March 20, 2020
St. Joseph, Michigan – Isolation is its own health risk. The spread of the COVID-19 virus has created unique challenges for area seniors. Many of the vital local systems our older adults have relied on for companionship, nourishment, and daily care, have been put on temporary pause. Area seniors need our help and support now more than ever.
“Information is the tip of the spear and we can only find out what individualized needs are out there, that are not being met, through conversation with our area seniors. This is why our info-line is so vital at this time. It is fully staffed and ready to connect these needs to local resources,” says AAA Chief Operating Officer, Christine Vanlandingham. “With older adults at higher risk of serious illness due to COVID-19, and being encouraged not to go out, it is important that we connect, identify, and meet, the needs of those who have no choice but to remain home. Many of them have highly specific needs that are not being taken care of. By tapping into the generosity of our community to help us not only meet these needs financially, but to get the info line phone number to those who need it, is an important step to identify those unmet needs, and get them filled.”
As Region IV Area Agency on Aging (AAA) continues to help those seeking critical services through our 24-hour info-line, we ask Southwest Michigan residents to consider helping people over the age of 60 in Berrien, Van Buren, and Cass Counties in the following ways:
- The Area Agency on Aging’s Info-Line remains open and staffed with aging and disability experts able to provide answers and resources specific to local seniors’ needs. Encourage any senior or those with disabilities in need of help to call (800) 654-2810.
- Immediate needs are very person specific. One of the best ways to assist at this time are monetary donations to the un-met needs fund so these needs can be met. AAA staff have been on the phones talking to our clients and other area seniors in need of help since this crisis began. Monetary donations will allow staff, or screened volunteers, to purchase goods specific to what local seniors need and will provide for safe delivery reducing the risk and possibility of exposure. Visit https://areaagencyonaging.org/donate to donate.
- Please call or check in on elderly relatives, neighbors or community members, that you know offering to pick up food or supplies. If there are needs, you cannot assist with please have seniors call our 24-hour Info-Line at (800) 654-2810 for guidance and assistance.
- Help older adults know where to get accurate, up to date information. The Berrien County Health Department provides a daily COVID-19 informational update at www.bchdmi.org or you can talk to a public health team member by calling the COVID-19 hotline at 1-800-815-5485.
The Area Agency on Aging Info-Line will remain open and fully staffed. Please help us distribute this number to any senior who may need help or resources. This number is open to anyone who may need aging and disability services for themselves, a friend, family member, or someone in their community. We are here to assist you.
Area Agency on Aging is currently working on a volunteer structure that will offer even greater support to our area seniors during this time. We will be announcing this information with our community partners within the next week. Please follow our social media pages and watch our website for more information. https://areaagencyonaging.org
Thank you for your help in responding to the needs of our area seniors. For more information or questions email Christine Vanlandingham at cvanlandingham@areaagencyonaging.org, or call 269-983-0177.
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Region IV Area Agency on Aging is a non-profit organization offering comprehensive and coordinated services to assist older persons and other vulnerable adults in maintaining independence in their homes and communities.