I’ll just admit it up front. This situation is not going away anytime soon. We are living the new and uncomfortable paradox of watching numbers of Coronavirus cases spike even as more businesses open and people are seeking the summer pleasures we have always taken for granted.

For those at higher risk, including older people with pre-existing conditions, the situation can feel especially challenging. It can lead to experiencing increased fears and more isolation.

I believe strongly in the importance of asking for help when we need it. I also admit to holding the same internal discomfort with doing so that is true for many Americans. We believe deeply that we shouldn’t ask for help; we see needing help as a sign of weakness and failure. This contributes to real societal problems.

Recently, I have had conversations with people seeking advice about where and how to get in-home help for themselves, friends, or family members. The needs include things that are increasingly hard for someone to manage on their own: doing the laundry and changing beds; cleaning up; going grocery shopping; organizing and paperwork; transportation to appointments; companions for walking or other exercise. 

When we decide to ask for help, whether from an agency or through personal networks, it doesn’t mean we no longer play a role in our own well-being. Getting the help we need allows us to do what we can without being at risk. It means we have created new networks of connection and relationship. It might well mean we discover creative and other outlets for ourselves when we no longer have to worry about doing the things we no longer can, or want to, do ourselves.

Seeking assessments from professional organizations to ascertain someone’s capacities, both physical and cognitive, can clarify what is needed.

That is why I asked Keri Pollack, a valued colleague in the aging field, to be our Featured Resource essayist this month. Keri is Director of Marketing and Communications at Aging Wisdom and worked for the Alzheimer’s Association for many years, and she shares some helpful tips on “Staying Connected Now.”

For our August ‘Interesting Conversation,’ we invited Lisa Mayfield, Aging Wisdom’s founder, to talk about strategies people can pursue for staying vital and engaged. She has many years of supporting people to ensure the interdependence we all need as we age.

My Associate Director Ruth Neuwald Falcon continues to share reflections from many contributors on her Corona Support Blog. I am aware and grateful for our professional interdependence. It is what makes NWCCA the successful and meaningful organization we continue to be.

Stay safe. Stay healthy. 
Rebecca