Area Agency on Aging announces safety measures

The local agency that serves the county population at highest risk from COVID-19 has announced new precautionary measures it will be taking during the crisis.

Imperial County Area Agency on Aging said it has closed all Senior Nutrition Congregate Sites for dining until further notice. However, meals will continue to be provided at the sites for seniors to pick up and take home. The AAA’s goal is to make sure seniors receive their daily meal, which is essential to their health and well-being, while following the recommendations from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local public health officials in regards to COVID-19.

If a senior, age 60 or more, is interested in picking up a meal at a site near them, they are asked to contact Catholic Charities, the Senior Nutrition Provider, to reserve a meal at (760) 353.2748 at least one day in advance. In Home Delivered Services will continue as scheduled.

Elder, Law & Advocacy, AAA’s legal assistance and HICAP services provider, has closed their doors to the public and will provide services remotely via telephone and email. The firm can be reached at (760) 353-0223.

The Imperial County Public Health Department’s Senior Health Services Program has canceled all outreach and community education events. However, the Medication Management program for individuals age 60 and older is still available. Contact (760) 265-1444 for an appointment.

AAA said it is working with all local city officials to determine each city’s plans to mitigate risks to their senior populations and is prepared to provide guidance and support as needed.

The agency is also working directly with local senior apartments to determine any needs they may be experiencing due to the impact of COVID-19.

AAA said it has also started working with the Imperial Valley Food Bank to create a plan to provide USDA Commodities to seniors needing food.

If a senior is in need of assistance, they should contact the AAA’s office at (442) 265-7030 or tollfree at (800) 510-2020.

AAA said Long Term Care Ombudsman, Karla Flores, has been working diligently with the skilled nursing facilities as well as the residential care facilities for the elderly to determine their current status and any needs to protect the health and safety of residents, staff, and public.

California Department of Public Health released on March 11 new guidelines for limiting the transmission of COVID-19 in long-term care facilities requiring them to temporarily modify their facility visitation policies in accordance with Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and CDC.

No visitations are currently allowed for skilled nursing facilities, although some exceptions may apply for end of life situations only. Residential care facilities have implemented screening and other more stringent visitation guidelines.

For concerns or questions regarding a loved one who resides in any of these facilities, contact the LTC Ombudsman office at (442) 265-7032.