Coronavirus Resources for Older Adults

COVID-19 RESOURCES FOR OLDER ADULTS

Last updated on March 25, 2020


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General Information and Updates


The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is the nation’s health protection agency and is considered to be the best source for updated information on Novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) for Americans. This link has specific information for higher risk groups, such as older adults and those with underlying medical conditions.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/high-risk-complications.html


The World Health Organization
(WHO) works with the U.S. and more than 190 other countries. WHO is considered to be the best source of information to learn about the pandemic across the world. This link provides answers to frequently asked questions about coronavirus. 
https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-coronaviruses


This link from WHO provides “myth busters” to some inaccurate information that is circulating.
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/myth-busters


U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Community Living
, whose mission is “advancing independence, integration, and inclusion throughout life,” has resources for older adults and people with disabilities. 
https://acl.gov/COVID-19




Finding Local Resources for Meals, Food and Other Needs


The National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a) is a membership association representing America’s national network of 622 Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs). Local AAAs provide services (e.g., meals, transportation and in-home services), information, and referrals in a specific area. The national website has a tool to find your local AAA by entering your zip code. Once the tool displays your local AAA, click through to their website(s) and learn more about resources in your area. The coronavirus has caused nearly all AAAs to modify their services, so confirm what is currently available before seeking services. For example, most community meal programs have been modified.
https://www.n4a.org/

The national Meals on Wheels website has a tool to find local Meals on Wheels by entering your zip code. Once the tool displays local Meals on Wheels, click through to their website(s) and learn more about how you can receive services. In some instances, you may need to call to get specific details for your area.
https://www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org/find-meals


The Feeding America
network is the largest hunger-relief organization in the U.S. Its website has a tool to find local foodbanks by entering your zip code. Once the tool displays local foodbank(s), click through to their website(s) and learn more about how you can receive services. In some instances, you may need to call to get specific details for your area.
https://www.feedingamerica.org/find-your-local-foodbank


Local stores open early
for older adults and others -- This article lists stores that may be allowing certain people to shop before opening to the general public.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2020/03/17/coronavirus-shopping-stores-introduce-time-for-vulnerable-elderly-pregnant/5074064002/




State Resources


Check your state’s government websites, such as the department of labor, department of employment, department of health, governor’s office, etc. to learn what resources are available in your state.



Medicare and Other Medical Information


Medicare has many resources and links, which can be found on its website below.
https://www.medicare.gov/medicare-coronavirus


Medicare
has expanded its coverage to pay for telehealth/telemedicine to encourage Medicare recipients to have appointments with their healthcare providers via phone or videoconferencing, reducing the risk of spreading the virus.
https://www.medicare.gov/medicare-coronavirus#500


Medicare has suspended its 3-day waiting period
rule for payments to a skilled nursing facility (SNF) for COVID-19 patients. Normally, Medicare requires that patients be hospitalized for three days before Medicare will pay for a stay at a SNF. Medicare recipients with COVID-19 can go directly to a SNF, under the direction of their healthcare provider.
https://www.cms.gov/files/document/coronavirus-snf-1812f-waiver.pdf


Beware of online medication scams. The U.S. Food & Drug Administration’s, “BeSafeRx: Know Your Online Pharmacy” provides tips to avoid scams.
https://www.fda.gov/drugs/quick-tips-buying-medicines-over-internet/besaferx-know-your-online-pharmacy



Caregiving Resources


The National Alliance for Caregiving offers tips for “sandwich generation” caregivers – those who are caring for their children or grandchildren as well as an older adult(s).
https://transamericacenter.org/docs/default-source/resources/coronavirus-resources/tips_for_sandwich_generation_caregivers_amid_covid_19.pdf


The Family Caregiver Alliance
offers coronavirus-related resources and articles that will be of interest to family caregivers and those in their care, including information for staying home, nursing home visitation guidelines, caregiver self-care, and more.
https://www.caregiver.org/coronavirus-covid-19-resources-and-articles-family-caregivers




Social Security, IRS and Tax Information


The IRS has extended the federal tax filing and payment deadline to July 15, 2020. There is no need to file an extension. Be aware that each state sets its own deadline, and you need to verify when your state tax filing and payment deadline is.
https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus


All
Social Security offices are closed. This article provides information and tips for those who need to reach the Social Security Administration (SSA), or want to learn how access online SSA tools.
https://www.nextavenue.org/social-security-help-coronavirus/




AARP


General information and articles regarding coronavirus, including tips for boosting immunity, staying healthy, identifying coronavirus, and getting help from your community.
https://www.aarp.org/health/


AARP offers advice on
combatting social isolation while remaining safer at home.
https://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-2020/coronavirus-social-isolation-loneliness.html?intcmp=AE-HP-TTN-R2-POS2-REALPOSS-TODAY




The hyperlinks or referenced websites may forward you to a third party site. Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies® does not control, guarantee, endorse, or approve the information, products, services, or any content maintained by third parties. Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies expressly disclaims any responsibility for the content, accuracy, and quality of the products and services advertised on the third party sites. The third party content should not be interpreted as ERISA, tax, investment or legal advice.

Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies is a division of Transamerica Institute®, a nonprofit, private foundation that is funded by contributions from Transamerica Life Insurance Company and its affiliates and may receive funds from unaffiliated third parties.

 

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