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Aging
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President Biden wants to increase the federal minimum wage to $15. The hike is part of his $1.9 trillion stimulus plan. In Arizona, the minimum wage is already $12.15 an hour. But raising the minimum wage could have lasting effects on the disability community.
Feb. 1, 2021
More than 12,000 Arizonans have died from COVID-19. Many of those deaths took place in long-term care facilities, which means the person who was passing might have died alone. For surviving family members, that can lead to overwhelming feelings of guilt and regret.
Jan. 27, 2021
Nearly 11 months have passed since nursing homes closed their doors to visitors because of the coronavirus pandemic. Some states, including Arizona, have resumed family visits under certain circumstances. Now, a new report highlights what some family members discovered once they were allowed back in.
Jan. 22, 2021
Arizona lawmakers are back in session at the state Capitol. But some advocates worry that not enough is being done to give people with disabilities and older adults a chance to participate in upcoming legislative hearings that could impact them.
Jan. 21, 2021
Residents and staff at long term care facilities — who were included in the first group of those to get COVID-19 vaccines — are still in the process of getting their shots. And while progress is being made, there is still a long way to go before everyone in this high-risk group is protected.
Jan. 14, 2021
Some Arizona nursing home caregivers are still waiting to get the COVID-19 vaccine, but that’s only part of the story. KJZZ talked to one caregiver who got the shot. She has this account.
Jan. 11, 2021
Arizona's homebound seniors are people who really don’t leave their homes. They may go to a doctor’s appointment, but often rely on volunteers for a ride or food shopping. And they are just as vulnerable to COVID-19 as older adults in long-term care.
Jan. 11, 2021
Four years after Arizona State University announced plans to open an intergenerational high-rise community called Mirabella in the heart of Tempe’s campus, residents are finally moving in — albeit during a global pandemic.
Jan. 11, 2021
Many residents and staff at long-term care facilities have already received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine. But some Arizona caregivers are worried about getting the shot and have decided to wait.
Jan. 7, 2021
The coronavirus pandemic has led to a host of new scams aimed at older adults — everything from fake COVID-19 cures to door-to-door sanitation services. Now the Federal Trade Commission published a blog post warning of coronavirus vaccine scams.
Dec. 23, 2020
Even before the coronavirus pandemic, many older adults were struggling with isolation. The issue has gotten even worse over the last ten months. Staying connected to these vulnerable adults who often live alone means thinking outside the box.
Dec. 23, 2020
Residents and staff at long-term care facilities will begin getting vaccinated for the coronavirus starting Dec. 27. That’s what the head of the Arizona Department of Health Services told a handful of reporters on Friday, including KJZZ’s Kathy Ritchie.
Dec. 11, 2020
Last week, the committee that recommends which groups will get first access to coronavirus vaccines said nursing home residents should get priority. Governor Ducey appeared to echo that. KJZZ’s Kathy Ritchie talked to one long-term care operator about how they’re preparing for vaccines when they become available.
Dec. 7, 2020
Ageism is one of those “isms” that seems to get a pass, unlike sexism or racism. Most of us have either been on the receiving end of ageism or, worse, guilty of it. This story explores the power of ageism and ageist language.
→ Justice In Aging Director: Coronavirus Exposes Deep-Seated Ageism
→ Justice In Aging Director: Coronavirus Exposes Deep-Seated Ageism
Dec. 3, 2020
Arizona appears to be on the brink of another coronavirus surge, and like before, it’ll impact residents in long-term care. This latest wave could hit around the holidays.
Nov. 16, 2020
Eight months after the country shut down due to the coronavirus pandemic, family caregivers continue to struggle. Even though restaurants, gyms and schools are mostly open for business, many of the respite services caregivers relied on, like adult day programs, remain closed. The price? Caregiver burnout.
→ Get The Latest News On COVID-19 In Arizona
→ Get The Latest News On COVID-19 In Arizona
Nov. 14, 2020
The industry group that represents long-term care across the country is warning of an uptick in coronavirus cases in nursing homes. Arizona could soon see another spike in cases. The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living released a report showing a 43% increase in new cases, mostly in the Midwest.
Nov. 3, 2020
Despite an uptick in coronavirus cases, long-term care facilities are reporting that family visits are going well. Dana Kennedy, the state director of AARP Arizona, said nice weather allows for safer outdoor visits.
Oct. 30, 2020
COVID-19 has exposed the role ageism plays in our society. And it’s not just the very old that it’s hurting. A study has found that people 55 and up now face higher unemployment rates than mid-career workers.
Oct. 30, 2020
Eligible Arizona voters living in long-term care and hospitals have until 5 p.m. Friday to request a ballot for the upcoming presidential election.
The message from AARP Arizona was clear: "Just because you're in a long-term care facility doesn't mean that you're not able to vote."
Oct. 23, 2020
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