<h3>Top Takeaways</h3>
&nbsp;
The pandemic has changed caregiving for both professionals and family members.&nbsp;
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Caregiver burnout was even more prominent during the pandemic.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Senior isolation increased during the pandemic, causing mental and physical health complications.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Nearly 1 in 4 seniors used some type of virtual or telehealth appointment during the pandemic.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Masks became an even more important staple in Personal Protective Equipment and infection control policies, especially for family members.</li>
</ul>
<h3> </h3>
<h3>Intro</h3>
&nbsp;
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected nearly every part of our daily lives. Since older adults were one of the most vulnerable populations for serious complications, changes due to the pandemic have affected all aspects of caregiving as well.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
These important takeaways from COVID will inform the future of caregiving for seniors and other vulnerable populations.
 
<h3>Isolation is unhealthy</h3>
&nbsp;
While the entire globe was instructed to remain at home as much as possible, eliminating restaurant dining and other activities, seniors were especially isolated at home. Recent research from the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/aging/publications/features/lonely-older-adults.html">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</a>, along with others, has demonstrated that isolation can lead to serious health complications like:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Increased risk for depression and anxiety</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Increased risk of heart disease</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Obesity</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Rapid cognitive decline</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Premature death</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
Reduce isolation for your loved one by:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Encouraging them to attend one event a week at the library or senior center (you could go with them too!)</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Scheduling neighbors, friends, and family to drop in for a visit&nbsp;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Helping your loved one host a coffee date with a few friends</li>
</ul>
 
<h3>Caregivers are stressed out </h3>
Caregiver burnout was already a serious issue among family and professional caregivers, but the COVID-19 pandemic made the phenomenon even worse. Caregivers were put at risk for contracting COVID themselves as they took care of those who needed them. Recent surveys show:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">43% of family caregivers report that caregiving in the pandemic led to more worry, fear, depression, and sleep problems as well as other mental health challenges</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">56% of family caregivers report that COVID-19 has made caregiving more emotionally difficult than before</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
Be sure you are scheduling in self-care during your busy routine so that you don&rsquo;t burn out:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Schedule rest breaks, using respite care services as needed</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Ask for help with specific tasks from other family members or friends</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Make sure you are eating well and drinking plenty of water</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Steer clear of extra caffeine and alcohol</li>
</ul>
 
<h3>The Sandwich Generation is taking on more caregiving responsibilities </h3>
For those adults who are charged with caring for kids as well as aging parents, the pandemic has made caregiving even more difficult. A few statistics from the <a href="https://www.alzsd.org/how-covid-19-is-affecting-family-caregivers/">San Diego chapter of the Alzheimer&rsquo;s Association</a> tell the tale:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">63% of family caregivers report that the pandemic has increased their caregiving duties</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">37% report that their caregiving duties have interfered with their own doctor appointments or treatments</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">21% report the pandemic was interfering with their own healthcare needs</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
Make sure you are getting the help you need by asking for assistance with caregiving tasks like:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Meal preparation or drop-off (try Meals on Wheels in your area)</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Picking up medications from the pharmacy</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Providing transportation to/from appointments</li>
</ul>
 
<h3>Virtual appointments are effective </h3>
The pandemic made heading to the physician for a routine check-up more difficult or dangerous, leading seniors to take a chance on virtual appointments. While meeting with a physician is not always the same over a screen, seniors adapted well to the virtual option with <a href="https://ihpi.umich.edu/news/poll-telehealth-visits-have-skyrocketed-older-adults-some-concerns-barriers-remain">nearly 1 in 4 </a>using some type of virtual or telehealth solution during the pandemic.
&nbsp;
If your loved one is nervous about using virtual or telehealth appointments, here are a few ideas to make the process smoother:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Double check that their insurance covers telehealth visits</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Make sure the internet connection is good prior to the call</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Encourage lots of video call practice to family members prior to the appointment</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Write down a list of questions to ask</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">If possible, be there to help your loved one as needed</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">After the call, offer lots of praise for trying something new</li>
</ul>
 
<h3>Personal Protective Equipment is even more important </h3>
While professional and family caregivers consistently use gloves to reduce infection control, the pandemic taught us that personal protective equipment, or PPE, is crucial for respiratory protection as well. Masks are now a part of the caregiver uniform throughout the globe.
&nbsp;
When family caregivers should use PPE:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">When assisting with toileting needs, wear gloves</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">When changing dressings, wear gloves</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">When you are within more than 6 feet from one another, use a mask</li>
</ul>
 
<h3>Caregivers are under-supported </h3>
Both professional and family caregivers were left to provide care to others without much direction or support from local or national agencies. Ever resourceful, caregivers found a way to make good care a priority but the support system and resources for caregivers need to be improved moving forward.
&nbsp;
Get the support, resources, and education you need to be an advocate for yourself and your loved one here:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Your local Alzheimer&rsquo;s Association chapter</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Senior living communities near you often host family support groups</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Your town&rsquo;s senior center or library might host support groups or education sessions geared to family caregivers</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Your local hospital as well as your loved one&rsquo;s physician</li>
</ul>
 
<h3>Public health issues require a team effort </h3>
The pandemic taught us that we are all connected and our decisions can have a serious impact on the lives of others. Seniors relied on their family members and greater community receiving the vaccine in order to provide safe care.
&nbsp;
The biggest caregiving lessons from the pandemic are rooted in finding new ways to support caregivers and seniors so that they can remain healthy, happy, and connected with others.

<span data-sheets-value="{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:&quot;Haley Burress is a senior care and caregiving expert. She worked in senior care for more than 15 years before she started writing for senior care agencies and professional caregivers full time. She has experience in Skilled Nursing Facilities, Assisted Living, Independent Living, and Memory Care as well as Adult Day services and home care.&quot;}" data-sheets-userformat="{&quot;2&quot;:14849,&quot;3&quot;:{&quot;1&quot;:0},&quot;12&quot;:0,&quot;14&quot;:{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:0},&quot;15&quot;:&quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;16&quot;:11}">Haley Burress is a senior care and caregiving expert. She worked in senior care for more than 15 years before she started writing for senior care agencies and professional caregivers full time. She has experience in Skilled Nursing Facilities, Assisted Living, Independent Living, and Memory Care as well as Adult Day services and home care.

Care Lessons Learned During COVID

The Medicare population has been severely impacted by COVID-19. More than 900,000 people have died as a result of the virus, and 76% of them were 65 or older. Early on in the pandemic, the federal government declared a state of public health emergency in order to provide better care for the 60 million people enrolled in Medicare. The public health emergency has just been extended to April 16.&nbsp;
Here&rsquo;s some of the new and existing ways you can get help from Medicare during this time:&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Getting Covid Tests
Starting in early spring, everyone enrolled in Medicare will be able to get eight over-the-counter COVID tests each month without charge. The kits will be available at local pharmacies and other sites.&nbsp;
Meanwhile, Medicare beneficiaries and all other Americans can now request four free kits for home testing at <a href="covidtests.gov">covidtests.gov</a>. If you want to go to a facility for a free test, the link is <a href="hhs.gov">here</a>.
&nbsp;&nbsp;
Going Outside Your Health Plan Network
About 40% of people on Medicare are enrolled in Medicare Advantage Plans. Under normal circumstances, you are restricted to the plan&rsquo;s network of doctors and hospitals. If you go outside the network, the plan won&rsquo;t pay for your care. This rule is now waived. If you go to an outside provider, your plan must pay for the care at the same rate it pays for care in the network. You will not have any additional charges. This gives people access to a much larger group of doctors and hospitals.
&nbsp;
Going to the Hospital
Medicare typically only pays for a semi-private room in the hospital. However during COVID, Medicare will cover a private room when it is considered a medical necessity.&nbsp; For example, if someone needs a private room to be under quarantine because of COVID, the cost of that room should be covered.
&nbsp;
Going from the Hospital to a Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF)
SNFs are rehabilitation facilities where you go to recover after a hospital stay. Typically, Medicare covers care without charge for 30 days with the caveat thatyou must stay in a hospital for three consecutive days before you qualify for the coverage.
Now, according to the Federal Center for Medicare Services (CMS), this rule is waived &ldquo;if you are affected by the Coronavirus public health emergency.&rdquo; For example, if the hospital becomes overcrowded and patients must be moved, the move to a rehab facility would be fully covered. Or if a patient needs special rehab care because of a serious medical issue coverage would be immediate and without charge.
&nbsp;
New Treatments Under Telehealth
Telehealth visits have become common since the COVID outbreak began in 2020, with patients being seen by doctors through computer visits. Historically, services were limited to certain medical professionals,but now the list has been expanded to cover telehealth treatments by Occupational Therapists and Speech Language Pathologists. Their telehealth visits will now be fully covered by Medicare.
&nbsp;
Going to Visit a Loved One in a Nursing Home
The strict rules against visit have been drastically changed, with the government admitting the policy did considerable harm to nursing home residents and family members.
&ldquo;While CMS guidance has focused on protecting nursing home residents from COVID-19, we recognize that physical separation from family and other loved ones has taken a physical and emotional toll on residents and their loved ones,&rdquo; CMS said in its revised rules. &ldquo;CMS understands that nursing home residents derive value from the physical, emotional and spiritual support they receive through visitation from family and friends.&rdquo;
The new policy says a nursing home resident has unrestricted rights to &ldquo;receive visitors of his or her choosing at a time of his or her choosing.&rdquo;
Nursing homes cannot limit the frequency or length of visits, and cannot require any advance scheduling for visits.
&nbsp;
Getting Medications
Medicare plans often have limits on the supply for a prescription drug. These quantity rules are suspended because of COVID. All drug plans, whether in Medicare Advantage or Part D under traditional Medicare, must now cover a 90-day supply of the medicine when the patient requests it. There are still limits in place for opioids, which can be addictive.
&nbsp;
Getting the Vaccine at Home
Some people may not be able to go to a doctor&rsquo;s office to get a vaccine. Medicare will pay for a doctor to come to your home to administer the shot. Contact your regular physician and request a home visit. If the doctor is unavailable, you can check the following resources:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Hotline for Medicare recipients at 1-800-633-4227 (TTY 1-877-486-2048)</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Your <a href="cdc.gov">state health department</a> or call 211</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Disability Information and Access Line (DIAL) 1-888-677-1199</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Services for older adults and their families <a href="eldercare.acl.gov">Eldercare Locator </a>or 1-800-677-1116</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;

Bob Rosenblatt has been a reporter for 40 years, specializing in aging issues, such as Medicare, Social Security, pensions, IRAs, and finding assisted living.

Everything you need for caregiving all in one place. Personalized care solutions and resources to help you provide better care.". This field should be editable in case we ever want to change the default meta description.

Extended Medicare Coverage During COVID-19 | Ready Set Care

Extended Medicare Coverage During COVID-19

As a caregiver, you might not know how to protect your loved one from certain diseases. While you cannot protect them from everything, you can certainly keep them healthy by encouraging them to take the vaccinations recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and prevention (CDC). This list does not include every vaccine, but it gives you a solid idea about the most common vaccines for older adults.
&nbsp;
First, a few top takeaways about senior vaccines: 
<ol>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Vaccines are safe and effective.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Vaccine-preventable diseases can lead to life-threatening complications requiring hospitalization.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Older adults have weaker immune systems and usually have one or more high risk health condition like diabetes, heart disease, or liver disease. This puts them at a higher risk for serious complications.</li>
</ol>
&nbsp;
<h3>Top 8 Vaccines for adults age 65 and older&nbsp;</h3>
&nbsp;
<h4>1. Shingles Vaccine (Herpes Zoster Vaccine)</h4>
&nbsp;
Shingles (herpes zoster) is an infection that causes painful rash and blisters on one side of the body. Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), the same virus that causes chickenpox (varicella). While shingles is not life-threatening, it can cause long-lasting pain.
The CDC recommends that all healthy adults over the age of 50 receive the Shingrix vaccine. Seniors who have had shingles in the past or have received the older shingles vaccine, Zostavax, are also encouraged to take the Shingrix shot for better protection.
&nbsp;
<h4>2. Influenza Vaccine</h4>
&nbsp;
The influenza vaccine (flu vaccine), is recommended every flu season beginning in the fall. The sooner the flu shot is taken, the more your loved one is protected.
Unlike other vaccines, the flu vaccine is a yearly shot. Since flu viruses change every season, each year&rsquo;s flu vaccine is different from the last one.
There is a high-dose flu vaccine created for older adults. It provides higher protection than other versions of the flu vaccine.&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<h4>3.&nbsp;Tetanus-Diphtheria-Pertussis (Tdap) Vaccine</h4>
&nbsp;
The CDC recommends the combined tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (Tdap) vaccine for older adults who:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Have not received a tetanus shot in the past ten years, or&nbsp;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Only received tetanus and diphtheria (Td) vaccine in the past.</li>
</ul>
Tetanus, or lockjaw, is caused by Clostridium tetani bacteria that produce a toxin that affects the nervous system. Tetanus exists in soil, manure, and dust. Infection with tetanus causes painful muscle contractions in the jaw and neck.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Diphtheria is caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae bacteria that produce a toxin that affects the respiratory system. This bacteria can spread from person to person through coughing and sneezing. Diphtheria infection can lead to difficulty breathing and swallowing, paralysis, damage to kidneys and heart, and even death.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Pertussis, or whooping cough, is caused by Bordetella pertussis bacteria that produce a toxin that affects the upper respiratory system. This bacteria is highly contagious and can spread from person to person through coughing, sneezing, and being in close contact with a person infected with pertussis.
Sometimes, older adults are encouraged to receive the Tdap vaccine when they are about to become grandparents to protect the newborn from whooping cough.&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<h4>4.&nbsp;Pneumococcal Vaccine (Pneumonia Vaccine)&nbsp;&nbsp;</h4>
&nbsp;
Pneumococcal disease is caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria, which can lead to serious infections, such as pneumonia (lung infection), bacteremia (blood infection), and meningitis (infection of the meninges, or protective membranes, of the brain and spinal cord).
There are two types of pneumococcal vaccines:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13, PCV15, PCV20)</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23)</li>
</ul>
The CDC recommends PCV15 or PCV20 for seniors who have never received the pneumococcal vaccine, followed by PPSV23.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<h4>5.&nbsp;Coronavirus Vaccine (COVID-19 Vaccine)</h4>
&nbsp;
COVID-19 is a virus caused by SARS-CoV-2. COVID-19 causes a respiratory illness ranging from mild to severe.
Most common symptoms include fever, chills, cough, fatigue, muscle pain, shortness of breath, headache, loss of taste or smell, and diarrhea.
For some seniors, the typical symptoms of COVID-19, such as cough and fever, may not be present. Instead, seniors infected with COVID-19 may seem lethargic, confused, sleep more, and eat less. If you are worried that your loved one might have COVID, contact their healthcare provider.
Older adults are at an increased risk for complications, including those living in nursing homes or long-term care facilities. The COVID-19 vaccine is safe and helps protect your loved ones from getting seriously ill if they get COVID. Getting vaccinated also helps end the coronavirus pandemic.
A person is considered fully vaccinated two weeks after receiving the second dose of a two-dose vaccine, or two weeks after receiving the one-dose vaccine.
&nbsp;
6.&nbsp;Hepatitis A Vaccine
&nbsp;
Hepatitis A, or Hep A, is a virus that infects the liver. It can spread through close contact with an infected person or by eating or drinking contaminated food or water.&nbsp;
Hepatitis A virus is an acute (short-term) infection. Symptoms include fever, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, dark urine, light-colored stool, yellowing of the skin and eyes, and fatigue.&nbsp;
The CDC recommends that all adults who have not received the vaccine as infants receive the hepatitis A vaccine.&nbsp;
There are two vaccines available for adults:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Hep A vaccine in a two-dose series, given six to eighteen months apart</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">A combination Hep A and Hep B vaccine in a three-dose series, given over six months.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
<h4>7.&nbsp;Hepatitis B Vaccine</h4>
&nbsp;
Hepatitis B, or Hep B, is a virus that infects the liver. It is contagious and can spread from person to person through bodily fluids, such as blood and semen.
Hepatitis B can be acute (short-term), and symptoms are similar to the flu, such as fever, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite.
Hepatitis B can also become chronic (long-term) and will mostly have no symptoms but can lead to irreversible liver damage, liver cancer, and death if left untreated.
Hepatitis B is more dangerous to older adults since their livers are less able to withstand stress compared with the livers of younger adults.
The CDC recommends that all adults, with or without risk factors, who have not received the vaccine as infants, be offered the hepatitis B vaccine. Some older adults will need to be vaccinated again for better protection. The vaccine is available in two doses, one month apart, or in three doses, over six months.
Speak with your loved one&rsquo;s healthcare provider to check if the Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B vaccines are necessary.
&nbsp;
<h4>8. Measles, Mumps, and Rubella Vaccine (MMR Vaccine)</h4>
&nbsp;
Measles causes runny nose, watery eyes, fever, and rash. Complications include seizures, pneumonia, ear infections, and sometimes death.
Mumps causes swollen salivary glands, fever, fatigue, and loss of appetite. Complications include deafness, painful and swollen testicles or ovaries, meningitis, and death (rare).
Rubella causes sore throat, fever, rash, itchy eyes, and headaches. Complications include arthritis (inflammation of the joints), neuritis (inflammation of some nerves), and encephalitis (inflammation of the brain).
The MMR vaccine is a single-dose vaccine. The CDC recommends this vaccine for some, but not all, older adults.
Caregivers are encouraged to speak with their loved one&rsquo;s healthcare providers to learn more about their eligibility for this vaccine.
&nbsp;
<h4>Common Side Effects of Vaccines</h4>
&nbsp;
Older adults have the same chance of suffering from vaccine side effects as younger adults.&nbsp;Since older adults have weaker immune systems, immune response to vaccines will be weaker, and as a result, vaccine side effects may be milder compared with younger adults.&nbsp;
Common vaccine side effects include soreness or redness at the injection site, fever, and muscle aches.
If these side effects don&rsquo;t go away or get worse, contact your loved one&rsquo;s healthcare provider or local pharmacy immediately.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<h4>Medicare Coverage</h4>
&nbsp;
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Vaccines covered under Medicare Part B (medical insurance) have no extra cost.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Vaccines covered under Medicare Part D (drug coverage) may have out-of-pocket expenses, depending on the plan.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;Medicare Part B covers:
<ul>
<li style="list-style-type: none;">
<ul>
<li>Flu vaccine</li>
<li>Pneumonia vaccine</li>
<li>COVID-19 vaccine</li>
<li>Hepatitis B vaccine</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
NOTE: Medicare Part B does not cover the Tdap vaccine and booster but covers tetanus shot if deemed necessary in case of exposure.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Medicare Part D covers:
<ul>
<li style="list-style-type: none;">
<ul>
<li>Shingles vaccine</li>
<li>Tdap vaccine</li>
<li>Hepatitis A</li>
<li>MMR vaccine&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
Caregivers can contact Medicare or go to<a href="http://medicare.gov/"> Medicare.gov</a> for more information.
&nbsp;
<h4>Caregivers as Vaccine Advocates</h4>
&nbsp;
Become a vaccine advocate by:
<ol>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Encouraging your loved ones to be fully vaccinated</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Staying up-to-date with your vaccinations</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Discussing the benefits of vaccines with your family and friends</li>
</ol>
&nbsp;

A&nbsp;clinical Pharmacist with a decade of experience working with health conditions, including Alzheimer&rsquo;s, Diabetes, high blood pressure, and Heart Disease.

You can keep your loved one healthy by encouraging them to take the vaccinations recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and prevention (CDC).

guide-to-senior-vaccines | Ready Set Care

Guide to Senior Vaccines

Everything you need to know about caring for someone during the COVID-19 pandemic , all in one place. Start reading today!