Flu Season and Seniors in Brooklyn: How to Protect Your Loved One at Home
October will be the time we see the Pharmacy Signs that indicate Flu Season has begun, the sniffles are going to circulate around us via the “B” Train and Families will begin to wonder if This will be the Year Mom/Dad gets Really Sick.Most Healthy Adults who get the Flu will have a terrible experience with the symptoms of the Flu, BUT for Older Adults- The Flu could be something else entirely. The purpose of this Guide is to provide information as to What You Can Do Now: Which type of Flu Shot to Ask Your Doctor About, How to Reduce Germs in your Home, When to Call Your Doctor because you may have some Warning Sign and How a Caregiver May Be Able to Assist.
Why the Flu Is Harder on Older Adults
With growing older, people have an increasingly weak immune response and most older adults suffer from diseases like coronary artery disease (heart), Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (lung) Diabetes or others that will be worsened by having the flu. In addition, there are two common complications of the flu, pneumonia. The NYC Department of Health estimates that approximately 1500-2000 New Yorkers die annually due to the Seasonal Flu and Pneumonia. Pneumonia occurs in individuals who get the flu; however, receiving a vaccination for the flu does decrease your chances of getting severely ill with the flu, going into the Hospital due to the flu and dying from the flu. That’s why you should take this preventative measure seriously because a lot of these things are easy.
Step One: The Flu Shot
When to Get It
For most people, September or October is the ideal window, though vaccination is still worthwhile later in the season while flu viruses are circulating. Immunity takes about two weeks to build, so earlier is better than waiting for a wave to hit.
Which Flu Shot Is Best for Seniors?
If your elderly family member is over 65, you need to find out if enhanced flu vaccine types are available. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommend three different types of high-dose flu vaccines that have been proven to be effective in elderly populations: Fluzone High-Dose, Fluad (adjuvant), and Flublok (recombinant) . The studies show that the enhanced flu vaccines are very likely to produce a higher antibody level compared to the regular dose flu vaccinations.
Some practical notes about getting vaccinated:
- Do not delay seeking vaccination due to a particular brand. In that case, when the preferred (and/or) age appropriate flu vaccines are unavailable; choose another flu vaccine instead of waiting.
- Egg allergies are generally not a barrier. Individuals with egg allergies can receive any age-appropriate flu vaccine.
- A new option is available this season. In August, the food and drug administration (FDA) granted full approval for adults aged 50-64 years for the first mrna flu vaccine, mflusiva. Additionally, the FDA provided expedited (or “accelerated”) approval for adults 65 years and older as part of its ongoing research. At the time vaccinations began, availability and insurance coverage were still under development. Please consult your physician or pharmacist regarding eligibility of the mflusiva for your family member.
For the 2026–2027 season, all U.S. flu vaccines are trivalent, meaning they protect against three flu viruses.
Other Shots Can Be Given at the Same Time
The flu vaccine can be given at the same visit as the COVID-19 vaccine and, for those who are eligible, the RSV vaccine. Ask your loved one’s doctor which vaccines are recommended for them this fall, since recommendations for COVID and RSV can vary by age and health.
Where to Get Vaccinated in Brooklyn
- The patient’s primary care physician, or their local pharmacy. Many large pharmacies offer flu vaccinations.
- New York City Health & Hospital Corporation (HHC) and Gotham Health facilities. Established HHC/Gotham Health patients receive free vaccinations.
- NYC Health Map. Low cost/no cost vaccination locations may be found on the map. Patients who have little or no health coverage.
- In-home vaccinations. In years past, New York City provided in-home vaccination to its home-bound population. Contact 311 or your local NYCDOH to determine availability of these services this year.
Original Medicare (Part B) generally covers one flu shot per season. If your loved one has a Medicare Advantage plan or Medicaid, check the plan for details.
Don’t Forget the People Around Them
Vaccination is especially important for people at higher risk of serious flu complications and for those who live with or care for them. If you’re a family caregiver, getting your own flu shot is one of the best things you can do for your loved one.
Step Two: Make the Home Flu-Ready
Vaccines aren’t perfect, so it helps to layer protection.
- Wash your hands frequently, especially after being outdoors, and prior to preparing food for yourself and/or others. Keep hand sanitizer at the entrance.
- Prevent your sick guests/visitors from visiting by telling them that you would rather have them visit once they are no longer ill. This may be difficult to say to children/grandchildren/friends; however, it is worth having someone potentially miss a day or two to avoid a serious illness.
- Wipe down all high-touch areas (i.e., doorknobs, remote controls, telephones, light switches, etc.) as well as the bathroom.
- When possible open windows in the house and keep the house temperature comfortable, yet not too dry.
- Plan ahead. Stock up on essentials (e.g., thermometer, fluids, simple prepared foods, tissue, medications) to ensure you will not need to make a trip to the pharmacy while you and/or those around you are ill.
- Create a plan. Record the name of your physician’s office, the name of your pharmacy, and the names of people available to assist if your family member becomes ill.
If a caregiver or aide is coming into the home, it’s fair to ask how the agency handles sick days and what it expects from staff during flu season.
Flu Symptoms in Older Adults: What to Watch For
The classic symptoms of influenza include fever, chills, cough, sore throat, body aches, fatigue, and runny/stuffy nose. However, for some elderly individuals their influenza can appear non-classically. Older adults with the flu may have little to no fever. As opposed to a fever, there is also potential for other symptoms to be observed including:
- Unusual drowsiness/new confusion
- Weakness/suddenly falls
- Decrease in desire/appetite; decrease in consumption of fluids (i.e. water);
- Deterioration in pre-existing conditions i.e. heart/lung issues
Regardless of whether your senior presents with these new symptoms, all changes from what they normally do should warrant medical attention.
When to Call the Doctor
Call your loved one’s physician as soon as possible if you think he/she has the Flu, particularly during the first couple of days. Antiviral medication can significantly reduce the duration of the illness and help prevent serious side effects from occurring. However, antiviral medications will be most effective for reducing the duration of the illness and preventing serious side effects from occurring when administered to patients at least 48 hours after the onset of symptoms. Because older adult patients are at a higher risk for developing serious side effects associated with the Flu, it is reasonable to call their physician even before attempting to treat them on your own.
In an emergency situation, when you experience serious symptoms such as:
- Difficulty in breathing
- Shortness of breath
- Persistent, severe chest or abdominal pain or pressure
- Sudden dizziness
- Confusion
- Unusual difficulty waking from sleep
- Extreme weakness
- No urine output
- Seizure
Worsening symptoms including fever and cough after symptoms appear to have improved.This is NOT all-inclusive, nor will this be used as medical advice. If you think there may be something seriously wrong, always err on the side of caution and call.
How a Caregiver Can Help During Flu Season
Recovering from the flu at home is a lot easier with another set of hands, and it can be hard for a family member to be there around the clock. Here’s where consistent, professional support makes a difference.
When someone is sick, there are several things you as a caregiver may do.
- Provide plenty of fluids (and) make some simple meals because both dehydration and loss of appetite are very common during the flu.
- Take medication (or remind them to take their medication), including any that have been prescribed for an anti-viral.
- Look for and tell the family (or doctor) about changes in how your loved one is breathing; their level of alertness; or ability to move.
- Assist with bathing, going to the bathroom, and moving around the house carefully, which could be a time when they might fall.
- Clean and keep the environment at home neat and comfortable to help your loved one get enough rest.
Our Homecare Services cover this kind of day-to-day support for seniors who want to stay in their own homes.
In situations where there is a medical need (i.e. medication management, recovery from an illness such as pneumonia or post-hospitalization, etc.) that cannot be adequately addressed through Home Health Care services, Skilled Nursing Care at Home may be needed. More information regarding these types of services can be found on our Skilled Services webpage. If you are still uncertain regarding which service would best fit your needs, we have written a helpful guide titled “What Does Medicare Cover for Home Care in New York?” to help explain the differences between these two home health options.
After the flu, recovery can take time. Fatigue and weakness can linger for weeks. That’s a good moment to watch nutrition, gentle movement, and fall-proofing the home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the high-dose flu shot better for seniors?
The CDC preferentially recommends high-dose, adjuvanted, or recombinant vaccines for adults 65 and older because they may offer stronger protection than standard-dose shots. If one isn’t available, another age-appropriate flu vaccine is better than none.
Can the flu shot give my parent the flu?
No. Flu shots don’t cause the flu. Some people have mild side effects, such as soreness, redness, swelling at the injection site, headache, low-grade fever, or muscle aches, and these usually pass quickly.
Is it too late to get vaccinated if flu season has started?
No. Vaccination is recommended throughout the season while flu viruses are circulating, though earlier is better.
Can my loved one get the flu and COVID vaccines together?
Yes, they can be given at the same visit. Check with their doctor about which vaccines they need this fall.
What if my loved one can’t leave the house?
Ask their doctor about in-home options, and check with 311 or the NYC Health Department about programs for homebound residents.
How can I tell the flu from a cold?
The flu usually comes on suddenly and feels worse, with fever, body aches, and exhaustion. But symptoms overlap with colds and COVID-19, and older adults may show different signs, so when in doubt, call the doctor.
Need an Extra Hand This Season?
If you’re helping a parent or spouse get through flu season and could use support, the team at Angel Care in Brooklyn is here to talk through what might help. Whether you need regular assistance at home or want to understand your options for skilled care, we’re happy to answer questions.
This article is for general information only and isn’t medical advice. Talk with your loved one’s doctor or pharmacist about vaccines and treatment, and call 911 in an emergency. Vaccine recommendations and availability can change, so confirm current guidance with the CDC or the NYC Health Department.
Many people wish to remain in their home while aging or living with a disability. However, many families that live in Brooklyn and throughout New York State may find themselves asking the same question as their family member's needs become greater: Will we need to put our loved one into a nursing home? There are other options for those families. A New York Medicaid program known as the Nursing Home Transition and Diversion (NHTD) waiver provides an option to allow individuals to be cared for at home rather than being placed in a long-term care facility. This is a guide to explain what this is, who can qualify for services under this program, what the program covers, and how the process functions. What Is the NHTD Waiver? NHTD is a Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver. The program was approved pursuant to Section 1915 (c), of Title XIX of the Social Security Act. The statute allows for states to provide services typically not provided by Medicaid, if they can be demonstrated to prevent institutionalization. The name of this program illustrates what it aims to accomplish: Transition: assisting individuals presently residing in a nursing home or other healthcare facility to transition back to their home environment. Diversion: assisting individuals currently living at home to remain there instead of requiring admission to a nursing home. Current Status: Enrollment Is Limited Before we continue there is one very important update. All waivers under section 1915(c) have a federal approved maximum number of participants and like other 1915(c) waivers New York has raised this ceiling more than once but instead of processing additional referrals for the program at this time because the state health department stated that it cannot process additional referrals because the approved maximum number of participants has been reached. the Department of Health shares availability updates with the regional centers as spaces become available and referrals are handled on a first-come, first-served basis when spaces become available. What does this mean to your family? Check if spaces are available before you go any further. Contact your Regional Resource Development Center (RRDC) to find out whether or not spaces are available. The list of rrd's is posted on the Department of Health web site. Do not wait until spaces are available to prepare by gathering all required paperwork such as proof of Medicaid coverage and age so that you will be ready when a space opens. Explore Other Options while you are waiting. Other ways to get care at home are covered in the "Other Options" section below. Rules and availability change frequently, always confirm current situations with the state prior to making plans. Who Is Eligible for NHTD? According to the Department of Health, an applicant must be eligible for community-based Medicaid, be assessed as needing nursing home level of care, and be either 18 to 64 with a verified physical disability or 65 or older. The person must also be able to live safely in the community with the services and supports available. What does that mean? Eligibility for Medicaid. NHTD is a Medicaid program therefore the applicant must have active Medicaid coverage for community based long term care. If the applicant does not currently have Medicaid they will need to apply through their Local Department of Social Services first. For example, if the applicant lives in New York City, this would be the Human Resources Administration (HRA). Functional assessment - not just diagnosis. This determination is made by a registered nurse completing the state's Uniform Assessment System (uas- ny) and obtaining a nursing facility level of care score of five. People who are being discharged from hospitals or nursing homes are often evaluated with another tool first. Who Is Not Eligible? Many Brooklyn families are surprised by this. A person who is residing within an Assisted Living Program or some other form of licensed congregate care cannot enroll. The same rule applies for individuals who are enrolled in Managed Long Term Care (MLTC), PACE, Health Homes or Health and Recovery Plans. In order to do so; they would have to request being disenrolled from one of those programs first. Before you make any decisions about dropping a Managed Long Term Care plan which currently supplies them with services, it is essential to discuss these options thoroughly with your loved ones' care team. Ending a managed long term care plan will require a major life change. What Services Does NHTD Cover? A variety of services are available to participants in NHTD. Each participant selects the services they need. Examples include: A Service Coordinator is assigned to every participant. Home and Community Support Services, including Personal Care and Support Meals delivered to your home; Meals served in groups in public locations Modifying the environment to make it easier for you to live independently (e.g., installing a ramp into your house or adapting your bathroom) Assistance Technology (e.g., computers, wheel chairs, etc.) Medical Professionals making home visits to assist you with health concerns Respiratory Therapy (when needed) Support to Family Caregivers who provide respite Training in Independent Living Skills Counseling/Wellness Counseling designed to promote social and community integration Nutrition Education/Counseling Peer Mentoring Day Programs Transportation (social) Relocating Assistance / Transitional Services in the community Positive Behavioral Interventions/Solutions It's this mix of services that makes NHTD an alternative to traditional "home care" service. In addition to paying for the hands-on help with the daily tasks of living, NHTD can also fund home modification, meal delivery, transportation and coordination. You can see how everyday support at home works on our Homecare Services page. How to Apply: Step by Step The process starts with contacting the RRDC in the area in which the individual intends to live. Services cannot be initiated prior to approval by the RRDC of the applicant's application. This is the basic process: Ensure that there is Medicaid available for the applicant. First contact your local Medicaid agency regarding the need for Medicaid. Contact the RRDC. Referrals are made to the RRDC via telephone, mail, or the use of a referral form. Family members, guardians, social workers, and nursing home discharge planners may assist with making these referrals. Attend the Intake Meeting. At this time the RRDC will explain its programs; review all required documentation (proof of Medicaid, age, and disability for applicants less than 65 years old); and request that the applicant sign a Freedom of Choice document. Select a Service Coordination Provider. An applicant has 30 calendar days from receipt of notification of their eligibility determination to identify a Service Coordination provider. Complete the Application. With assistance from the applicant’s Service Coordinator, the initial Service Plan and Plan of Protective Oversight will be created. The Plan of Protective Oversight will outline measures to ensure the applicant’s safety and emergency back-up plans. In addition, the applicant’s Nurse Assessment will also occur during this phase of the application process. Wait for RRDC Approval. The RRDC has 14 days after receipt of a complete application to make a final determination of eligibility. Receive Notification of Eligibility Determination. When an applicant is found eligible, services may begin on the day specified by the RRDC. How Long Does It Take? The time frame varies depending on how much the individual needs. For example, if the applicant is moving into his/her own apartment and has adequate informal support along with a service coordinator, it may be as little as one to three months. On the other hand, leaving a nursing home could take several months to complete. Denial of Application The decision made by the state does not always represent the last word. A participant who is denied will have the right to schedule a Case Conference. In addition, a participant may also elect to hold a Fair Hearing. As such, there is a 60-day window within which a participant may appeal a denial based upon the application date shown on the denial letter. There are a number of common reasons why applications for NHTD benefits are denied including but limited to; low scores resulting from the level-of-care assessment, inability to provide evidence that they would be able to find a housing location to relocate to, etc. Other Options While You Wait If NHTD isn't available right now, or your loved one doesn't qualify, you still have routes to explore: Medicaid long-term care in the community. Many New Yorkers get personal care at home through Medicaid, often via a Managed Long Term Care plan. NY Connects. This is the state's one-stop line for finding long-term care services and supports in your area. Local Area Agencies on Aging. In New York City, NYC Aging can point you to home-delivered meals, in-home services, and caregiver support. EISEP. The Expanded In-Home Services for the Elderly Program offers some non-medical in-home help. Open Doors. If your loved one is currently in a nursing home or hospital and wants to return home, this free program provides transition support and peer mentors. Private pay or long-term care insurance. Some families use these to bridge gaps. For medical needs at home, see our Skilled Services. If you're also wondering how Medicare fits in, we explain that in our guide to whether Medicare covers home care in New York. Frequently Asked Questions What does NHTD stand for? Nursing Home Transition and Diversion. Is NHTD only for seniors? No. It serves adults aged 18 to 64 with a verified physical disability, as well as people 65 and older. Someone who enrolls before 65 can typically continue after turning 65. Can I be on NHTD and in an MLTC plan at the same time? Generally no. The state doesn't allow duplicated services, so MLTC members must disenroll from their plan to join NHTD. Does NHTD pay for a family member to provide care? That depends on the specific service and program rules. Ask your service coordinator or RRDC about the current policy. Can a family member help with the application? Yes. With the applicant's approval, a family member, legal guardian, social worker, or discharge planner can assist. Is NHTD accepting new applicants right now? Availability changes. The state has reported that enrollment has reached its approved maximum, so call your regional RRDC to ask about current openings. Need Help Understanding Your Options? Sorting out Medicaid programs, waivers, and care levels can feel like a second job, especially when you're already caring for someone you love. If you'd like to talk through what kind of support could work for your family, the team at Angel Care in Brooklyn is happy to help. You can also learn more on our NHTD page. This article is for general information only and isn't legal, medical, or financial advice. Eligibility rules and program availability are set by New York State and change over time. Please confirm current details with the New York State Department of Health or your Regional Resource Development Center.
