Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Senior centers still closed
FARMINGTON — Many senior adults in the area are ready to return to their senior centers but the Area Agency in Aging for Northwest Arkansas doesn’t anticipate opening any of the facilities at least before July 1 because of the covid-19 pandemic, said Angie Dunlap, director of senior services.
“We want to keep our seniors safe and keep our staff safe,” Dunlap said, noting if someone tested positive from a senior center, the facility would have to close for 14 days and staff would have to quarantine for 14 days.
“We’d be in a world of hurt for those who depend on us for food,” Dunlap added.
Luke Mattingly, president of Arkansas Association of Area Agencies on Aging, recently sent out a memo to center providers about a phased opening of senior centers.
Mattingly said it’s recommended centers not attempt to open before phase 2 being declared in Arkansas and not before July 1.
“The CDC recommends vulnerable populations not gather together until phase 3 has been achieved,” Mattingly said. “Arkansas is still considered to be in phase 1.”
Mattingly said he realizes some centers and seniors are eager to return to normal. He notes, though, “this is not a normal situation and will not be for a very long time.”
Tina Batlle, director of Farmington Senior Wellness and Activities Center, said many of her senior adults have been “biting at the bit” for the center to open.
Robyn Walters, director of Lincoln Senior Center, and Linda Willke, director of Prairie Grove Senior Wellness and Activities, gave the same report.
Willke said she knows some of her senior adults “would love to come back.”
Willke said she’s warned them, “It will be totally different than what you’re used to.”
Mattingly addresses what some of the changes will be for senior centers to open in his letter. The daily lunches inside the facility will have to abide by restaurant guidelines for covid-19, which include distance between tables and requiring people to wear face masks until drinks are served.
Centers may have to schedule staggered eating times because of available floor space and facility capacity, Mattingly said. In addition, communal devices such as salt shakers and coffee pots will not be out for people to use.
Fitness activities will have to abide by restrictions applying to gyms and fitness facilities, and any presentations or programs will have to abide by guidelines for churches or other venues with similar activities.
Willke said she keeps in contact with her senior adults and some have adapted to being home during the pandemic and others are missing the social contact.
“Some are very comfortable. They are cooking and doing lots of projects,” Willke said. “And some are very lonely. It depends on the person.”
Until the centers open, Farmington, Prairie Grove and Lincoln will continue to provide a curbside service for lunches Monday-Friday.