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Orange County Issues a “Stay at Home” Order
Orange County, North Carolina issued an amendment to the Declaration of a State of Emergency. The amendment orders the public to Stay at Home to prevent further spread of COVID-19. The Order took effect on Friday, March 27th, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. and will remain in effect until April 30, 2020 at 5:00 p.m. The Stay at Home Order shall be reviewed periodically to determine whether it should be extended, modified, or rescinded. - Newsletter: Sign up for the COVID-19 newsletter from the Orange County Health Department.
- Text: To receive daily text updates, text ocnchealth to 888-777.
- Hotline: Questions about COVID-19? Call (919) 245-6111 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Spanish language and other languages available.
- Email: Email your questions to covid19@orangecountync.gov.
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Dear Reader, I don’t usually write to our readers, but these are unusual times. Though I don’t know each of you personally, I find myself missing you just the same. We hope that you find this edition especially helpful as it is full of resources, tips, and diversions to get you through this difficult time. In addition, we have included stories and quotes from participants, staff and volunteers to inspire and encourage you along the way. If you would to share your own story of how you or someone you know has engaged or how someone has helped you during this time, please email bshuford@orangecountync.gov. In addition, I would like to thank Marie Dagger, OCDOA Occupational Therapist, who has joined me as co-editor during this very busy time of information sharing. She has done an outstanding job curating and designing this newsletter. Finally, please help your community and yourself by completing the 2020 Census, and most of all follow the Stay at Home order and guidelines. Be safe, be well! Beverly
Topics in this edition include:Good NewsFood & Medication ResourcesFinancial ResourcesStaying Safe at HomeStaying Well at HomePlanning for Needs Beyond COVID-19How to HelpProgram Postponements & Change
For additional information beyond to updates in this newsletter, please visit our COVID-19 Resource Guide for Older Adults. This resource guide will be routinely updated as we discover and develop more ways to support the older adults of our community.
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In each edition, we also want to share Good News!
The Seymour Quilters, Passmore Sew What Sewing Group, and other local seamstresses have been hard at work to make masks for health care workers. They have made many masks for local health facilities, and have been so prolific they are now donating masks to locations in need across the state.
One of the quilters commented:
"It also makes me happy that I can help and deplete some of my material in my house. I have enough material to make masks for all of NC when I look at the shelves. I am happy it is doing some good for someone."
Sending a big Thank You to all those who helped with the sewing!
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Several caregiving families have recently participated in virtual meetings and groups rather than in-person gatherings. One caregiver recently responded:
“Thanks so much for making this happen! It buoyed my father's spirits immensely.”
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We have been partnering with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, specifically the Community Services Division, for food box distribution since 2016. Our partnership has grown during our COVID-19 response to include participation from the Orange County Sheriff’s School Resource Officers and the Hillsborough Police Department to distribute over 250 boxes to low-income older adults throughout our county.
If you have Good News about how your volunteer group is supporting the community or ways you have been supported, please share! |
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Food & Medication Resources
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Lunch ProgramEffective Monday, March 30, we began distributing meals 3-times a week to reduce the number of times lunch participants come out into the community. A hot meal plus a boxed lunch will be distributed on Mondays and Wednesdays, and one hot meal on Fridays, ensuring that our registered lunch participants continue to receive 5 meals weekly.
For questions, please contact the Aging Helpline at 919-968-2070. Learn more about the Senior Lunch Program.
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Retailers offer special Senior Shopping HoursIn response to the COVID-19 situation, and in an effort to keep older adults safer while shopping, many retailers have established special "Senior Shopping" hours and services. See a list of local retailers offering special hours.
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Supplemental Food Box ProgramThe Commodity Supplemental Food Box is available once a month to low income seniors. For more information or to apply for this free food program, call or email VC 55+ Administrator, Shenae McPherson or 919-245-4243.
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Consumer Fraud Alert: COVID-19As the number of people and communities affected by the COVID-19 pandemic grows, so do the scams associated with it. Scammers use public health emergencies as opportunities for new fraud schemes, and because older adults are at greater risk for serious illness from COVID-19, they may target older populations.
Read the recommendations for Medicare beneficiaries.
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Does Medicare Cover the Costs of Coronavirus Testing and Treatment?Medicare Part B covers the cost of Coronavirus testing at no cost to you when ordered by your physician after 2/4/20. Medicare Part A covers any extra days you have to stay in the hospital due to quarantine related to Covid-19. Medicare recently expanded coverage of telehealth services for issues related to Covid-19. If you have internet access you may be able to ‘visit’ with your healthcare providers at no cost without going to their office. There isn’t currently a vaccine for Covid-19 but when one becomes available it will be covered by all Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plans and Medicare Advantage Plans at no cost. If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan, check with the plan on costs associated with Coronavirus testing, treatment and telehealth services.
READ HERE for more Medicare and Health Insurance Q&A
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Looking for Your Stimulus Check?You’ve heard that each person is going to get a check from the government. Here’s the details based on official government sources and where you can go for more information.
Who gets a payment? Most adults with incomes below $99,000 ($198,000 for a married couple) will receive stimulus checks.
Who doesn’t get a payment? If you are age 17 and over and are listed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return, you won’t receive a stimulus check.
How much will I get? Adults with incomes below $75,000 ($150,000 for a married couple) will get the full amount of $1200. You’ll also receive a $500 check for each child listed on your tax return. If your income is between $75,000 and $99,000, your payment is reduced by $5 for each $100 of income above the threshold of $75,000.
Is it really a check? For most people, your payment will arrive in your bank account and you will receive a notice in the mail that it has been deposited. If the government doesn’t have information about your bank account, either from a 2018 or 2019 tax return or from your social security payment, then you will be mailed a check.
Read Here for more information.
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 Mike Komives
Employment Specialist
Orange Co. Dept. on Aging
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Job Seekers: Working From HomeIf you want to explore working from home, here are 10 job categories that you can do remotely, and that have available jobs. Be aware that there are also Work From Home Scams.
Want more information about any of these? Or other information about job searching – part- or full-time, virtual interviewing, resumes and cover letters, LinkedIn, networking, or more? Contact me – Mike Komives. Employment Specialist. We’re here to help you. I’m available by telephone/text at 919-616-8778 or email skomives@orangecountync.gov.
Stay strong, be well, and regards,
Mike
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Emergency Plan & Serious Illness PlanApril 16th is National Healthcare Decision Day, a nationwide initiative that encourages adults of all ages to plan ahead for a health crisis. When we make health decisions ahead of time and put those wishes in writing, we bring peace of mind to our families and to ourselves. Orange County Department on Aging’s Project EngAGE End of Life Choices Senior Resource Team has created a document to aid in beginning your process for emergency planning during this COVID-19 health crisis. This form is not intended to be or to replace your advanced directives document, but is to be used as a tool to provide additional information for quick access should you need it.
Access the form here.
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Telephone ReassuranceAs we continue to enforce social distancing and social gatherings aren’t possible we want to make sure you’re doing ok. Would you like a daily phone call just to check on you? We are actively enrolling new participants in our Telephone Reassurance program.
Requirements: - Be at least sixty (60) years old and a resident of Orange County
- Be a client receiving services from or recommended to the Department on Aging
- Agree to a daily wellness call scheduled during the hours of 8:00am-10:00am
- Complete a Participant Profile and Disclosure Authorization
- There are no income restrictions for receiving Telephone Reassurance services
If interested, please call or email the Aging Helpline at 919-968-2087 or Shenae McPherson at 919-245-4243.
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CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) AND PETSAt this time, there is no evidence to suggest that any animals, including pets or livestock, can spread COVID-19 infection to people. However, pet owners should avoid contact with unfamiliar animals and always wash their hands before and after they interact with animals until more is understood about the virus.
It is always best if pets are able to stay in their own homes. If pet owners are sick with COVID-19, they should avoid contact with pets (including petting, snuggling, sharing food, etc.). Sick owners should separate themselves from any pets and have someone else in the household care for any animals as needed. If pet owners absolutely need to care for their pets while they are sick, they should wear a face mask and wash their hands before and after they interact with their pets.
Visit Orange County Animal Services for more information.
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Fit SeniorsCheck out our "at home" exercise options offered by OCDOA Wellness Program instructors and staff to help keep you fit and healthy. Visit Fit Seniors for options like Balance Class 1, Cabin Fever 10, and Strength Training. Watch for more options in the future and get started today!
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Silver SneakersLog on to SilverSneakers On Demand to view classes, health tips, and workout videos.
You will need your SilverSneakers Membership number to sign in.
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Silver & FitGo to the Silver&Fit Facebook Page to view workout videos. A membership number is not needed and there are live classes everyday at 1:00 pm. Can't make it at 1:00pm? No problem. The videos stay loaded to the page for you to check out at your won convenience.
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Caregiver SupportsSupport groups, Memory Café, and Care Partner Collaborative have all gone online and most participants have been quick to adopt this new way to gather and stay connected. For more information about these programs, please contact Kim or Lisa.” Caregiver Support Group Thursday, April 23 at 1pm Available via GoToMeeting. Register one day prior to the meeting. To register, please call 919-968-2087 or email agingtransitions@orangecountync.gov. Contact Kim for more information.
Memory Cafe
Monday, April 13 at 2pm
Available via GoToMeeting. Register one day prior to the meeting. To register, please call 919-968-2087 or email agingtransitions@orangecountync.gov. Contact Kim for more information.
For more caregiver resources, sign up for the monthly Community News for Caregivers e-newsletter. |
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Oral Hygiene Tips and Educational SessionsJoin UNC Dental Hygiene Students at they discuss brushing, flossing, and denture care!
Two opportunities:
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The 2020 Census is Underway! April 1 was the official Census Day, and the Orange County Complete Count Committee wants to remind residents of the importance of responding to the 2020 Census.
For the first time, residents can respond to the census online, by phone, or by mail. Find out more about each of these methods below:
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Aging Helpline Talk to trained staff about any aging-related issue. You may also email Aging Services. We try to find answers to your age-related questions and link you to the services that you need. Helpline hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Chinese & Spanish Language Helpline
Call 919-245-4275 to speak to our staff in Mandarin.
Call 919-245-4279 ext. 1 to leave a message in Spanish.
Aging Transitions, Senior Center programming and Volunteer Connect 55+ staff are available to meet individually by appointment, by phone or email. For more information call the Passmore Center at 919-245-2015, Seymour Center at 919-968-2070, or the Aging Helpline at 919-968-2087.
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OC CARES (Orange County Caregiver Awareness, Respite, Education & Support)OC CARES offers both individualized and community level supports to caregivers. Contact the Aging Helpline at 919-968-2087 or agingtransitions@orangecountync.gov for more information.
Visit our website to view all of our Caregiver Support Services including, monthly Memory Cafés, Caregiver Support Group meeting schedules, Community News for Caregivers e-newsletter, and much more! |
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COVID-19 Volunteer Opportunities: Would you like to share your skills and gifts with older adults in Orange County. Leaders from Orange County’s Department on Aging and UNC’s Partnerships in Aging are creating a list to match volunteers with the needs and changing circumstances of individuals and organizations that serve older adults.
To volunteer, please add your name to the COVID-19 Volunteer list.
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For more information about ways to help, please visit:
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Program Postponements & Changes
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Welcome to Medicare ClassesClasses are cancelled, but you can download the Welcome to Medicare 2020 class slides and notes for a comprehensive, easy to understand introduction to Medicare. See also, Medicare Basics from the NC Department of Insurance.
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TAX ASSISTANCE - Limited Operations using Virtual ServicesDue to Covid-19 virus concerns, the Orange County Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) is transitioning to a Virtual Service providing assistance with 2019 tax returns for some taxpayers. The tax filing deadline for both Federal and NC State returns has been delayed to July 15, 2020.
Please review the information to learn about our plans and alternative sources of tax assistance. We will continue to post status updates on the Orange County VITA website as well as our VITA Appointment line 919-245-4242.
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SHARP Direct Care Worker Awards PostponedDirect care workers impact their client’s lives on a daily basis and make a difference in our community. However, due to COVID-19 we are postponing this year's award ceremony. We look forward to celebrating our direct care workers at a future date!
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Medicare AssistanceOrange County Medicare and ACA/Obamacare counseling services have been temporarily suspended. The North Carolina Department of Insurance operates a call center to assist those with Medicare questions and concerns 8 am-5 pm, Mon-Fri, call 1-855-408-1212.
For ACA/Obamacare issues, contact the Piedmont Community Health Center at 919-724-5227. You may also contact Jeanne Chamberlin, the Orange County SHIIP Program at 919-245-4240.
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2020 Orange County Senior Games
The OC Senior Games Planning Committee hopes you and your family are staying safe and healthy by following the CDC guidelines regarding the COVID-19 situation.
The Committee has decided to POSTPONE the Orange County Senior Games until June 1. We will try to reschedule all activities/events within a 3 week time-frame as venues and staff are available and will send out a new modified schedule when available.
Senior Games REGISTRATION will remain open until May 1.
For information, contact Myra Austin (919-245-2020) or Lee Schimmelfing (919-606-2598). For information about SilverArts, including the cheerleaders and performing arts, call Cydnee Sims at 919-245-4250.
On behalf of the OC Senior Games Planning Committee, stay safe and healthy until we see you later this spring!
Senior Games sponsors: The Recreation and Parks Departments of Carrboro, Chapel Hill and Orange County, and the Orange County Department on Aging.
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103 Meadowlands Dr. (PO Box 8181)
Hillsborough, NC 27278
Phone: 919-245-2015
Currently Closed to the Public
Typical Hours:
Monday - Thursday, 8 am - 8 pm
Fridays, 8 am - 5 pm
Saturdays, 9 am - 11 am |
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2551 Homestead Road
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
Phone:919-968-2070
Currently Closed to the Public
Typical Hours:
Monday - Thursday, 8 am - 9 pm
Fridays, 8 am - 5 pm
Saturdays, 8:30 am - 5:30 pm |
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