The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Senior centers close
Mentor seeks to start curbside meal pickup service, county agencies adjust
And then there were none. While a few of Lake County’s senior centers had planned to remain open for certain services, all had made the decision to close by the end of the day March 16.
The Mentor, Perry and Madison centers were the last to follow the trend in the area in light of government orders to limit gatherings due to the coronavirus.
“We have a lot of people saying, ‘What do you mean we can’t come workout?’ “said Renee Ochaya, Mentor Senior Center recreation manager. “Bottom line is we want to keep the seniors safe.”
The one service they hope to maintain is to provide daily meals for members. However, they must be ordered at least 24 hours in advance and picked up curbside at the center, 8484 Munson Road.
The cost is $4.50 per meal. If pickup isn’t possible or the cost is an issue, the Lake County Council on Aging Meals on Wheels program may be an option, Ochaya said.
She indicated that the madefrom-scratch lunches are often the only “home-cooked” meals the center’s participants receive in a week.
“The city manager is very
concerned about our senior residents having food, especially with the restaurants closing,” she said.
The center already had cancelled all activities and programs unrelated to health and wellness, and initially had retained free tax preparation.
“Appointments have been full for months, and the thought of trying to find another appointment and likely have to pay for it is an overwhelming task for many seniors,” Ochaya said.
Meanwhile, the Lake County Council on Aging has notified the public that the office is open for pre-arranged appointments only.
Geauga County Department on Aging has discontinued routine face-to-face consultations and nonemergency appointments until further notice.
“We are available by phone and encourage individuals to call us for information and assistance,” the website says.
“We are continuing our Home Delivered Meals program and will be offering congregate meals ‘to-go’ at each of our senior center locations.”
Individuals interested in receiving a to-go meal from Geauga centers should call their local center by 9 a.m. daily.
The senior centers are located in Bainbridge, Chardon, Middlefield and West Geauga.
For more information on the Mentor curbside meal program or to order, call 440-974-5725. For more information on Lake County Council on Aging services, call 440-205-8111 or visit lccoa.org.
For the latest from Geauga County Department on Aging, call 440279-2130 or visit co.geauga. oh.us/departments/aging. Updated information also is posted on their respective Facebook pages.