Weekly COVID-19 Update

Hello COA community! We hope this finds you in good health and good spirits as we all are adjusting to our new normal. You are used to hearing from us quarterly… and occasionally more frequently. But, with the COVID-19 pandemic and the especially large impact it’s having on the senior population, we are shifting to a weekly communication for now to keep you informed about the quickly changing pandemic landscape and our response on behalf of the health and safety of seniors and those with disabilities in our region.

COVID-19 101 The sheer amount of information about COVID-19 in the media and online is enough to make one’s head spin. We recommend that you look only to trustworthy, legitimate sources for your information . This page on our website has a number of links to legitimate organizations, and the FTC has an excellent article about how to think critically about Coronavirus news and information.

Seniors at risk While there are still many unknown things about COVID-19, data confirms that the elderly population is at higher risk for complications and death from the disease . If you have a senior in your life, it's important to understand more about the disease and precautions to take to avoid becoming sick .

COA's COVID-19 response

Food and supplies We're on the front lines of working to make sure seniors in our service area have access to food and other essential items during this time: We're soliciting donations so we can provide meals to our clients in case of Meals on Wheels distribution disruption and also to seniors who don't normally receive meals through our programs. You may donate here. We've partnered with Frame USA's charity initiative, FilltheTruck.org, to accept donations for essential personal care items for seniors. Donors may purchase items on the FilltheTruck.org website, or drop off items at designated locations/times. Details are here. We are soliciting donations of medical gloves and masks to give to our home care providers who are running low or out of these supplies. Email covid19volunteers@help4seniors.org if you have supplies to donate.

Resources for seniors during the COVID-19 pandemic We've published a number of resources on our website for those who may not be able to access food and supplies through normal means during this time, or who may need help dealing with being isolated at home: Food pantry list Instructions for online grocery ordering and links to grocers List of stores with dedicated shopping hours for seniors and others at risk Ideas for staying busy and engaged while at home Mental health resources Helping Quarantined Seniors and Others (from Ohio Department of Health) Avoiding Coronavirus Scams (from Federal Trade Commission)

Organizing volunteers A number of organizations and individuals have offered their time to help seniors in our area. We have employees mobilizing volunteers to help with meal boxes, donation collection, checking in on seniors by phone and more. If you are interested in volunteering, please email covid19volunteers@help4seniors.org .

Other important COVID-19 info

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted and changed some very important government services.  Ohio primary election moves to vote-by-mail. See how you can vote. Social Security offices are closed to the public. How to reach SS. Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles locations are closed. How does this affect you? There is an urgent need for blood donations. How to donate. Ohio has resources for economic support for those whose jobs or business are affected by the pandemic Tax returns: Federal Tax Day is now July 15 Despite COVID-19, the 2020 Census is still happening

Pro Seniors still here to help We wanted to help spread the word that despite the COVID-19 pandemic, Pro Seniors is still available for free legal consultations by phone for Ohioans 60 and older. Some of their ombusdmen have also been handling visits to nursing home residents via FaceTime. Call them at (513) 345-4160.

And now for some good news...

To steal a line from Fred Rogers, “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” We wanted to share some stories about people rising to the occasion during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Local volunteers help seniors who are afraid to leave home to get groceries Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Amy Acton is inspiring a generation of young Ohioans 4 Bright Spots Amid the Gloom of Coronavirus New Yorkers Cheer for Healthcare Workers FDA approves mask-sterilizing technology developed in Ohio

Council on Aging of Southwestern Ohio (COA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing quality of life for older adults, people with disabilities, their families and caregivers. We promote choice, independence, dignity and well-being through a range of services that help people remain in their homes for as long as possible.

Council on Aging of Southwestern Ohio | Visit us today!

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