Seniors in Platte County have several resources to call upon during the COVID-19 pandemic and stay at home orders.
PLATTE COUNTY SENIOR SERVICES
Platte County Senior Services has changed some of its services due to the coronavirus pandemic. The center has been closed to seniors and adults with disabilities for all activities and hot meal service since March 16.
Development specialist for Platte County Senior Services, Deanna Adkins said procedures have been put in place that will increase the service’s commitment to the safety of their clients, volunteers, staff and community.
Platte County Senior Services will continue weekday deliveries of hot lunches through the Meals on Wheels program to all current homebound clients and those seniors who come to the center for lunch.
“Even before the current public health situation, older adults were at risk for increased health complications due to a lack of consistent access to nutritious meals,” Adkins said. “PSSI’s mission is focused on meeting the nutritional and social needs of some of our most vulnerable community members.”
Adkins said right now seniors are depending on neighbors who are committed to their health and well being.
With the Covid-19 situation changing day by day, seniors are encouraged to monitor the center’s Facebook page at Platte Senior Services, Inc./Platte Senior Center for updates.
Due to the increasing costs of nutritious daily food delivery to area seniors the center asks residents to consider a financial donation of any amount to Platte Senior Services.
PLATTE COUNTY SENIOR FUND
Platte County Senior Fund is receiving a lot of calls from seniors who need help right now.
During the COVID-19 shelter in place some area seniors have suspended the in-home services they were receiving.
The PCSF’s transportation services are down by 50%, but they are still scheduling essential business needs. Each call is screened to ensure the health and safety of PCSF’s clients, providers and the community.
“The PCSF Wellness program with YMCA has been put on hold until the shelter in place order has been lifted,” executive director Debbie Gwin said.
PCSF also offers help with home repairs for seniors and for now Northland Neighborhood Inc. is receiving calls for help remotely. Each call is screened and either taken care of with step-by-step instructions on the phone, or a technician is called.
Gwin said PCSF is receiving a lot of calls regarding resources and who can provide those services.
“Seniors in our area are looking for Meals on Wheels, transportation and just someone to talk to,” Gwin said.
PCSF is ensuring that seniors are taking the advice from the Centers for Disease Control and the Platte County Health Department.
“Families need to reassure their loved ones that we are all in this together,” Gwin said. “Staying in constant contact with them helps them to stay positive. The PCSF is here to inform seniors of the resources that are available to them but most importantly, to listen to them and make sure they stay safe.”
The Platte County Senior Fund will not open before the Platte County Commissioners feel it is safe.
“I am honored to serve and work with dedicated individuals who are passionate about helping seniors,” Gwin said. “Working at PCSF doesn’t feel like a job as we are doing what is right. Helping others is what matters most, especially in difficult times.”
NORTHLAND SHEPHERD’S CENTER
The Northland Shepherd’s Center cares for some of the most vulnerable people in the area with regard to coronavirus.
The NSC building is closed to the general public and upcoming activities have been suspended including, Market Bus, Nutrition 101 Class, Walking Club, Commodities, AMP classes, Lucky Ladies Support Group, Nelson Art Gallery class, LIFT and PEPPI exercise classes, Learning & Laughter and Break Time Club.
NSC staff will continue to answer phone calls and the Meals on Wheels and transportation programs will continue unless they are notified by officials that these services should be canceled.
Updates on services and programs will be posted on the NSC website, Facebook page or by calling the NSC office at 452-4536.
NSC advises seniors to be aware of scams and warns if seniors receive a call threatening lockdown in exchange for their name and Medicare number this is a scam and to never give personal information over the phone unless they initiate the conversation.
They also suggest if isolation has seniors feeling overwhelmed with negative emotions to visit Disaster Distress Helpline website at 800-985-5990 and to call the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services hotline at 1-877-435-8411. The hotline is being operated by medical professionals and is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Compassionate Ear is also a way for lonely and frightened seniors to speak to someone about their concerns. The number is 866-927-6327 or 913-281-2251 and the hours are 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., everyday.
During the shelter in place period the Northland Shepherd’s Center also reminds seniors to take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including social media. Hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be upsetting.
They suggest seniors take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate, try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep, and avoid alcohol and drugs and enjoy activities at home while connecting with others by talking with people they trust about their concerns and how they are feeling.