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Aging - FAQs:
Yes, the shingles vaccine is recommended for healthy seniors.
Anyone who has recovered from chickenpox may develop shingles, including children. However, shingles most commonly occurs in people 50 years old and older. The risk of getting shingles increases as a person gets older. People who have medical conditions that keep the immune system from working properly, like cancer, leukemia, lymphoma, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), or people who receive immunosuppressive drugs, such as steroids and drugs given after organ transplantation are also at greater risk to get shingles.
Some people should NOT get shingles vaccine.
- A person who has ever had a life-threatening or severe allergic reaction to gelatin, the antibiotic neomycin, or any other component of shingles vaccine. Tell your doctor if you have any severe allergies.
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A person who has a weakened immune system because of
- HIV/AIDS or another disease that affects the immune system,
- treatment with drugs that affect the immune system, such as steroids,
- cancer treatment such as radiation or chemotherapy,
- a history of cancer affecting the bone marrow or lymphatic system, such as leukemia or lymphoma.
- Women who are or might be pregnant
For information about whether you should get a shingles vaccine, talk with your health care provider.
More information about Shingles and the vaccine from CDC and FDA:
Preparedness
Being prepared is the best way to reduce the effects of a natural disaster or other emergency. There are a number of Web sites that can provide invaluable information about planning and readiness:
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Preparedness Today: Maintaining a Healthy State of Mind for Seniors (CDC and the American Red Cross)
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Get a Kit, Make A Plan, Be Informed (for Older Americans) (Homeland Security)
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Get a Kit, Make A Plan, Be Informed (for People with Disabilities and Other Special Needs) (Homeland Security)
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Keeping Food and Water Safe after a Natural Disaster or Power Outage (CDC)
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Surviving an Earthquake (CDC)
Pet Information
Call the police or 9-1-1 immediately if someone you know is in immediate, life-threatening danger.
If the danger is not immediate, but you suspect that abuse has occurred or is occurring, please tell someone. Relay your concerns to the local adult protective services, long-term care ombudsman, or the police.
If you have been the victim of abuse, exploitation, or neglect, you are not alone. Many people care and can help. Please tell your doctor, a friend, or a family member you trust, or call the Eldercare Locator help line immediately.
You can reach the Eldercare Locator by telephone at 1-800-677-1116. Specially trained operators will refer you to a local agency that can help. The Eldercare Locator is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time.
The laws in most states require helping professions in the front lines -- such as doctors and home health providers -- to report suspected abuse or neglect. These professionals are called mandated reporters. Under the laws of eight states, "any person" is required to report a suspicion of mistreatment.
Important Links
National Center on Elder Abuse Listing of State Elder Abuse Hotlines
http://www.ncea.aoa.gov/NCEAroot/Main_Site/Find_Help/State_Resources.aspx
Eldercare Locator: Community Assistance for Seniors
http://www.eldercare.gov/Eldercare.NET/Public/Index.aspx
The seasonal flu shot can be given on the same day as any other vaccine, including the shingles and the pneumococcal vaccine. If given on the same day, the shots should be given in different sites on the body. If desired, they can also be given at any interval before or after each other.
Elder abuse is a term referring to any knowing, intentional, or negligent act by a caregiver or any other person that causes harm or a serious risk of harm to a vulnerable adult. The specificity of laws varies from state to state, but broadly defined, abuse may be:
- Physical Abuse - Inflicting, or threatening to inflict, physical pain or injury on a vulnerable elder, or depriving them of a basic need.
- Emotional Abuse - Inflicting mental pain, anguish, or distress on an elder person through verbal or nonverbal acts.
- Sexual Abuse - Non-consensual sexual contact of any kind.
- Exploitation - Illegal taking, misuse, or concealment of funds, property, or assets of a vulnerable elder.
- Neglect - Refusal or failure by those responsible to provide food, shelter, health care or protection for a vulnerable elder.
- Self Neglect - Characterized as the behavior of an elderly person that threatens his/her own health or safety and generally manifests itself by failure to provide himself/herself with adequate food, water, clothing, shelter, personal hygiene, medication (when indicated), and safety precautions.
- Abandonment - The desertion of a vulnerable elder by anyone who has assumed the responsibility for care or custody of that person.
Elder abuse can affect people of all ethnic backgrounds and social status and can affect both men and women.
Important Links:
The Social Security Administration (SSA), formerly a part of HHS, became an independent federal agency on March 31, 1995. For more information about your social security records, retirement and disability benefits, and assistance for survivors of benefit recipients, please contact SSA at http://www.ssa.gov.
The Administration on Aging (AOA) Eldercare Locator is a free, online service that can connect you with resources and programs designed to assist seniors in your area.
The Eldercare Locator web site: http://www.eldercare.gov/Eldercare.NET/Public/Index.aspx
You may speak to an Eldercare Locator information specialist by calling toll-free at 1-800-677-1116 weekdays, 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (ET). Spanish-speaking Information Specialists are also on duty.
