As area residents are learning to cope with changes in their lives due to COVID-19, there are also those who are working to ensure that the most vulnerable are cared for.
Clearfield County Area Agency on Aging has been on the front lines of caring for senior citizens for decades, and Chief Executive Officer Kathy Gillespie says they are working hard to keep seniors safe and connected to the world.
One change, she said, has been in keeping in touch and checking in on seniors. Where once this might have been done in-person, care management staff have been calling at-risk individuals on a weekly basis.
She said this not only provides contact with the outside world, but it also helps staff to identify needs and possible risks.
Home-delivered meals are still being provided five days a week, and Gillespie said that the number of people receiving those meals has increased since the senior centers were closed on March 17.
She said those receiving services from Meals on Wheels also are receiving a supply of shelf-stable meals as needed.
She said the drivers, who wear protective gear, check on the seniors each day and they have been taking them homemade masks as well as information regarding the coronavirus.
Some senior citizens were under the false impression that they would be fined if they left their homes without masks, Gillespie said, so this is an opportunity to provide them with updated information from the state Department of Health as well as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Another service provided by CCAAA has been the Apprise Telecenter. Currently, Gillespie said they are not operational; however, if anyone calls the office with questions regarding Medicare, health insurance or prescription drug coverage, the Apprise coordinator will call them back with answers.
She said their biggest issue is the number of seniors in need of in-home care and services and there are not enough workers providing direct care to go around. She said that it’s even worse because there is a lack of skilled nursing facilities accepting new patients.
“Unfortunately, we find that facilitating placement in outside counties has become necessary,” she said, “which is an additional hardship on our seniors and their families due to distance.”
There are ways that the community can step in and help. Gillespie said CCAAA is in need of masks, hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes for staff, direct care workers and patients. They are also looking for ways to keep seniors engages with their family and friends.
Gillespie noted that virtual visits are a possibility for seniors; however, there are some issues with this, including access to cell phones or tablet computers or even Internet access.
She said another need is for those who are home-bound, including activity books, puzzles and so on. This helps the seniors pass the time and also keep them mentally engaged.
Gillespie said they are continuing to provide as many services as they can and anyone interested in helping should contact the office at 814-765-2696. Those visiting the offices must wear a mask and practice social distancing.