These Services are Still Available for Seniors During COVID-19

by Glenn Ditman

Senior citizens in our area are facing challenges with the reality of living in a world with COVID-19. Many of the services once available to seniors have either been cut entirely or forced to adapt to new rules restricting socialization.

There are, however, some services still available through the Tuolumne County Senior Center and the Area 12 Agency on Aging to help seniors in need.

.

Tuolumne County Senior Center

The Senior Center in Sonora, located adjacent to the library on Greenley Road, has traditionally been a place where seniors can meet to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, join exercise classes, and get information about local services to aid in daily living.

Before the crisis hit, the Senior Center was even geared up to help seniors learn more about using technology by partnering them with high school seniors looking to complete a senior project. Unfortunately— and along with other resources, such as the library— the Senior Center itself is still closed. But, there is still some help available.

.

Grab a Bite to Eat

Each Monday and Thursday from 11:45am – 12:30pm, seniors can get a hot meal and/or a sack lunch as part of the Senior Lunch Program. In addition to partnering with Mountain Mike’s Pizza, Alicia’s Sugar Shack, and Togo’s, the Senior Center received additional funding to create “COVID bags,” packages containing three to five days’ worth of meals specifically designed to get seniors through the weekend. The bags contain items such as oatmeal, granola bars, and other non-perishable items.

The Meals on Wheels program is continuing as usual. Lunches are available by reservation and available for pick up only.

If you’re a senior— or know of one— who would like to utilize these programs, please call the Tuolumne County Senior Center at 209-533-2622.

If you’re interested in donating, monetary donations are accepted via credit card, cash, check, or online through sierraseniorproviders.org.

.

Area 12 Agency on Aging

The Area 12 Agency on Aging is known for offering a variety of services, including giving referrals to other agencies and service providers to help older adults continue to be empowered in their daily living. While in-person services are not available at this time, phone assessments and referrals are available. 

.

Support for Caregivers

There have been changes to the agency’s Family Caregiver Support Program, which assists those who are caring for an elderly spouse, parent, or other relative or companion. In-person support groups are currently canceled, but social workers are meeting with caregivers on an individual basis over the phone or online via Zoom.

This program also provides respite for those serving as caregivers, so they can go shopping, get haircuts, or go out for a breath of fresh air. Though there has been a drop in requests for this service since the pandemic began, it is still available. 

In partnership with University of California, Davis, this program also provides education and training workshops to assist people caring for a loved one, with information being sent via postal mail or posted on Area 12’s website and Facebook page. 

.

Fall Prevention

Though a small and humble program, the Dignity at Home Fall Prevention Program provides fall and injury prevention information, education, and referral services to those who are at risk of falling, who are at least 60 years of age, and whose adjusted household income doesn’t exceed 80% of the area median income. If you’re interested, please call Area 12 for more details.

.

.

Staying Fit 

Group classes have definitely had to make some changes, but seniors can still stay active with some of their favorite exercises. Tai chi, Walk with Ease, Bingocize (combines a little exercise with a little bingo), ended in June, but yoga and strength training will return in August and will be conducted online either via Zoom or Facebook.

If you’re not a tech savvy senior, a staff member can walk you through how to access Zoom so that you can attend classes. 

.

Some In-Home Help

With people spending more time at home, minor home repairs and maintenance chores are making it to the top of To-Do lists. The Minor Home Repair Program is still available to help fix safety issues, such as shaky grab bars or railings, or minor plumbing and electrical repairs. The Chore and Homemaker programs, which offer house cleaning, yard work, and shopping services, are also still available. 

.

Time to Talk

Concerned that there were people in their care who needed additional socialization during this time, staff members began checking in with clients and referring them to biweekly call services as necessary. An average call may last ten to twenty minutes, and is beneficial for seniors spending more time at home looking to chat and communicate with others. Counseling is also available over the phone for those navigating the maze of Medicare.

.

Call-a-Day by Twain Harte Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
Sign up for one friendly check in call per day.
209-396-5477

24-hour Crisis Line
Tuolumne County Behavioral Health
209-533-7000 or 800-630-1130

Wellness Program by Catholic Charities
209-396-6953

California Peer-Run Warm Line
Non-emergency support line
855-845-7415

Friendship Line California
To support lonely and isolated older Californians across the state
888-670-1360

.

For more information about these programs and more, contact Area 12 Agency on Aging at 209-532-6272 or www.area12.org