Michigan Chronicle
SENIORcare COVID-19 Resource Guide For Senior Caregivers
COVID-19 FACTS According to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: • African Americans are hospitalized at a higher rate than whites • Older people infected with the virus are more likely to be hospitalized • Men are more likely to endure severe cases than women
Protect Yourself, Loved Ones and Neighbors by doing the following:
Cover your nose and mouth with a mask, especially if you are sick or when outside or around others
Use a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing
Disinfect high-touch surface areas, often
Wash hands often or use hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol
Most importantly, STAY HOME, unless you are an essential worker (healthcare related or service)
For more information call 313.876.4000 or dhdoutbreak@detroitmi.gov www.DetroitMI.gov/Health
2 SENIORcare | May 2020
S
ince the very first cases of COVID-19 were detected in Metro Detroit, the Michigan Chronicle has been actively engaged in informing our readers about the pandemic. As a trusted voice of the community, we are here to help our readers navigate these frightening and challenging times. As the COVID-19 pandemic forever changes our lives, the Michigan Chronicle is strengthening its commitment to serving the community. Over its 84 years of operation, the Michigan Chronicle has seen crisis before, but we’re resilient, we are survivors just like our readers. As the pandemic affects our community, the Michigan Chronicle is needed now more than ever to provide our readers with access to information that they can trust. We are all adapting to a new way of life amid these uncertain times and need help in navigating the new normal with as much information about COVID-19 as possible. Through our SENIORCare brand, the Michigan Chronicle will provide resource information and trusted content. The Michigan Chronicle is committed to supporting seniors, caregivers, and the community as a whole through these uncertain times brought about by the COVID-19 health crisis. During this time of heightened awareness about public health and reducing the risk of exposure for ourselves and those we care for, it’s very important to gather updated information from trusted sources. The SENIORcare COVID-19 Resource Guide will be filled with COVID-19 related resources and articles in a print and online version that will reach seniors, caregivers, loved ones and the community at large with important information such as:
■ Steps to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 ■ What to do if you become ill ■ Resources for Home: Plan, prepare, and respond to Coronavirus ■ Stay Home, Stay Safe, Save Lives: What this Means for You ■ What you should know about COVID-19
Stay safe! Be well!
Hiram E. Jackson Publisher, Michigan Chronicle Chief Executive Officer, Real Times Media SENIORcare | May 2020 3
Financial & Insurance Questions Answered Presented by the Detroit Area Agency on Aging Helping caregivers address financial shortfalls during COVID-19 I can’t work right now because the company is shut down, I’ve been laid off, or because I need to stay home to reduce my older adult’s exposure to the virus. What kind of financial help can I get? 1. Apply for paid leave The new Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA or Act) requires certain employers to provide employees with paid sick leave or expanded family and medical leave for specified reasons related to COVID-19. Visit the U.S. Department of Labor website for information on applying for paid leave. 2. Apply for unemployment insurance Unemployment benefits typically replace about 45% of your lost income. You might not even have to lose your job to get unemployment benefits so it’s worth checking to see if you qualify. For example, if you or your older adult get COVID-19 and you cannot work because of that, you’re eligible. And if you rely on a facility, school, or daycare to care for an older adult or child in order to work (and now can’t work because they’re shut down), you’re eligible. 3. Get your tax refund ASAP The IRS has automatically given everyone an extension on filing and paying federal taxes until July 15, 2020. However, they’re encouraging anyone who’s expecting a refund to file their taxes right away. The IRS says that most refunds are being issued within 21 days. 4. Contact your banks, mortgage, credit card, and loan companies to learn about payment options and assistance programs Many major financial organizations are creating programs to help customers who aren’t able to make payments due to the coronavirus outbreak. Contact your financial organizations to find out how they can help. For mortgages and housing
The caregiving tips here were condensed from an ongoing series of caregiver questions in response to COVID-19 available in their entirety at
www.DailyCaring.com You don’t have to figure it all out on your own. Visit the website at https://dailycaring.com to get practical senior care and Alzheimer’s & dementia tips and resources. Sign up for the free daily email newsletter to get tips delivered to your inbox.
4 SENIORcare | May 2020
Jeanette Lane, daughter Marjorie Cowans
The Federal Housing Finance Agency has instructed mortgage servicers to allow borrowers whose mortgages are owned by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac to delay payments for up to 12 months due to hardship caused by the coronavirus. Contact your mortgage servicer (the company where you send your monthly payments) as soon as possible to let them know about your current circumstances. The telephone number and mailing address of your mortgage servicer should be listed on your monthly mortgage statement. To get the latest updates on how homeowners and apartment-dwellers can get help with housing costs, check the Federal Housing Finance Agency’s website.
For federal student loans The CARES Act, a $2 trillion government stimulus package that provides economic relief for COVID-19, federal student loan payments will be suspended through September 30, 2020 and no interest will accrue during this period. 5. Contact utility companies to find out about assistance programs Most utility companies like water, power, and internet services have agreed not to terminate service for customers who can’t pay. Contact them to find out more and ask if they also have financial assistance programs. I heard that Americans are going to get money from the government. What does that mean for me? How much money will I get? President Trump signed into law a $2 trillion economic stimulus package that includes payments of up to $1,200 to US taxpayers. The law also provides financial aid for businesses and industries and expanded unemployment and student-loan assistance. Here are answers to 5 top questions: 1. How much money will I get? Currently, most adults will be getting one payment of $1,200. However, the payment amount varies depending on your adjusted gross income (AGI). And for every qualifying child age 16 or under, the payment will be an additional $500. 2. Do I have to do anything to get paid? No. If the IRS already has your bank account information, it will transfer the money to you via direct deposit based on the recent income-tax figures it already has. 3. When will the money arrive? The IRS has sent the first batch of stimulus payments via direct deposit to about 80 million people. For those without direct deposit, the IRS will be sending about 5 million paper checks per week, according to annual adjusted gross income. People with the lowest-income have priority, so checks to individual taxpayers making $10,000 or less were mailed on April 24. Next, checks for those in the $20,000 or less bracket were mailed on May 1. Then, on May 8, checks will be mailed to Americans earning $30,000 or less, and so on. 4. Will most people who are receiving Social Security retirement and disability payments each month also get a stimulus payment? Yes. 5. Will eligible unemployed people get these stimulus payments? Veterans? Yes and yes.
What does Medicare cover for coronavirus? Important Medicare.gov notice: Scammers may use the coronavirus national emergency to take advantage of people while they’re distracted. As always, guard your Medicare card like a credit card, check Medicare claims summary forms for errors, and if someone calls asking for your Medicare Number, hang up immediately! Since most people with Medicare are at higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19, Medicare has made changes to help people get the health coverage they need. Added coverage includes: • Lab tests for COVID-19 -- there are no out-of-pocket costs. • All medically necessary hospitalizations, with the usual deductible and coinsurance. This includes if you’re diagnosed with COVID-19 and need to stay in the hospital under quarantine. • E xpanded coverage of telehealth services to help you access a wide range of health providers using various communication devices (including smartphone). This helps you “see” your doctor or other healthcare provider without having to physically go to a doctor’s office or hospital, which could put you and others at risk of exposure to COVID-19. • If a vaccine for COVID-19 becomes available in the future, it will be covered by all Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (Part D). • Medicare Advantage Plans have access to these same benefits. Many also offer additional telehealth benefits so check with your plan to find out about specific coverage and costs. Since things are changing so rapidly, check the Medicare and Coronavirus page on Medicare. gov website for the latest info. During this crisis, patients can be covered if they need to be transferred to skilled care to make room at hospitals, or need that care because of the Covid-19 emergency, regardless of whether they were previously hospitalized. I’m not eligible for Medicare. Are coronavirus tests and treatments going to be covered by my health insurance? In March, Congress passed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act to ensure access to COVID-19 testing. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, “it requires Medicare, Medicaid, all group health plans, and individual health insurance policies to cover testing and visits related to the diagnosis of COVID-19 during the federally-declared
emergency period. In addition, the new law gives states the option to provide Medicaid coverage of COVID-19 testing for uninsured residents with 100% federal financing.” Many states have passed similar requirements for insurers in their state to ensure access to COVID-19 testing. And many private insurance companies have voluntarily expanded coverage for testing. The new law also requires health plans under the Affordable Care Act to cover coronavirus testing and to waive cost sharing and prior authorization.
The New York Times reports that “State insurance regulators are taking steps to limit how much you might eventually owe, and insurance companies and employers have also changed the rules for most plans to eliminate deductibles or co-payments for testing. Now insurers are starting to waive out-of-pocket costs if you need to go to the hospital, and that could reduce your bills. But it’s still unclear how much you’ll wind up paying, leaving public health experts worried that people who are sick may hesitate to get
medical care because of concerns over bills.” Overall, even though things are unclear at the moment, experts are saying that more aid may be coming, so the current estimates of how much people would have to pay for COVID-19-related treatment may decrease as things change. I lost my job-based health insurance coverage and I’m worried about getting medical care if I get sick. Where can I get low-cost coverage now? Many Americans get their health coverage through their employer. But due to the coronavirus pandemic, many companies have been forced to furlough or lay off their employees. Here are options for four common scenarios affecting family caregivers. 1. If you lost your job and now have no income You will most likely qualify for Medicaid. Visit the Michigan Medicaid website to apply. 2. If you lost your coverage and are now looking for subsidized (lower cost) coverage You can qualify for a special enrollment period to buy insurance on the Affordable Care Act marketplaces. These plan premiums are subsidized on a sliding scale according to income, and most areas offer several plan choices. Visit Michigan’s Affordable Care Act marketplace website to apply. 3. If you’re already on an ACA subsidized plan, but your income has been reduced The healthcare premium subsidies in the Affordable Care Act marketplace are calculated at the beginning of the year, based on your estimated income for that year. So if your income has now changed, you can update your marketplace account and adjust your estimate to get a larger subsidy. You may need to provide documents proving the income change, like a termination letter or a recent paycheck. 4. If you’d like to keep the coverage from the job you just lost In some cases, you may want to keep your current coverage. For example, you might be in the middle of a treatment for a chronic condition and not want to change doctors. Under COBRA, you can keep your current coverage for 18 months. However, the premium is going to be high. You’ll have to pay your normal premium plus the amount your employer used to pay. It might be a long shot, but it’s worth asking if your employer may be willing to subsidize some of the monthly premium cost for some period of time.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Detroit Area Agency on Aging continues its services to thousands of seniors and disabled adults. For safety reasons, home-delivered and community meals are now frozen, and faceto-face nutrition assessments and care management appointments are conducted by phone. Weekdays, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., your calls will be directed to Information & Assistance team members who are working remotely to help identify the resources you need – just as we have for the last 40 years.
Call us at 313/446-4444 To learn about our support to caregivers, ask for
Crystal White on ext. 5288. We’re your Senior Solution!
Serving Detroit, Hamtramck, Harper Woods, Highland Park & the 5 Grosse Pointes
SENIORcare | May 2020 5
DTE ANNOUNCES ADDITIONAL PANDEMIC ASSISTANCE. During this coronavirus crisis, DTE Energy is taking steps to protect our customers:
• The Senior Winter Protection Program end date is automatically extended through June 1, without any additional action required on your part. • We have extended service protection for low income customers through June 1. Additional assistance may be available with DTE’s Low Income Self-Sufficiency Plan (LSP). To be eligible, you must have a State Emergency Relief (SER) funds approval. • Customers who are exposed, infected or quarantined by COVID-19 (including influenza) are now eligible for a 30-day medical hold on their accounts.
LET DTE HELP.
Please call 1.800.477.4747 or visit dteenergy.com/covid19 6 SENIORcare | May 2020
• And remember, if you encounter a DTE employee, please help us maintain social distancing of at least six feet and avoid physical contact so we may all stay safe.
Let DTE help. If you find yourself facing financial or medical hardship due to the pandemic, please call 1.800.477.4747 or visit dteenergy.com/covid19. DON’T WAIT, CALL US TODAY.
How To Take Care and Stay Connected To Your
Elderly Loved Ones
During The COVID-19 Pandemic
COVID-19 has changed the way we interact with our families. With older adults urged to stay away from other people as much as possible, going to visit your parents on a regular basis may not be possible. However, feeling lonely from time to time is natural, but this unprecedented time of social distancing could lead to increased loneliness, especially for elderly loved ones. Here are 4 ways to care and stay onnected: c Send Them a Care Package Due to stay-at-home orders it might be hard for older people to get to the store, put together a care package of things you know they’ll need:
Watch a Movie Together You might not be able to sit side-byside on the couch right now, but you can still take in a movie with your loved ones. Streaming services like Netflix Party and Metastream will let you chat with each other while you watch your favorite flicks. Host a Book Club Use your extra time to catch up on all the books you and your parents have had on your readnext list. Each week, have one person choose a book for everyone in the family to read. At the end of the week, schedule a video chat session to discuss the story.
• Foods that will last for several weeks, like canned fruits and vegetables, cereal, and soup • Over-the-counter medicines to treat a fever, cough, and other symptoms • Health and medical supplies such as tissues, toilet paper, bandages, and oxygen if needed • Disinfecting cleaning sprays and wipes • Drop off these items at your loved ones’ front door, or order them from an online store that ships. Crete a Video Chat Schedule When you can’t be there in person, a video call is the next best thing. Communication tools like Skype and free apps like Zoom, WhatsApp, and FaceTime can make you feel like you’re together even when you’re thousands of miles away. Research finds that interacting through technology improves symptoms of isolation and depression in older adults. Ask your kids to join in on the video call and sing a song or tell a story. Or play a board game together virtually to keep the family connection alive.
SENIORcare | May 2020 7
How To Avoid Caregiver Burnout During A Pandemic Caring for a loved one or a patient can be rewarding. However, it can also be extremely stressful, especially during the COVID-19 crisis. As a primary caregiver, you must pay close attention to the signs of caregiver stress to help prevent burnout and hopelessness. Burnout will only get worse if you do not address it. Here are some of the most common signs and symptoms:
but don’t obsess—and don’t mistake social media opinion for fact. A constant barrage of pandemic-focused news can be mentally and emotionally overwhelming, so try to limit your intake to a certain time or times each day. The best thing you can do for your loved one as a caregiver is to take care of yourself so you can take care of them. Here are 5 tips on how to self-care while caring for your elderly.
■ Overwhelming feelings of frustration with the person you are caring for
• See your Doctor: Even in our current pandemic, doctors are still available through appointments and virtual appointments. Unchecked caregiver stress often contributes to burnout, depression, anxiety and other mental health issues. Tell your doctor about your daily routine, your moods and your mindset lately.
■ Fatigue ■ Feeling overwhelmed and not able to control your emotions ■ Trouble concentrating ■ Feeling resentful towards others ■ Developing new or worsening health issues ■ Experiencing changes in sleep or appetite ■ Feeling a need to abuse medication or alcohol ■ Believing that life is never going to get easier or better Stay Informed about COVID-19, But Don’t Overdo It. Keep up to date on the state of COVID-19 in your area,
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Caregiving takes a toll on your physical health and it’s important to listen to and take care of your body. • Take a Time out: It is crucial for your mental and physical health. Do whatever you can to find any type of break as frequently as possible. Find ways to make time for yourself while also caring for your loved one. • Find a sanctuary where you can recharge. Even with current stay-at-home orders and social distancing orders, you can still go outside, find a park where you can walk, sit on a bench, read or meditate. • Find productive ways to release stress. Exercise is known to help both mental and physical health. Remember that artistic endeavors can be useful outlets as well. Whether you’re journaling, cooking, drawing, painting, or playing or listening to music, pursuing hobbies you love can have powerful restorative effects. • Join a support group. Support groups of all kinds can be found both in person and online. These group settings are excellent sources of friendship, validation, advice and empowerment. They’re especially helpful to caregivers who feel isolated and “stuck” on their journey. Remember, if you don’t have time to go somewhere, there are many support groups online
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Caregivers: How to Make a “no-sew” Mask For Your Elderly Loved7–8Ones inches
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CDCcut recommends wearing cloth out face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are tie strings difficult tocut maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies), especially in areas of significant community-based transmission. CDC also advises the use of simple cloth face coverings to slow the spread of the cut tiehelp strings virus and people who may have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others. Cloth face coverings fashioned from household items or made at home from common materials at low cost can be used as an additional, voluntary public health measure. Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the cloth face covering without assistance. The cloth face coverings recommended are not surgical
7–8 inches
of h Tie strings around ne then over of head.
Bandana Cloth Face Covering (no sew method) Materials
masks or N-95 respirators. Those are critical supplies that must continue to be reserved for healthcare workers and other medical first responders, as recommended by current CDC guidance. Should cloth face coverings be washed or otherwise cleaned regularly? How regularly? Yes. They should be routinely washed depending on the frequency of use. How does one safely sterilize/clean a cloth face covering? A washing machine should suffice in properly washing a cloth face covering. How does one safely remove a used cloth face covering? Individuals should be careful not to touch their eyes, nose, and mouth when removing their cloth face covering and wash hands immediately after removing.
Bandana Face (no sew method)• Scissors (if you are cutting your own cloth) • Bandana Cloth (or square cottonCovering cloth approximately 20”x20”) Materials • Rubber bands (or hair ties)
• Bandana (or square cotton cloth approximately 20”x20”) • Rubber bands (or hair ties)
• Scissors (if you are cutting your own cloth)
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Fold top down. Fold bottom up. Fold top down. Fold bottom up.
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Place rubber bands or hair ties about 6 inches apart.
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Fold side to the middle and tuck. Fold side to the middle and tuck. SENIORcare | May 2020 9
UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE
FOR DETROITERS
! e t a d p U
$600 per week more through 7/31/2020 Hey Detroit! Good news. You might now be eligible for Unemployment Insurance even if you haven’t worked in a while, have worked only part-time temporary jobs, or worked for yourself.
Under the Governor’s expanded eligibility guidelines, self-employed, under-employed, and many others can start applying. Don’t worry over whether you’re eligible – JUST APPLY.
Applications are open now at www.michigan.gov/UIA Watch for more info next week from the State of Michigan UIA, including updates on how this benefit coordinates with other public programs.
More info next week from the State of Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) and Detroit at Work. An equal opportunity employer/program. Supported by the State of Michigan, Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity. Auxiliary aids and services available upon request to individuals with disabilities.1-800-285-WORK. TTY: 711.
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Caretaker’s COVID-19 household plan of action ✔ Talk with the people who need to be included in
your plan. Meet with household members, other relatives, and friends to discuss what to do if a COVID-19 outbreak occurs in your community and what the needs of each person will be.
✔ Plan ways to care for those who might be at
greater risk for serious complications. There is limited information about who may be at risk for severe complications from COVID-19 illness. From the data that are available for COVID-19 patients, and from data for related coronaviruses such as SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV, it is possible that older adults and persons who have underlying chronic medical conditions may be at risk for more serious complications. Early data suggest older people are more likely to have serious COVID-19 illness. If you or your household members are at increased
risk for COVID-19 complications, please consult with your health care provider for more information about monitoring your health for symptoms suggestive of COVID-19. CDC will recommend actions to help keep people at high risk for complications healthy if a COVID-19 outbreak occurs in your community.
✔ Get to know your neighbors. Talk with your neigh-
bors about emergency planning. If your neighborhood has a website or social media page, consider joining it to maintain access to neighbors, information, and resources.
✔ Identify aid organizations in your community. Cre-
ate a list of local organizations that you and your household can contact in the event you need access to information, health care services, support, and resources. Consider including organizations
that provide mental health or counseling services, food, and other supplies.
✔ Create an emergency contact list. Ensure your
household has a current list of emergency contacts for family, friends, neighbors, carpool drivers, health care providers, teachers, employers, the local public health department, and other community resources.
✔ Choose a room in your home that can be used
to separate sick household members from those who are healthy. Identify a separate bathroom for the sick person to use, if possible. Plan to clean these rooms, as needed, when someone is sick. Learn how to care for someone with COVID-19 at home.
SENIORcare | May 2020 11
WE’RE IN THIS TOGETHER, MICHIGAN
Now more than ever, DTE is here for you. Working across the state to
provide food and other basic needs. Helping those facing medical challenges or loss of income. And ensuring that no one has to worry about the energy they need. Stay safe, warm and healthy, and know that DTE is here to help.
Please call (800) 477-4747 if you need assistance. 12 SENIORcare | May 2020 Creative Files: DTE Energy/Creative/20-DTE-1353 - Corona Virus Radio Scripts/Senior Care Native/R1>