Office for the Aging

Special Announcements

LIFTING THE LOAD:CAREGIVING DURING COVID-19: An education program presented by the Alzheimer’s Association® and Finger Lakes Geriatric Education Center

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Update on OFA COVID-19 Response

Even though the county is beginning to open up in phases, it is still recommended that older adults and people with underlying health conditions stay home as much as possible. I know that many of you feel very isolated and frustrated but we will get through this and OFA is here to help!

The Office for the Aging is closed to the public until further notice; however we continue to provide services. There are no home visits and no office visits for the time being. However, our staff is working from home and still providing most of regular services and more via telephone.

NY Connects Helpline - Call 585-396-4047 for help connecting to all kinds of resources. If you have a question or problem, call us.

Home Delivered Meals: Any one age 60 or older can call for a home delivered meal, either hot or frozen, from our Meals on Wheels program during the COVID emergency. We have relaxed our eligibility requirements and all you have to do is call us and we will set it up. Our Meals on Wheels staff and volunteers are required to wear face masks and gloves while delivering your meal. They are also practicing social distancing.

Congregate Meals (Community Dining Program): This program is closed until further notice. We have opened two Grab n Go sites at the Spa Apartments in Clifton Springs and at Lyceum Heights in Geneva. However, you must be a resident of those apartment buildings to participate. Former participants of our congregate meal sites can get a home delivered meal, if they desire.

Grocery Shopping: We will help you set up an Instacart account or we will use our account to order groceries for you to be delivered. The stores that use Instacart are Wegmans, Aldi, Tops, CVS and Petco. Walmart has pick-up services and we can help you order on-line if needed. You will be required to have a credit card to make on-line purchases. There are delivery and service fees associated.

Volunteer Shopper: If the delivery services above do not meet your needs we can also send a volunteer to help you with grocery shopping.

Telephone Friendly Visitor: Many people can feel very isolated and alone during this time of self-isolation. We have many volunteers available to make friendly visiting calls to help you pass the time or lift your spirits.

Food Boxes: We have boxes of shelf stable food from Food Link available for home delivery for free (first come, first serve).

Toilet Paper and other hygiene supplies: We still have a limited supply for delivery to your house (first come, first serve).

Health Insurance Counseling: We are still providing health insurance counseling on Medicare, Medicare supplement or Advantage plans, Medicaid, MSP over the telephone or over the web.

Medicare 101 Workshops: Are being offered by webinar or telephone conference, call the office for more information.

EISEP: Home care services for middle income older adult and case management is still available. A comprehensive assessment is conducted over the telephone. This service is for frail older adults struggling to perform activities of daily living. A financial assessment is also required as there may be a cost share required for the home care services.

Caregiver counseling and support are still being offered by phone. There are many on-line services available from the Alzheimer’s Association or the Finger Lakes Caregiver Institute for caregivers of those with dementia. Call NY Connects for information.

Tai Chi: We are offering a class on-line through Zoom. Call to register for a class starting June 1, 2020.

Robotic Pets: Joy for All Companion Pets is designed to bring comfort, companionship, and fun to elder loved ones. We have a few interactive cats left, first come first serve.

Other Resources

Emotional Support Line Helpline1-844-863-9314 - The NYS Office of Mental Health (OMH) opened this Helpline to assist New Yorkers who are overwhelmed by the anxiety caused by the COVID-19 crisis. The COVID-19 pandemic is creating chaos in the lives of so many people, it is especially important to know that the Helpline is here to provide assistance, referrals to services, and a person you can talk to if you’re feeling overwhelmed.”

Know the Symptoms

The CDC has updated the list of COVID-19 symptoms. The updated list of symptoms includes cough, shortness of breath, or at least two of the following:

fever
chills or repeated shaking with chills

muscle pain

headache
sore throat
new loss of taste or smell

Guidance on Face Masks

Cloth face coverings fashioned from household items or made at home from common materials are recommended. Surgical masks and N-95 respirators are critical supplies that must continue to be reserved for healthcare workers and other first responders.

When wearing cloth face coverings:

Wear it whenever you go out in public

Make sure that it fits snugly and covers your nose and mouth

Change it frequently and launder it when soiled or wet

Do not become complacent with other protective measures

Do not touch the cloth covering or your face

Continue to be vigilant with thorough and frequent hand washing by using soap and water, or alcohol-based hand sanitizer of 60%+ alcohol.

Practice respiratory etiquette and cover your coughs or sneezes

Practice social distancing – even when wearing masks

Stay home and help flatten the curve!

The Office for the Aging has a limited supply of masks available; call our office to obtain one (first come, first serve).