State orders from California Governor Gavin Newsom to shelter at home during this COVID-19 crisis are especially hard on seniors but the California branch of AARP is reaching out to help. Reporter Heather Clisby has the details…
Over a million California seniors recently received a postcard loaded with important information about COVID-19. Patricia Perez, state president of AARP California, said AARP teamed up with Gov. Newsom to determine key info on food, medicine and deliveries and utilized the mail system as not all seniors are comfortable online.
“It has been verified and it’s simple, and it also includes phone numbers. So yes, websites if you have access to them. But if you don’t, phone numbers–where you can call, leave a message or speak to someone.”
With the cancellation of family visits, volunteer jobs, exercise classes and social gatherings, seniors likely face loneliness, anxiety and depression. Kim McCoy Wade, director of the California Department of Aging, says the postcards also tell people how to report elder abuse or suspected fraud while encouraging everyone to reach out to friends and family during the lockdown.
“So, we want to encourage folks to make check-in calls; to know about warm lines and hot lines to reach out to; and frankly, to stay safe. If wellness checks are needed or if fraud is suspected, we want people to know how to get that information.”
The cards also include phone numbers for the California COVID information line, the Alzheimer’s Association, local county services hotline, and the state Department of Aging. Folks can also find info online at AARP.org/coronavirus.
