Although the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted every facet of society, older adults are facing unique challenges to meet their basic needs. Aging Ahead is working to address these needs through multiple essential emergency services.
Senior Centers
Aging Ahead Senior Centers are focused on meeting the ongoing nutritional needs of older adults who are homebound and/or social isolating due to COVID-19. The pandemic is making food difficult to access, particularly for disabled and older adults. With stay-at-home orders still in effect in many
of the areas we serve, older adults should practice social distancing and avoid public places. We know this population is vulnerable to more severe complications if they get the virus. Unfortunately, many do not have friends or relatives who can bring food to them, or the income to afford a delivery
service. While our senior centers continue to be closed to the public, Aging Ahead is committed to addressing the nutritional needs of those we serve.
Participants are receiving a 5-pack of frozen meals and to ensure the safety of all, we’ve implemented a Zero Contact Delivery Process. We are also offering curbside pickup to participants that prefer to pick up their meal.
Older adults in need of ongoing home-delivered meals can reach out to their nearest senior center www.agingahead.org. For those who only require food assistance during the crisis, we have also created an emergency home delivered meals program. The typical qualifications have been modified to serve those in our 4-county service area who are age 60+ or those under 60 with a disability. Packs of frozen meals will be delivered to clients’ doors on a regular basis for the duration of the crisis.
“The meals are nutritious, and I am so grateful for the food. I don’t know what I would do without it. I can tell the meals are packaged with love. It’s a great service you are doing.”
Emergency home-delivered meal recipients
Community Options and Services
Along with our regular services which include information & referral, benefits assistance, and the Family Caregiver Support Program, the Community Options & Services Department is screening for and registering clients for emergency services.
We have also been working to address the need for incontinence products and nutritional supplements during this time. While Aging Ahead continues to serve clients through our regular Supply Bank programs, we have also established an Emergency Supply Bank for those who cannot access these essential products during the pandemic. To qualify, clients must be age 60+ or under 60 with a disability, live in our 4-county service area, and unable to obtain these products through other means.
“Thank you, thank you, thank you.”
An Emergency Supply Bank client
Transportation has been another struggle for older adults during the pandemic. Many of the typical options are currently unavailable for the safety of drivers and clients alike. Aging Ahead is partnering with EMT to provide transportation for essential trips such as doctor appointments, grocery stores, and pharmacies. The trips are limited, so other resources must be exhausted first. In the event no other options are available, those 60+ in St. Louis, St. Charles, and Franklin counties can use this service. OATS continues to serve seniors in Jefferson County and it is anticipated they will resume in Franklin County as well.
Aging Ahead is working hard to stay informed of ever-changing resources during this COVID-19 situation. We have answered over 1,300 calls in the last month, nearly half of which were directly related to the pandemic. We are working, along with the rest of the agency, to complete telephone reassurance calls and give existing clients a friendly check-in.
If you or someone you know is interested in any of these programs, please contact us:
Temporary Home Delivered Meals: 636-207-4209
For emergency supply bank, transportation, or any other need please contact the COS Department in your county:
St. Louis: 636-207-4208
St. Charles: 636-579-0555
Jefferson: 636-253-0558
Franklin: 636-629-3143