A1AA provides COVID-19 updates

The Area 1 Agency on Aging staff is working remotely for the foreseeable future to limit the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

“We are working with the California Department of Aging to expedite emergency federal funds to provide food for isolated and at-risk older adults in Humboldt and Del Norte,” said Suzy Smith of A1AA.

“Our staff will not be taking any in-person meetings,” she said. “Most of our activities have been suspended or severely reduced. Limited staff and volunteers are assisting with getting groceries directly to our most isolated clients.” Here are some updates: · Senior Information & Assistance for general questions regarding local resources. 707442-3763, ext. 223.

· Volunteer Driver Program is providing limited medical rides to specific clients only.

· Grocery and Pharmacy Assistance is providing limited shopping services to current VDP clients.

· HICAP — 707-444-3000 or 800-434-0222. Call for telephone appointment only. Appointments can be set up via Zoom or other methods.

· Long Term Care Ombudsman is no longer making regular visits, but can visit under certain circumstances. Call 707269-1330.

· Northcoast Homeshare. All in-person interviews are on hold, but applications are still being processed.

· SAIL exercise classes have been canceled until further notice. Attendees (and others) can watch the YouTube video from home. The title is “Fall Prevention Exercise Program 2016 with Phoebe.”

“We encourage people to reach out to their older and disabled friends and neighbors to see if they need assistance with grocery and other needs. Make regular phone calls to check in to see how they are doing,” Smith said.

“Cash donations to help purchase non-food household supplies (that) we can distribute to isolated seniors are appreciated,” she said.

“We encourage people to reach out to their older and disabled friends and neighbors to see if they need assistance with grocery and other needs.” — Suzy Smith, A1AA