UKIAH SENIOR CENTER PERSISTS
Food services offered; wifi and news updates available
Beginning at 10 p.m. Wednesday, Ukiah became quiet. The usual 5 p.m. congestion on State Street had ceased, the clusters of people migrating through Alex Thomas Plaza faltered, and the lights that came from School Street’s local businesses no longer lingered. This is amandated stay-at-home order; a sleeping Ukiah.
In the midst of this order, the most vulnerable population is instructed to do all of what is necessary to combat the horrific spread of COVID-19, that is, staying away from the public. For seniors, the fright and loneliness is lessened through the Ukiah Senior Center.
“There are exceptions to the shelter-in-place that allow for essential services. We are a part of that,” says Diana Clarke, the executive director of the senior center. “I have been in communication with the public health officials so they are aware of our emergency services plan.”
This plan involves making the seniors of Ukiah feel comfortable during this time. With routine and comfort going handin-hand, Clarke keeps the center openwhile taking extreme precautionary actions.
Normally, the senior center operates weekdays from 8 to 5 with dozens of activities every week, including exercise classes and sit- down lunches. To maintain the health of the senior community, Clarke is suspending all recreation and entertainment activities. However, BartlettHall (the common room within the senior center) will remain open.
The center will begin serving limited meals available to go (as a large number of seniors rely on the center for meals). Further services that will remain open will be the coffee bar with prepackaged snacks available. The grocery table with donated groceries from local stores will be available for first- come pickup. Additionally, wifi for personal devices and access to television for the news will be in Bartlett Hall.
“Isolation is always a problem and a deep concern. Our outreach staff will be continuing to provide meals and we will continue helping seniors pay bills and finish tasks (predominantly over the phone). That is one of the reasons we are keeping Bartlett Hall open is because it can become isolating without wifi to connect with family or the outside world. We want to be able to give them that access,” says Clarke.
All the while, the center is still practicing strict social distancing policies. Furthermore, Clarke maintains that “If seniors choose to stay home we support them doing that. Socialization will be a major change that will affect our seniors. One of the main things that the senior center does is provide a place where seniors can come and mix with other seniors, they look forward to it.”
Regular employees of the center will be helping staff the phones to call seniors and keep them more connected. Employees will also help with food preparation.
Clarke is unsure about what will happen to the senior center in a post- Coronavirus society, although she is certain they will get back on track.
“I think it will take a while to get up to speed again. It will take a while for our activities to come back on. This is a major trauma for our senior community. We are going to try everything we can to get things back to normal as soon as possible,” Clarke states.
During this in-home shelter, many nonprofits are expected to suffer. The senior center derives income through its modest fees, accumulating $7,000 to $8,000 a month, and because of its closure that absence will have a huge financial impact on the center. This makes it difficult to pay employees and buy supplies.
“We have a lot of nonprofits in our town and we are not a wealthy county with patrons who can’t easily support us,” Clarke explains.
Though the center does remain open, Clarke encourages seniors to take every precaution to stay isolated. This includes staying at home if one is comfortable with no connectivity. Importantly, make phone calls from home to stay in connection with friends and family. Seniors are welcome to come to the senior center if they must. It’s important to stay isolated as much as possible while also staying connected to people who bring meaning and support to one’s life.
“I know our community is under strain,” Clarke says. “Just remember that places like Plowshares and us are continuing to provide services, but we do rely on donations and support as nonprofits. If you are able to do that we greatly appreciate it.”
“Our outreach staff will be continuing to provide meals and we will continue helping seniors pay bills and finish tasks (predominantly over the phone).” — Diana Clarke, executive director of the Ukiah Senior Center