The Importance of Vaccinations for Frail AdultsAs a trusted home health partner, we understand the critical role that vaccinations play in safeguarding the health of frail adults. During National Immunization Awareness Month this August, we emphasize the importance of immunizations in preventing severe illnesses and complications, particularly among vulnerable populations.The Role of Vaccinations in Frail AdultsVaccinations are a cornerstone of preventive healthcare, particularly for frail adults who are at a higher risk of complications from infectious diseases. Immunizations help to: Prevent Disease: Vaccines prevent diseases such as influenza, pneumonia, and shingles, which can be particularly severe in older and frail adults. Reduce Hospitalizations: Immunizations reduce the incidence of hospitalizations due to vaccine-preventable diseases, decreasing the burden on healthcare systems and improving patient outcomes. Enhance Quality of Life: By preventing disease, vaccines help maintain the quality of life for frail adults, allowing them to remain more independent and active. Community Immunity: Vaccinating frail adults contributes to herd immunity, protecting those who are unable to be vaccinated due to medical conditions. Key Statistics on the Impact of Vaccinations Influenza: Each year, influenza vaccination prevents an estimated 3.2 million medical visits and 79,000 hospitalizations among adults aged 65 and older (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2020). Pneumococcal Disease: Vaccination against pneumococcal disease has been shown to reduce the risk of invasive pneumococcal disease by 60-70% in older adults (Jackson et al., 2003). Shingles: The shingles vaccine reduces the incidence of shingles by 51% and postherpetic neuralgia by 67% in adults aged 60 years and older (Oxman et al., 2005). Our Commitment to Vaccine Education and RemindersAs your partner in home health care, we are committed to working collaboratively with you to ensure that your patients are well-informed about the importance of vaccinations. Our services include: Educational Outreach: Providing patients with information on the benefits of vaccines and addressing any concerns or misconceptions they may have. Personalized Vaccine Schedules: Assisting in the creation of personalized vaccine schedules tailored to each patients health status and medical history. Timely Reminders: Sending reminders for upcoming vaccinations to ensure patients receive their immunizations on schedule. Coordination with Healthcare Providers: Collaborating with healthcare providers to ensure seamless vaccine administration and follow-up care. By partnering with us, you can enhance your patients health and wellbeing through comprehensive vaccination education and support. Together, we can make a significant impact in preventing disease and improving health outcomes for frail adults.For more information on how we can support your patients immunization needs, please contact us.ReferencesCenters for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Estimated influenza illnesses, medical visits, hospitalizations, and deaths in the United States 20192020 influenza season. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/burden/2019-2020.htmlJackson, L. A., Neuzil, K. M., Yu, O., Benson, P., Barlow, W. E., Adams, A. L., & Thompson, R. S. (2003). Effectiveness of pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine in older adults. New England Journal of Medicine, 348(18), 1747-1755. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa022678Oxman, M. N., Levin, M. J., Johnson, G. R., Schmader, K. E., Straus, S. E., Gelb, L. D., & Shingles Prevention Study Group. (2005). A vaccine to prevent herpes zoster and postherpetic neuralgia in older adults. New England Journal of Medicine, 352(22), 2271-2284. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa051016

The JAAs Mollies Meals program delivers over 28,000 meals annually to seniors in the Squirrel Hill, Greenfield, and Shadyside areas. Dedicated volunteers bring nutritious meal options directly to the doors of homebound older adults who are unable to prepare their own meals. In addition to providing a hearty meal, these visits also offer a friendly greeting and an opportunity for connection.In partnership with the Allegheny County Area Agency on Aging, the program ensures that these fresh meals are affordable, thanks to subsidies. Designed to be easily microwaved or frozen for future use, the meals offer flexibility and convenience for the recipients.But dont just take our word for it! Hear from one of our very satisfied customers: I am a relatively active senior but have a difficult time shopping and Im not always motivated to cook for myself. My out-of-town daughter encouraged me to try Mollies Meals. And I am so glad that I did. Now mealtime is a treat! I anxiously await the arrival of my cheerful volunteer who always has an extra minute to visit while she makes sure I am well!  Your meals have truly changed my life and my outlook! I cant thank you enough. PS. My daughter AND my doctor second those words of gratitude!!Mollies Meals isnt just about providing foodits also about the relationships our volunteers build with recipients. These bonds allow our volunteers to notice when something is wrong. For instance, when Chris arrived to deliver Mr. Hs meal, she grew concerned when he hadnt picked up his morning newspaper and wasnt answering his phone. Then, when he didnt answer his door as usual, she contacted the Mollies Meals office. We reached out to his nearby emergency contact who had a key. It turned out Mr. H had fallen and couldnt reach the phone or door. Thanks to our driver, Mr. H was able to get the help he needed. After a few days in the hospital, Mr. H was back on his feet and now wears a life alert button.If you would like to register yourself or a loved one to receive Mollies Meals, or if you would like to become one of our compassionate volunteer deliverers, please call the Mollies Meals office at 412-521-7616.-Sharyn Rubin, MEdDirector of Resident & Community Services

Aging brings changes that can affect how our bodies handle and react to food. As we get older, a weakened immune system makes us more vulnerable to foodborne illnesses. Common infections like salmonella, E. coli, and listeria can be more severe for seniors, potentially leading to hospitalization or even death. Recognizing these risks encourages taking the precautions needed to stay safe.September marks National Food Safety Education Month, making it an ideal time to focus on safe cooking practices.Proper Food StorageStoring food correctly is one of the first steps to ensuring food safety. Keeping foods at the right temperature is vital to prevent bacteria growth. Refrigerate perishable items within two hours of purchase or cooking. Your fridge should be set at 40F or lower, and your freezer at 0F.Organize your refrigerator and freezer to keep raw meats away from ready-to-eat foods like fruits and vegetables. Use clear containers and bags to help identify leftovers, and label them with dates.Different foods have different storage durations. For example, cooked meats can be stored for 3-4 days in the fridge, fresh poultry for 1-2 days, and leftovers for 3-4 days.Safe Food HandlingHow we handle food can also impact its safety. Always wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds before and after handling food, especially raw meat. Use separate cutting boards for raw meats and vegetables. Clean surfaces and utensils thoroughly after each use to avoid cross-contamination.Make sure your knives, cutting boards, and other utensils are clean and in good condition. Replace any damaged items that could harbor bacteria.Safe Food Preparation TechniquesPreparing food safely ensures that harmful bacteria are killed. Each type of food needs to be cooked to a specific temperature to ensure it's safe. For example:Poultry: 165FGround meat: 160FFish: 145FA food thermometer is the best way to check if food is cooked properly. Insert it into the thickest part of the meat and wait for the correct reading. When reheating leftovers, make sure they reach at least 165F to kill any bacteria that may have formed while stored.Additional Tips for SeniorsBesides storage, handling, and preparation, there are more ways to keep food safe. Know the signs of spoiled food. If it smells off, has an unusual color, or mold, throw it out. When in doubt, it's better to be safe than sorry.Wiping down surfaces, cleaning appliances, and regularly emptying the trash will keep your kitchen clean and prevent bacteria build-up.Drink plenty of water and eat a balanced diet to support your overall health. Proper nutrition helps your body fend off potential illnesses.Need Assistance with Meal Planning and Prep?Carers must ensure food safety for seniors to prevent harmful illnesses. By following these simple yet crucial tipsproper storage, careful handling, and correct preparationyou can enjoy safe and healthy meals. Do you or a loved one need help with safe cooking or any other senior care services? Contact Senior Helpers Greeley in Fort Collins, Loveland, Greeley, Wellington, and Longmont to see how we can assist you in living a happy, healthy life call our office today 970-373-3858.