My Parents at the age 65...

Hello,

Learning that someone you love is living with HIV can be very difficult news to hear. It's wonderful that you are being supportive of your parents and want to help them, as they are likely having a difficult time with the news themselves. The Well Project has several resources that your parents may find helpful. If they are not comfortable with reading things online, perhaps you could read it to them or print it off for them to read in private.  

First and foremost, it is important that your parents connect with a health care provider and begin discussions about starting HIV treatment. It is now widely accepted that starting HIV treatment as early as possible is the best thing for a person’s health. HIV is no longer considered a death sentence; rather, people living with HIV can now expect to live long, healthy, fulfilling lives when they take HIV treatment.

If your parents live in the US, they can use the POZ health services directory to find a provider near them. If they live outside the US, they can use NAM’s e-atlas to find the services they need.   

You and/or your parents may also find it helpful to read the following articles:

• What is HIV?
• Did you just test HIV+?
• Considerations before starting HIV treatment
• Older Women and HIV
• Aging and HIV
• Stigma and discrimination against women living with HIV

Because it is very common for older adults living with HIV to feel isolated, and because this isolation can lead to depression and poorer health, your parents may find it helpful to connect with others through virtual or in-person support groups. The Well Project has a community of courageous women living with HIV who share their experiences online as part of our A Girl Like Me blog. Many of their stories are quite inspiring. 

Best wishes to you and your family,
Jennifer

Jennifer Johnsen
Managing Editor, The Well Project
jjohnsen@thewellproject.org