Vaccination Awareness
Pneumonia and complications from influenza together represent the seventh leading cause of death for older adults. Besides protection against these viruses, properly vaccinated frail elders have a lower incidence of respiratory failure, kidney failure and heart attack. Call Independence-4-Seniors in Dupage County today to schedule a free in-home assessment, and we can help to encourage and facilitate proper vaccinations as a part of healthy aging at home.
Downloadable Tools and Tips:
Click the links to view or right click to print or save to your computer.
Web Resources:
Click the links below to access resource websites to learn more about vaccinations for seniors.
Information on Vaccine Selection for 2012/2013 Season
Each year, experts study virus samples collected from around the world to identify the influenza viruses that are the most likely to cause illness during the upcoming flu season. The seasonal flu vaccine is always made up of three virus strains, one from each of the main groups of influenza viruses circulating in humans. This maximizes the likelihood of protection against the flu. Find out more information on this year’s vaccine from this link to the CDC website.
Information on the new Fluzone High-Dose Vaccine for Seniors
This season, seniors can choose a higher dose vaccine designed specifically for people age 65 and older. Fluzone High-Dose vaccine contains 4 times the amount of antigen (the part of the vaccine that prompts the body to make antibody) contained in regular flu shots. Because aging decreases the body’s ability to have a good immune response after vaccination, the additional antigen is intended to create a stronger immune response and thus better protection against the flu in the senior. Learn more at the link below to the CDC website.
Local Flu Vaccination Center Finder
Flu.gov provides this handy tool to find places to receive vaccinations in your local area.
Test Your Knowledge About Shingles
Frequently Asked Questions about Shingles and other helpful information from ShinglesInfo.com.
Pneumococcal Vaccine
The Immunization Action Coalition offers a detailed Q&A page explaining and educating on the pneumococcal vaccine.
Preventive Health Measures After 50
There are a number of recommended screenings for potential health issues and key ways to maintain health in people age 50 and up. Check out these ways to stay healthy from eHow.
Resources by Category
Caregiver Support and Tips
- The Hidden Patient: The Alzheimer’s Caregiver
- Caring for Parents While Caring for Children
- Including Seniors in Holiday Activities
- Supporting the Family Caregiver with Respite Care
Choices and Decisions
- Difficult Decisions Made Easier Through Assessments
- Planning for Long-Term Care – Options to Age at Home
- Warning Signs That Care at Home May Be Needed
- Benefits of Home Care
- Options to Pay for Home Care
Finding Answers in Home Care
- Helping Persons with ALS Live a Full Life in the Comfort of Home
- Accepting a Little Help to Maintain Independence at Home
- Medication Management: Home Care’s Assistance Reduces Hospital Readmissions
- Recognizing Warning Signs over the Holidays that Care is Needed
- Modifying a Home for Fall Prevention
- Care for the Heart
- Diet and Nutrition for Seniors
- Making the Home Safer for Aging in Place
- Exercise for Seniors
Information - Inside and Out
- Help with Home Care Equipment and Adaptive Devices
- Stroke Awareness
- Quality In-Home Care as a Consumer Protection Issue
- Diabetes Information for Patients and Providers
- Maximizing Time with Doctors
- Vaccination Awareness
- Parkinson’s Disease-Challenges and Choices
- Technology to Enhance Independence at Home
- Resource Links
- Newsletters from Independence-4-Seniors
How do we begin to thank you for the wonderful support and care you gave to Mom and the entire family. Her illness was brief, which was a blessing. Out of all the bad came some good. We were honored to have Eileen move so willingly into Mom’s home and care for her for those few weeks. She not only took care of Mom, but all of us. She tenderly guided us through the process of Mom’s death. Eileen is an amazing and talented woman who quickly became a part of our family. We are richer people for her presence in our lives. It became apparent that there were angels along the journey of Mom’s illness and death. The both of you and especially Eileen are among those angels. Thank you!
