Even during this time of social distancing, the Los Altos Senior Program is going strong, albeit currently mostly by internet and telephone.
Cheri Anderson, recreation coordinator for the Los Altos Senior Program, said the program’s Sunshine Calls, wherein a staff member checks in with local seniors to see how they’re doing and have a friendly chat, have been a big success.
Senior Lifestyles
Sheltering in community: Local senior residences rise to the occasion during pandemic
Villa Siena photos courtesy of Monique Flores; BridgePoint photos courtesy of BridgePoint at Los Altos; Terraces photos courtesy of The Terraces at Los Altos
Sheltering but not alone are, above from left, Villa Siena residents Beverly Crudo and Margaret (Peg) Carroll, and BridgePoint at Los Altos resident Len Cook. Making the best of a bad situation are, below from left, The Terraces at Los Altos residents Lee Smith and Gary Lipe, and BridgePoint at Los Altos resident Pat Bennett.
Sheltering but not alone are, above from left, Villa Siena residents Beverly Crudo and Margaret (Peg) Carroll, and BridgePoint at Los Altos resident Len Cook. Making the best of a bad situation are, below from left, The Terraces at Los Altos residents Lee Smith and Gary Lipe, and BridgePoint at Los Altos resident Pat Bennett.
A sense of isolation can be a problem for many seniors at the best of times. What happens when they are asked to shelter in place?
Although many seniors were likely getting out in the world less than their younger neighbors even before the shutdown, there was still a change in routine, a new lack of social activities, outings and visits. For many living in senior residences, the built-in sense of community seems to help – as does modern technology, allowing for video chats with family.
Los Altos residents help families in Nepal affected by pandemic
Courtesy of Cyrus Parvini
Orphans package food for families in need.
Orphans package food for families in need.
Los Altos residents Cyrus and Simin Parvini and the Los Altos Baha’i community have for many years supported Kathmandu’s NECO Home orphanage through the Parvinis’ Children Education Foundation. They have recently extended their aid to Nepalese families in special need due to the coronavirus pandemic.
For the past two months, residents of one of the poorest countries in Asia have been forced to stay home, without work, income or financial support from the government.
Medicare Update: Got Medicare? Get a no-cost COVID-19 test
If you have Medicare and want to be tested for COVID-19, there’s good news.
Medicare covers tests with no out-of-pocket costs. You can get tested in your home, doctor’s office, local pharmacy or hospital, nursing home or drive-thru site. Medicare does not require a doctor’s order for testing.
Rhyme on My Hands: A poem for a middle child
Many poems are written with a specific audience in mind. That was certainly the case with the poem that appears below: It was intended to bring a word of cheer to a grandchild of ours who was born in the middle of a three-child family. His “also-ran” position – neither first born nor baby of the family – was in need of recognition and understanding.
Surviving the COVID crisis: Masks, food safety and handwashing
In a health-care newsletter, physicians reported that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone wear a cloth face mask covering the nose and mouth whenever they are out and about. The recommendation is based on evidence of widespread COVID-19 illness in communities across the country, along with new data about how easily the virus spreads.
