Agency continues services, sees need increase

For senior citizens staying inside due to an increased risk of contracting novel coronavirus, the Lorain County Office on Aging is continuing its services to help residents get what they need.

Lauren Ksiazek, executive director of the Office on Aging, said social workers are working the agency’s phones to continue grocery and prescription pick-ups and emergency food bags and food pantry services as needed.

The office, which usually has a lot of older volunteers, can’t risk getting them infected, Ksiazek said.

Now, many younger people in the community have been reaching out to see how they can help, she said.

“We have been overwhelmed by people, either through our website or calling, asking ‘Do you need volunteers? Can we deliver food?’” Ksiazek said.

These younger volunteers, coupled with staff members through the Office on Aging, are vital during a time when delivery needs have dramatically increased, she said.

“The need for food and the need to get basic necessities has increased a lot,” Ksiazek said.

With people stockpiling goods, Ksiazek said even when seniors put in a grocery order online, there is no guarantee that they will get everything they need.

“People are worried to have what they need,” she said.

Despite this, the office’s home delivery still is working as per usual, except the office now is maintaining a zero contact policy to avoid the spread of COVID-19.

Delivery volunteers or staff members knock on the door or call residents to be sure they are home before dropping off the food at the door, Ksiazek said.

“We are delivering without making contact,” she said.

Although the Office on Aging is closed to the public, Ksiazek said seniors may come to 320 N. Gateway Blvd. in Elyria, ring the buzzer and a staff member can bring food from the office’s emergency food pantry to the door.

“Our offices are closed, but we’re still here,” she said.

Additionally, the office’s congregate meal program through Blue Sky Restaurant, 802 Cleveland St. in Elyria, and 917 N. Leavitt Road in Amherst, still are providing carryout for seniors with vouchers.

For seniors looking to have groceries picked up for them, they can put in and purchase an order online through Walmart or Instacart and can contact the office to pick it up.