Office for the Aging suspends some services locally

Posted 19 March 2020 at 9:48 pm

Press Release, Orleans County Office for the Aging

ALBION — As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Orleans County Office for the Aging will be suspending the following services until further notice:

• The County Administration building is now closed to the public and appointments will be made when necessary. Please call our main line 585-589-3191 for assistance.

• Congregate Dining: Effective Monday, March 16, nutrition staff contacted regular participants to inquire if they are interested in receiving home-delivered meals. This includes Kendall and Albion locations.

• Wellness Programs: Effective Monday, March 16, staff began contacting regular participants to notify them. This includes all exercises classes, Aging Mastery Program, Stepping On program, etc.

• Office Visits: Effective Wednesday, March 18, we will not be scheduling appointments and are discouraging walk- ins. Almost all matters can be handled over the telephone at this time.

• Home Visits: Effective Wednesday, March 18, staff will contact those who have appointments scheduled to inform them that appointments will now be via telephone or scheduled at a later date.

• The following programs have reduced or amended protocols to decrease the potential spread of COVID-19 and protect employees, volunteers, and participants.

• Home Delivered Meals: Contact between delivery personnel and participants will be kept to the recommended six-foot distance. Delivery personnel and participants will still have a visual contact to ensure the participant is safe. Delivery personnel will have hand sanitizer and be wearing gloves.

• Homecare Aides Program-EISEP Program- Effective Friday, March 20, aide service is temporally suspended through April 3, at which time we will reassess services.

• Senior Transportation: Effective Monday, March 16, we have temporarily suspended our volunteer transportation program. RTS Orleans and Community Action of Genesee/Orleans are still providing transportation services as of today.

“I want to personally thank my dedicated staff, Orleans County Legislature, Arc of Genesee Orleans – our nutrition provider, Community Action of Genesee Orleans, RTS Orleans, and the numerous community partners that service older adults for their cooperation in these changes,” said Melissa Blanar, director of Orleans County Office for the Aging. “It is great to see the community working together during this crisis. We could not do this without them.”

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