Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating provider’s existing low-income internet program.

For more information about the Affordable Connectivity Program or to apply online, call 2-1-1 or go to getacp. org/phl. The website offers Spanish and Chinese translations. You can also dial 2-1-1 to schedule an appointment with a digital navigator who can walk you through all your options for internet service. The 211 hotline operates 24/7 and is available in 150 languages by pressing 8 for language services.

Information provided by The City of Philadelphia

Older adult community needs impacted by COVID-19

market is so unstable and unaffordable, and there’s so much inflation of groceries that it has become very difficult for our seniors who are trying to live on a fixed income.”

Your input is needed:

By Mary Anna Rodabaugh

From the first order restricting in-person appointments and activities to the mask mandate and everything in between, the past three years have been nothing short of challenging for community organizations supporting older adults. Much older adult programming either ceased operations or were offered in a virtual capacity. Today, much of the programming has returned to normal operations, however local senior centers continue to work hard to help meet the growing and challenging needs of Philadelphia’s older adults in the wake of COVID-19.

Philadelphia’s senior centers do not just offer a place for older adults to exercise, participate in classes, or take part in recreation. These centers also have resource counselors available to assist members and older adults in the community with basic needs.

“There have been less requests for food,” says Aretha Dorsey, center counselor at Liberty Lutheran’s (LCFS) West Philadelphia Senior Center. “I’ve been getting a lot of requests for emergency funds for groceries, not just from our members but people in the community as well.”

Dorsey notes during the winter months, many older adults requested heating oil and additional funds, specifically for heating. However, as the weather turned warmer, those requests began to decline as appeals for food support continued to rise.

Lavern Harris, a program counselor at Caring People Alliance Marconi Older Adult Program, located within the Caring People Alliance South Philadelphia Boys & Girls Club, has also been assisting older adults with food access and emergency funds.

Housing challenges

Older adults have also been requesting housing assistance, but long waitlists for senior housing vacancies make providing assistance challenging.

“We have several members who live with their children as well as their grandchildren,” says Harris. “I’ve noticed an increase in this because the housing

For older adults with their own housing, they often need resources to help with major and minor repairs. Many older adults choose to stay in their home for decades and natural wear and tear demands routine maintenance they cannot do themselves. This includes roof repair, plumbing repair, and even tree or root removal that compromises a house’s foundation. Home maintenance is a costly endeavor.

Asking for help

While many welcome the return to pre-COVID-19 “normalcy,” there is no indicator how long economic strains will continue to impact the older adult community. Despite these challenging times, older adults are encouraged to ask for the help they need.

“If you need help, ask. Just ask, don’t be afraid. Don’t be ashamed. Everybody is going through something right now,” says Dorsey.

Many senior centers offer mental and emotional health programs as well. Even if an older adult does not have an imminent financial need, mental health and well-being support are equally important in these post pandemic times.

Harris encourages you to tap into different organizations that may be able to help with resources.

“You can come into Marconi and I, or another counselor, can help you with referrals, budget plans and more,” she says. “If you don’t live near us, you can contact 311 – the information line for the city for resources and support. You can also utilize your local councilperson. Their office team should be able to help you access resources and organizations that can help.”

Harris has noticed the 311-call center has been busy for quite some time. In the event you can’t get through by dialing 311, you can also call 215-6868686 for assistance.

PCA also offers access to many resources for older adults in need, including 18 senior community centers, financial aid through the Emergency Fund for Older Philadelphians, home repairs and modifications, and friendly visits by volunteer Senior Companions. For more information, older adults and their loved ones can complete an online Request for Assistance at pcaCares.org/request-assistance or call the PCA Helpline at 215-765-9040.

PCA invites all stakeholders to attend the June 21 Public Hearing

Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA), the Area Agency on Aging for Philadelphia County, and publisher of Milestones, is holding a Public Hearing to obtain comments on its 2023-2024 proposed budget. The hearing will be held Wednesday, June 21, from 8:30-10:30 a.m. at PCA headquarters, 642 N. Broad St. in North Philadelphia.

The Public Hearing will include a review of key points in the proposed budget, comments from stakeholders about PCA’s plan and budget, and a question-and-answer period. The hearing is open to the public, and all interested parties, including older adults, caregivers, health care and aging-services providers, and elder advocates, are invited to attend.

To attend the Public Hearing on June 21, please register at pcaCares.org/public-hearing. To request a draft copy of the budget or to testify at the Public Hearing, please submit your written testimony to Katherine.Young@ pcaCares.org by May 27.

Mary Anna Rodabaugh is a writer, editor and writing coach.

Invite primary care home

Two things are more valuable than ever: your time and your health. So, skip the waiting rooms and choose a primary care team that meets you where you are— in your own home.

With Patina, you get more than an individual primary care practitioner. You get an entire care team that knows you, coordinates resources and advocates on your behalf. They are there for you 24/7 via video, chat or phone, with in-home visits when needed.

Exceptional care is available for people 65+ in the Philadelphia five-county region—and at no additional cost through your Medicare Advantage plan. Just choose Patina as your PCP.

Call

Keep protecting yourself, others from COVID-19

By Alicia M. Colombo

More than three years ago, the World Health Organization (WHO) officially declared COVID-19 a worldwide pandemic, defined as “a disease outbreak that spreads across countries or continents.”

More than a year has passed since an outbreak of a new COVID-19 variant emerged. Therefore, many infectious disease experts are declaring a shift in the public health crisis from pandemic to endemic, meaning “the virus and its patterns are predictable and steady in designated regions,” according to WebMD.

It is important to know that, while COVID-19 infection rates may have tapered off, COVID-19 is not going away. The virus still poses a threat of serious illness or death, especially to older adults and people who are immunocompromised. As of mid-May, there were 9,187 new weekly COVID-related hospitalizations in Pennsylvania, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC).

This article provides useful information about protecting yourself – and others – from COVID-19, from the CDC.

By now, hopefully, you’ve taken steps to lower your risk of being infected by or becoming seriously ill from COVID-19. The CDC’s “Personal COVID-19 Plan” provides tools, information and action steps to help keep you protected.

Know your risk

If you haven’t done so already, talk with your doctor about whether you are at high risk of getting very sick from COVID-19. People who are more likely to get very sick include adults 50 or older (risk increases with age); people who are not vaccinated; and people with certain chronic health conditions, including chronic lung disease, heart disease or a weakened immune system.

Prevention

Vaccination is the best way to reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19. And, if you do get COVID-19, vaccination will greatly lower your risk of developing severe illness or dying. COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective, according to health officials, including the CDC and Philadelphia Department of Public Health.

For the best protection, everyone 6 months and older is recommended to be vaccinated and to stay up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines, which includes getting boosters.

To locate a COVID-19 vaccination site near you, call 1-800-232-0233, text your ZIP code to 438829 or visit vaccines.gov.

Watch for symptoms

The symptoms of COVID-19 can include the following:

• Fever or chills

• Cough

• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

• Fatigue

• Muscle or body aches

• Headache

• New loss of taste or smell

• Sore throat

• Congestion or runny nose

• Nausea or vomiting

• Diarrhea

Emergency warning signs:

• Trouble breathing

• Persistent chest pain or pressure

• New confusion

• Difficulty waking or staying awake

• Pale, gray or blue-colored skin, lips or nail beds

Get tested

Keep a supply of COVID-19 self-test kits at home and learn how to use them. If you have symptoms of COVID-19, test immediately (within 24 hours or as soon as possible).

It is not possible to tell the difference between certain contagious respiratory illnesses – COVID-19, the flu (influenza) and RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) –based on symptoms alone. Therefore, it is recommended that you contact your health care provider to discuss your symptoms and testing options, especially if you are at higher risk of developing severe illness.

If you test positive for COVID-19:

• Isolate at home for at least five days.

• Call people you had recent contact with to let them know they may have been exposed.

• Wear a high-quality mask for 10 full days, whenever around others at home or in public.

• Call your health care provider immediately to discuss your treatment options. People with risk factors for severe disease may benefit from antiviral medication.

• Monitor your symptoms. Contact your health care provider or call 9-1-1 if emergency warning signs appear.

COVID-19 reinfection

Reinfections are common from many respiratory viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Cases of “reinfection,” when a person was infected, recovered and later became infected again, are most often mild. However, severe illness can occur, and people who are reinfected can also spread the virus to others. Staying up to date with vaccines

and starting treatment within days after developing symptoms can decrease an infected person’s risk of experiencing severe illness from COVID-19.

After infection, people’s immune systems respond to protect them from the virus by creating antibodies. This immune response can provide a high level of protection against infection with COVID-19 and its variants for several months, but this protection decreases over time. People with weakened immune systems, such as those with chronic health conditions and older adults, may have limited or no immune response after infection.

Most reinfections occur after 90 days of a previous infection. As the virus continues to evolve, new variants with the ability to avoid a person’s existing immunity can appear and lead to an increased risk for reinfection.

For the latest news and guidance about COVID-19, go to phila.gov/ COVID or call 215-685-5488.

Milestones wants to hear from YOU!

We welcome your story ideas, feedback and suggestions. (Story-specific comments or questions will be forwarded to the writer.) Submissions of letters or articles for publication must be signed and dated and include your address and phone number. Submission constitutes permission to edit and publish in any form or medium.

Send ideas and comments to: Attn:

Events

JUNE 2023

JUNE 1-30

LGBTQ+ PRIDE MONTH

Send your calendar items to MilestonesNews@pcaCares.org by the 25th of the month (for publication in two months) Questions? 215-765-9000, ext. 5081

JUNE 8

CHESS CLUB

Are you looking for a place to play chess, or are you interested in learning how to play? This club is for you. 1 p.m. Parkway Central Library. 215-686-8665 | Free

JUNE 12

BLOOD

PRESSURE SCREENING

Taking advantage of a free blood pressure screening can provide older adults with valuable information about their cardiovascular health and potentially help prevent serious health issues. Noon. Little Marrero Library. 215-685-9794 | Free

JUNE 13

DALISTRING

QUARTET

JUNE 1

MEDITATION CLUB

Explore various modalities of meditation in this ongoing program to reduce stress, help control anxiety, improve sleep, and emotional health. 5 p.m. Andorra Library. 215-685-2552 | Free

JUNE 4

PHILLY PRIDE

Enjoy the annual parade and celebration recognizing the LGBTQAI+ community. 10:30 a.m. 5th and Arch Streets. 215-3985003 | Free

JUNE 5

POP

UP CERAMICS STUDIO

Create clay artwork with a professional artist. All materials will be provided, and no experience is needed. Noon. David Cohen Ogontz Library. 215-685-3566 | Free

JUNE 6

COOKING CLASS

Join this interactive cooking class that will provide participants with basic recipes from a professional chef. 11 a.m. Welsh Road Library. 215-685-0498 | Free

JUNE 7

DECLUTTER EXPRESS

Learn to declutter, organize, sort, move or downsize, remove hazards in your home, & dispose of items. 12 p.m. Juniata Park Older Adult Center. 215-685-1490 | Free

JUNE 9

GADGET HELP

Need one-on-one help with your gadgets? Digital Resource Specialists are taking appointments to help with computer tablets, smartphones, and other electronic devices. 10:15 a.m. Parkway Central Library. 215-686-8665 | Free

Experience the rhythms and sounds of Latin America and your favorite classics with the acclaimed Dalí String Quartet. 10:30 a.m. Fishtown Community Library. 215-685-9990 | Free

JUNE 14

FLAG DAY

JUNE 15

COMMUNITY MEAL

Take part in friendly conversation and a great meal with local community leaders. 5 p.m. Lutheran Settlement House. 215426-8610 | Free

JUNE 15

WORLD ELDER ABUSE AWARENESS DAY

JUNE 18

FATHER’S DAY

JUNE 22

TECH TALK

Weekly classes for smartphone and tablet users. Covering the basics, privacy, and safety issues and much more.

10:45-11:45 a.m. Journey’s Way.

215-487-1750 | Free

JUNE 26

JUNE 15

CROWNED: HEAD-WRAPPING WORKSHOP

Online demonstration on the history of head wrapping and how to create a beautiful headdress by using fabric.7 p.m. Presented by the Free Library of Philadelphia. Register: CROWNEDhead-wrapping. eventbrite.com | Free

JUNE 16

CHAIR YOGA

Take part in a gentle and accessible form of exercise that can improve flexibility, balance, and overall physical and mental well-being for older adults, regardless of their fitness level. 10:30 a.m. Fox Chase Library. 215-685-0547 | Free

JUNE 17

PHILADELPHIA JUNETEENTH WINE & ARTS FESTIVAL

Family-friendly event celebrating Black culture through wine tastings, art & crafts vendors, live music, food trucks, & more. 1-6 p.m. Cherry Street Pier. JuneteenthWine-Art.eventbrite.com | Tickets; $0-$15

JUNE 18

JUNETEENTH FAMILY PRIDE PICNIC

Celebrate LGBTQIA+ Black families, history, and artists with free food, entertainment, resource tables and vendors. 11 a.m. Lovett Memorial Library. 215-685-2095 | Free

JUNE 19

JUNETEENTH

Juneteenth commemorates the day in 1865 when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas and announced that all enslaved people were now free. It is recognized annually as a time for reflection, education, and community gatherings.

SPANISH FOR BEGINNERS

Take part in this class which can be a fun and rewarding way for older adults to learn a new language, expand their cultural horizons, and potentially improve cognitive function. 1:30 p.m. Parkway Central Library. 833-825-5357 | Free

JUNE 27

LEGAL AID RESOURCE TABLE

Visiting a free legal aid resource table can provide older adults with access to legal information and assistance that can help them navigate complex legal issues and protect their rights. 3 p.m. Richmond Library. 215-685-9992 | Free

JUNE 28

JUNE 20

COMPUTER CLASS

Occurring every Tuesday in June, welcoming all levels. You may bring your own device or borrow a loaner from us.

12:30 p.m. Star Harbor Community Center. 215-727-0100 | Initial class is free, $10 per class thereafter.

JUNE 21

INTRO TO HOUSEPLANT CARE & REPOTTING

Learn all about house plants and repotting, even if you do not have a green thumb.

2 p.m. Falls of Schuylkill Library. 215-6852093 | Free

LGBTQAI+ CONNECTION

Everyone is welcome to educate themselves or feel comfortable in a friendly and welcoming environment by telling your story and listening to other individuals tell theirs. 12:30 p.m. Kleinlife: Northeast Philadelphia. 215-698-7300 | Free

JUNE 29

INDEPENDENCE DAY PARTY

Come celebrate America’s birthday a little early with great food and musical entertainment. 11:30 a.m. Kleinlife: Northeast Philadelphia. 215-698-7300 | Free

How the City of Philadelphia is preparing for the next pandemic

relevant health information. It has expanded its Community Response Partner Network, which is used to notify organizations about public health emergencies, to include more than 1,000 organizations. Those organizations then use their own communication networks to share information with the communities they serve.

By Jay Nachman

When the COVID-19 pandemic began in early 2020, the City of Philadelphia’s Department of Public Health was prepared. The department has a Jurisdictional Risk Assessment (JRA) used to rank hazards and allocate resources before emergencies happen. Because the pandemic had been ranked as the number one public health preparedness priority in the JRA, the department had developed a pandemic response plan that was used for framing the initial approach to COVID-19.

While assessment planning encompasses all populations, special attention is paid to populations that might be at higher risk for certain emergencies, said Jessica Caum, who is acting first administrator, Division of Disease Control & program manager, Bioterrorism and Public Health Preparedness Program at City of Philadelphia, Department of Public Health. Pandemics, infectious disease outbreaks, such as seasonal influenza, severe storms and extreme heat events are all emergencies that can result in more severe outcomes for older adults.

Caum, who believes that another pandemic is a matter of when and not if, said communication was key during the pandemic and remains critical during any emergency. It is important for older adults to have an emergency communications plan, and a reliable person or network that can check on them.

So vital is communication, Caum said, the city has built its capacity to reach as many people as possible with

“We’re hopefully reaching many, many more people because those organizations are then disseminating that information,” Caum said. While the city is disseminating information as widely as possible to “trusted messengers,” it is also important for residents to know where to get reliable information from, such as healthcare providers, public health agencies or other trusted organizations. This is especially true for older adults with chronic health conditions who need to be aware of what is happening.

If there is another pandemic caused by a “novel pathogen,” that few, if any people have immunity to, it will take time develop a vaccine. Before a vaccine is developed, the city will have to get information out so people can protect themselves from the emerging disease. For this reason, Caum said, it is important for people to continue to practice respiratory hygiene by covering up coughs and sneezes with an arm or elbow and other good public health practices such as frequent hand washing.

Yvonne Michael, professor of epidemiology at Drexel University’s Dornsife School of Public Health, is an expert in social connectedness and health and contributed to research related to the loneliness that people experienced during the pandemic.

During the early days and even throughout the pandemic, when assisted living facilities and nursing homes were not accepting visitors, many residents lost in-person access to their family caregivers or informal supports. Many also didn’t have access to support and

needed information until virtual tools were in place.

In the meantime, Michael wondered, how do we balance the loss of social connectedness and caregiving with the health benefits of restricted access?

Older adults were most at risk from COVID-19 and poor outcomes, so they were in a very dangerous position, Michael said. But they were also “at high risk for the indirect or the downstream effects of the control measures that we put into place. The stay-at-home order, the elimination of caregiver outsiders from care homes put a lot of older adults who were living alone or in facilities at real social emotional risk which translates into physical health problems.”

In other words, Michael said, older adults had increased risk for COVID-19 but also increased risk of poor outcomes related to limited social connections and support due to the control measures.

“In thinking about the next pandemic,” Michael said, “knowing what we know, we need to be prepared to mitigate some of those effects of our control measures. Not that we don’t want to put the measures in place to keep everyone safe, but we need to be very thoughtful about what the tradeoffs are for older adults.”

Michael suggested having virtual communication tools in place prior to the next pandemic so that family members and caregivers have immediate access to older adults in their lives. And much like the learning pods that were created for younger students to have connections while they weren’t learning in school facilities, something similar can be initiated for older adults.

“We’re going to need to think more creatively because the costs to older adults in terms of their mental health and well-being are very steep. We can do better while also keeping people safe from COVID,” Michael said.

Preparing for the next emergency

While a pandemic is the number one threat on the City’s Jurisdictional Risk

Assessment, other hazards the city is prepared for include storms; extended power outages; extreme heat; and localized infectious diseases, such as hepatitis and biological terrorism.

The Department of Public Health’s Jessica Caum encourages people to plan for all emergencies and offers these suggestions:

“For any emergency, we encourage people to have a communications plan. I think it is important for older adults to make sure that they have those networks or to have someone they can rely on who’s checking on them,” she said.

“While that’s something we really try to emphasize with respect to heat emergencies, having a plan is also important for other emergencies. Just making sure those community networks are in place is key,” she added.

Caum recommends maintaining a supply of water and food and other household items in the event there is a need to shelter in place for three or more days. In addition, older adults and people with chronic health conditions need to plan ahead regarding their medications. Severe storms can cause power outages and people should have battery backups for medicines that need to be refrigerated or medical equipment that runs on electricity.

Having an emergency supply in the event a person can’t leave home or a caregiver can’t come to a residence is smart.

With some emergencies, such as a fire or a flood, a person might suddenly need to leave home. For that reason, people should have an evacuation plan. Caum said an evacuation plan should include “where are you going? If you need assistance, who is going to help you? How are you going to get to the place you need to go to and what should you take with you?”

Jay Nachman is a freelance writer in Philadelphia who tells stories for a variety of clients.

Elder abuse prevention protects and empowers older Philadelphians

By Bill Conallen

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the number of people over the age of 65 in Philadelphia is expected to increase by 28% by 2030, so too will the need for protective services to help those who are vulnerable to abuse, neglect, abandonment, or financial exploitation. Philadelphia Corporation for Aging’s Older Adult Protective Services is a vital resource for older adults throughout the city who need help and support in these difficult situations.

In 1987, the Older Adults Protective Services Act designated resources to protect older adults from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. The following year, Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA) created its Older Adult Protective Services unit to investigate reports of elder abuse in Philadelphia. Since then, over 50,000 older Philadelphians have received supports and services to prevent, protect and detect elder abuse.

Older Adult Protective Services is a specialized team within PCA that provides a range of protective services. It was further bolstered in 2018 when PCA secured funds from the Victims of Crime Act grant, creating the Victims Services Program. The program’s primary mission is to serve older adults who have been a victim of a crime.

“Our goal is to help older adults in Philadelphia live safely and independently in their homes and communities,” said Tamikia Morris, director of Older Adult Protective Services at PCA. “Older Adult Protective Services plays a critical role in achieving this goal by providing essential services to those who are

most vulnerable to abuse and neglect.”

One of the most important services that Older Adult Protective Services provides is investigation. When a report of abuse, neglect, or exploitation is made, the unit assesses the situation to determine what kind of help is needed. This might involve connecting the older adult with medical or mental health services, finding a safe place to stay, or working with law enforcement to stop an abuser.

PCA’s Older Adult Protective Services also provides case management services to older adults who are experiencing abuse or neglect. Staff will work with the older adult and their caregiver to develop a plan of care that addresses the older adult’s needs and ensures their safety. They provide ongoing support and monitoring to ensure that the plan is working and that the older adult is receiving the care they require.

For older adults who could be targeted for financial exploitation, Older Adult Protective Services prevents victimization by teaching older adults how to identify fincial

exploitation and by empowering them with knowledge to protect their finances. In cases where victimization has already occurred, the investigation process may involve working with law enforcement to investigate and prosecute the perpetrator or helping the older adult to recover lost assets. It also provides education and outreach to older adults and their caregivers to help them recognize the signs of financial exploitation and protect themselves from scams and fraud.

In addition to its direct services to older adults, Older Adult Protective Services also works to educate the community about the importance of elder abuse prevention. This includes training sessions for professionals who work with older adults and outreach to community groups and other organizations. It also partners with other agencies and organizations such as the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Elder Abuse Multidisciplinary Team to raise awareness of elder abuse and to advocate for programs, policies and services that protect older adults.

“We are committed to making

sure that every older adult in Philadelphia is able to live safely and with dignity,” said Morris. “We know that there are many challenges facing older adults in today’s urban landscape, but we also know that there is a lot of good work being done to help them. The Older Adult Protective Services unit is proud to be a part of that work, and we will continue to do everything we can to support and protect our city’s older adults.”

Report suspected elder abuse 24/7

If you or someone you know is an older adult experiencing abuse, neglect, abandonment or exploitation, you can contact Older Adult Protective Services by calling PCA’s Helpline at 215765-9040. Staff are available 24/7 to accept confidential calls to report abuse made by anyone, including the older adult in need.

(See page 15 for crossword)

Bill Conallen is the public relations specialist at Philadelphia Corporation for Aging.

The complexities of aging alone

The loss of a spouse or members of a peer group can also lead to reduced human contact and more time spent alone. There are many emotional and physical risks associated with isolating. Limited stimulation from the outside world can result in depression, confusion, decline in mental health, worsening of health conditions, higher risk of falling, dehydration and hunger.

Unlike other pressing public health issues that are studied and reported on extensively, the problem of social isolation among older adults is virtually invisible. The very nature of the problem – older individuals isolating in their homes – makes it difficult to see, study and fix. Social isolation of older adults doesn’t garner the same amount of research as other social issues or have well-funded programs to help remedy the problem. Through its grant programs, the newly formed Sarah Ralston Foundation, which evolved from the centuries-old Sarah Ralston House, seeks to address social isolation and other issues that affect the aging population in Philadelphia.

Social isolation is defined as spending most of your time alone, having little or no contact with friends or family. Often not by choice, there are a variety of reasons why isolation among older Philadelphians has become such an urgent problem.

“It can be the result of physical or mental health issues, poor mobility, or other impairments,” said Lynette Killen, executive director of The Sarah Ralston Foundation. “In addition to health issues, other circumstances, such as financial setbacks, embarrassment about the state of their home, or an inability to keep up their hygiene, can also limit social interaction.”

“Individuals who isolate are also more likely to ignore symptoms that need to be addressed by a health care provider,” said Neville Strumpf, board president of The Sarah Ralston Foundation and retired professor of nursing at the University of Pennsylvania.

“There are no easy answers. It’s a complex problem.”

Addressing social isolation is a focus area of the Sarah Ralston Foundation.

“Our hope is to support organizations that develop innovative programs to mitigate the problem,” said Killen.

There are programs that try to identify isolated individuals and put them in touch with organizations and opportunities that offer much-needed companionship. The biggest challenge is uncovering and bringing the issue to someone’s attention.

Isolated older adults “don’t self-identify, so getting such a person onto the radar screen of organizations that are trying to help is difficult,” Strumpf said. “Raising the bar of awareness is the crucial first step. Social isolation doesn’t get the kind of priority that, say, food programs get. We can deliver a meal, but if the recipient is eating alone, we’ve missed an important opportunity to positively impact their well-being.”

One solution is to create networks that bring people together. Penn’s

Continued on page 14

Submitted by The Sarah Ralston Foundation

COVID brought challenges, revealed resilience in Philadelphia’s older adults

dementia, physical decline and loss, Baum-Baicker said. There were also conflicts within families as members reacted differently to the virus, she said.

she wrote. “Aesthetic immersion helps us cope during uncertain times when a balance of change and steadfastness seems to be the requisite for living with COVID.”

By Jay Nachman

The golden years were anything but golden for many during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We were scared, and we didn’t know what was what,” said Cynthia Baum-Baicker, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist with an office in Center City who has been in practice for more than 40 years.

“What was once safe was no longer safe,” she recalled. “We didn’t see our families. Our children. Everything changed. For people who are not technologically savvy we had to learn pretty quickly.”

People were frustrated, angry, depressed and scared to go to the doctor. The uncertainties the pandemic brought came in addition to the concerns older adults have around such issues as retirement, aging, fears of

“You saw people who had difficulty with family members who did not take the pandemic as seriously as their elder parents. Or the reverse. You had elder parents who weren’t taking it as seriously and you had their kids being really worried for them and about them and angry at them that they weren’t protecting themselves enough,” Baum-Baicker said.

The pandemic did bring certain positives to people’s lives, whether it was reconnecting with old friends, taking on new projects like cooking or having cocktails with friends over Zoom.

Baum-Baicker, 69, immersed herself in a project, creating a series of articles for “Psychology Today” on how to cope with COVID-19 and other stressful situations.

In one post, she noted that people can find refuge by immersing themselves in an artistic endeavor. “When engaged with art, we forget ourselves and, in a way, fuse with the art (music, a good book, visual art, theater, writing, etc.). Our attention is mostly consumed,”

Another post focused on strategies to overcome physical and psychological symptoms. Baum-Baicker wrote, “if you’re dealing with COVID-19 fatigue, focus on what you can do that’s novel to break up the feeling of unrelenting sameness. Someone who’s hyper focused on the negative could intervene by creating a list of what they’re grateful for.”

The winning ticket is not to turn fully away or deny negative emotion, but rather to allow for an “emotional blend,” she wrote. “This is termed ‘affect optimization’ and it means that while you acknowledge and allow for negative emotions (or negative affect), you also lean in on or gravitate toward positive emotions.”

Baum-Baicker noted a person’s physical environment shapes behavior and impacts their mood. “Consider looking around at your living space and imagining what you could change that might make you feel calmer or more buoyant to improve the physical environment,” Baum-Baicker suggested.

Tarragon Chicken with Asparagus, Lemon & Leeks Recipe

Ingredients:

2 lemons

¼ cup olive oil

4-6 garlic cloves, finely minced

2 tsp. salt

½ tsp. pepper

1 oz. fresh tarragon leaves, roughly chopped (about 1/4-1/3 cup)

1 extra-large bunch (about 1 ½ lbs.) asparagus, trimmed

1-2 large leeks, sliced into ½-inch thick rounds

4-5 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1-1 ½ lbs.)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 425°.

In a small bowl, make the marinade. Place the zest of one lemon, and its juice (about 3 tablespoons) in a small bowl. Add oil, garlic, salt and pepper,

President Biden declared in a “60 Minutes” interview in September that the COVID-19 pandemic is over, saying, “We still have a problem with COVID. We’re still doing a lot of work on it. But the pandemic is over. If you notice, no one’s wearing masks. Everybody seems to be in pretty good shape, and so I think it’s changing.”

Baum-Baicker said people learned resilience during the height of the pandemic and she invoked philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche’s aphorism, what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. After all, she said, it takes a certain degree of wisdom to accept one’s situation.

“I think we’ve all been through something,” Baum-Baicker said. “And while we might feel a little more down, we also learned during the pandemic, some coping. How to remain connected to people even when we couldn’t see them. How to find ways to be stimulated at home. If it happens again, I think when you live through something once, you know there’s more of a belief you can live through it again.”

and mix well until salt dissolves. Add ½ of the tarragon, saving the rest for garnish.

Place trimmed asparagus in a bowl and spoon some of the marinade over the top. Toss to combine and place on a parchment-lined sheet pan. Add leeks to the same bowl, toss with a little marinade, and spread out on the sheet pan. Lastly, add the chicken breasts with the remaining marinade, coating well. Nestle the chicken amongst the asparagus.

Zest the second lemon over the whole sheet pan and slice the lemons into rounds, layering them over the asparagus. Place in the hot oven. Bake 15-20 minutes and check chicken (internal temp should read 160-165°) – thicker pieces will take longer. To get a more golden color, broil for just a couple of minutes.

Remove from the oven. Give everything a little toss, turning the chicken over to coat the top with the flavorful juices. Sprinkle with remaining fresh tarragon and serve.

Jay Nachman is a freelance writer in Philadelphia who tells stories for a variety of clients.

Continued from page 12

Village, a community-based membership organization in central Philadelphia, is one example. It helps older adults to live independently in their homes. According to the Penn’s Village website, this is achieved: “by providing varying services and programs that increase social engagement through a network of volunteers.”

Jane Eleey, executive director of Penn’s Village, is in her 70s and intensely committed to this issue. “People they know move or pass away, or there may be health issues that make it hard to engage with the surrounding community,” she said. “Like with COVID, there may be new precautions in place, or perhaps anxiety that wasn’t there before. Their family may be far away, and travel may be difficult or impossible.”

Programs like those offered at Penn’s Village are designed specifically to deal with the rising issue of social isolation. Volunteer companions spend quality time with the members, who can request a variety of services from volunteers, such as taking them for walks, to the doctor or on trips to the grocery store, or just sitting, talking and enjoying each other’s company.

The system also helps the members connect with each other. “A member whose mobility is compromised reached out to us to arrange for additional companionship,” Eleey said. “We were able to connect him with a new member. She’s a bit quiet and reserved, but she needed help with technology, and he was able to advise. The two members now speak three times per week and receive great enjoyment and benefits from the relationship.”

For more information:

• The Sarah Ralston Foundation –215-386-2984 | SarahRalstonFoundation.org

• Penn’s Village – 215-925-7333 | PennsVillage.org

Support for LGBTQ+ elders

The William Way LGBT Community Center is a proud member of the SAGE Affiliates Network, a national network that links LGBTQ+ elders with vital services. The LGBT Elder Initiative (LGBTEI) @ William Way is focused on helping the community age successfully.

LGBTEI provides opportunities and programs for LGBTQ+ adults while building bridges with community organizations through “advocacy, information, education and referral,” according to the group’s website. The LGBTEI offers several recurring events for LGBTQ+ older adults, which are held in person at the William Way LGBT Community Center, 1315 Spruce St. in Philadelphia’s Gayborhood, or over Zoom. These events include:

• THRIVERS – A monthly discussion group for people impacted by HIV/AIDS that provides an outlet for people to support each other.

• Tuesday MorningsOut – This group for gay, bisexual and transgender men provides social outings, educational speakers and special events every Tuesday from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Call 215732-2220 or email MorningsOutWWCC@gmail.com for more information.

For more information about The LGBT Elder Initiative’s activities and to view a full event calendar, call 215-720-9415 or visit lgbtei.org.

WHEN: Thursday, June 29, 2023

WHERE: Online, link will be sent to you upon registration

TIME: 10 am –12 noon

REGISTER: Call 267-647-7173 or register online: jevshumanservices.org/event/job-seminar-2023/

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:

- How YOU can be successful in today’s job search and workplace

- Insider tips from HR recruiters on résumés, marketing your skills & more!

- Understanding age employment discrimination Plus,

Safely dispose of your unwanted medications

Cafe scene

Many people who misuse prescription drugs take them from medicine cabinets. Keeping unused opioids or other commonly misused drugs in a medicine cabinet is no longer safe or responsible. The Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs is focused on alleviating the health and safety concerns from the diversion and abuse of prescription drugs by educating the public on the proper disposal of unused medications.

What you should do:

• Lock up all your medications.

• Keep them inaccessible to children.

• Personal information should be removed or marked out with a permanent marker.

• Dispose of prescription medicines in their original bottle or placed inside a small sealed container, such as a plastic bottle or zip-close bag.

• Safely dispose of unused or unwanted medications. When you pick up a prescription, ask your pharmacist for drug disposal pouches or find a drug take-back box. (See information below.)

What you should not do:

• Never share your medications with anyone.

• Do not take someone else’s medications.

• Do not keep medication within reach of children.

There are hundreds of drug take-back locations throughout the country where the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) will accept unused, expired, and/or unwanted medications, including vitamins; over-the-counter medicines; prescription pills, patches, and ointments; and pet medications. The following items are not accepted: hydrogen peroxide; compressed cylinders or aerosols, such as asthma inhalers; medications containing iodine; thermometers; alcohol; or illicit drugs, including marijuana, heroin or LSD.

To locate a collection site for safe disposal of unwanted medications, go to www.ddap.pa.gov or call 717-736-7495 for more information.

Source: The Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs