Seniors are at the highest risk of developing more serious illness from COVID-19 and are being asked to be the most vigilant about social distancing. But, with our new Caring Connections program, loneliness doesn’t have to be a side effect of COVID-19. Caring Connections matches volunteers with tri-county seniors who would appreciate a weekly phone…
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We have great news! Starting today, Central Oregon residents who are 75 and older are eligible to schedule their COVID-19 vaccine at the Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center. You can schedule your appointment now, online or by phone. There is no out-of-pocket cost to attend this clinic. The vaccine is available by appointment only. …
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Q: Tom, why did you decide to volunteer for the Council on Aging? A: Well, I’ve been here for probably over 10 years. I decided to volunteer for the Council on Aging because I was a senior citizen, and I wanted to help. As a volunteer, I am learning more about myself and the Council…
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The good news, Winter’s here. The bad news, it’s cold and flu season. COVID-19 isn’t as seasonal but easier spread when more people are indoors. Staying safe and healthy should be one of your top concerns, especially if you are an older adult since the symptoms of COVID-19 can be more severe as you age. …
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While you’re busy making holiday plans, the crooks are making their wish list. If you know what these con artists are up to, it’s easier to spot scams rather than fall for them. Unfortunately, seniors are a common target for fraudsters, especially during the holidays. Why? Seniors often have nest eggs, own their homes, excellent…
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After a lifetime of hard work, often for reasons beyond their control, many older adults in Central Oregon are forced to choose between healthcare and hunger. Many are struggling with food insecurity for various reasons, including limited finances and resources, the cost of healthy foods, competing priorities such as medication, functional limitations, and stress. Some…
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Based on Medicare survey data 57% of all Medicare enrollees don’t review or compare their coverage options annually. The problem? You may not have the plan that best serves your needs. And the clock is ticking. October 15 until December 7th Medicare open enrollment period is the only time you can make changes for 2021….
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The single barrier to communicating with older people is how information is presented in the print form or audibly. The font size on text materials, mainly hard copy and visual displays such as television, can often be too small to read. Product labels and instructions, particularly for medications, can be hard to decipher. Page layouts…
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Our in-depth, one-on-one Medicare insurance counseling sessions are designed to help Medicare beneficiaries and their families, friends, and caregivers. During open enrollment, Robert Cohen, a long-time SHIBA counselor for the CoA, helps hundreds of people make the right choices for each individual situation. “I try to steer people in the right direction, so they can…
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Feelings of isolation and loneliness are on the rise and the lockdown has exasperated the problem. Many seniors don’t know where to turn. They didn’t plan to worry about surviving a pandemic. But life doesn’t come with a script or any guarantees. By providing access to the information seniors need, and services such as Medicare…
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It all started with the Great Depression in the 1930s, which left more than half of the people in the U.S. unable to provide for themselves. The depression brought about the crumbling of the stock market and the disappearance of retirement savings for many senior American citizens. As a result, Social Security was implemented as…
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