Robin E. Hatch RN was previously nurse at both the Carroll Center for the Blind and the Perkins School. Since retirement she herself has suffered from auto immune retinopathy.

General Advice from Robin

Local radio and TV stations are putting out daily updates on the spread of the coronavirus for our area and probably yours too .

Local radio bulletins have useful information on topics like which groceries are making a special time for disabled people and seniors to shop, so we are less exposed to other shoppers.

Now that most Senior centers and libraries are closed your radio or TV station may also be the best place for information about Meals on Wheels, food pantries, and other volunteer assistance.

if there are still wintery days where you are, be sure that you are warm enough with layers of clothing, sunglasses and a hat, and flip top mittens for using your phone. Don’t go out if the temperature is really low.

Religious services are now mostly online because churches and other places of worship are closed. Ask a family member   or friend from church to find a set-up that will work for you.

Medical Advice

Don’t go to the Emergency Room – they are getting overwhelmed. Call your primary care physician or go to Urgent care. putting all the very sick people in one place is not good. Also some insurance is charging $1600 for an emergency visit unless you arrive in an ambulance.

There is talk about drive-through testing, but it’s not available in most areas. Ask your doctor what’s available in your town.

Consider delaying regular medical check-ups, so you aren’t exposed to sick people. This also frees up medical staff for urgent cases.

Pharmacy Advice

Get a flu shot if you haven’t had one especially the high dose for seniors.

Some pharmacies will set up your home meds in your organizer, I hope they are still doing that.

You can order pills in blister packs with tablets for each time of day together in a “blister but this usually costs more.

Target, Walgreens, CVS, and Walmart will all deliver meds.

Hannah adds: Mail order pharmacies are conveniet and meds can be cheaper than from a local pharmacy. Some health insurance allow you to have a mail order and a local pharmacy, so you can have regular meds delivered, and still have a local pharmacy for urgent needs.

Medicare is also talking about Telehealth, using video on your phone to show your doctor what’s wrong. But it’s still in the future. Amazon is also beginning a similar project Amazon Care but it’s in the future too.

This is a scary time! And brings extra anxiety for anyone with new or recent vision loss, and those with long-term blindness or vision impairment.

I hope you will take good care of your mental as well as your physical health. My post on Tuesday March 31 will have suggestions for you.