While staying home is necessary to protect ourselves and our community from coronavirus, it has taken a toll on all of us. It can be particularly challenging for seniors and older adults who are at high-risk of COVID-19, as they may feel isolated or may be struggling to care for themselves. California’s leaders are keenly aware of these challenges and we are working diligently to ensure seniors can safely access the assistance they need during this time.
One of the biggest hurdles seniors face is access to groceries and healthy meals. No one should be concerned about feeding themselves or their families as a result of this crisis, which is why San Diegans who are older or immune-compromised have several options to turn to if they don’t know where they will get their next meal.
It’s understandable that spending so much time inside, possibly alone, has made older adults feel isolated. Please know, no one is alone in this. We will get through this together. If you or someone you care for is overwhelmed by feelings of anxiety, grief, or fear, help is available. Here are just a few resources older San Diegans can turn to for support:
As San Diego County begins to gradually modify the stay at home order and allow certain businesses to reopen, it’s important that everyone, especially those who are at high-risk, remain vigilant about protecting themselves from the spread of coronavirus.
It is important to remember that we are being asked to maintain physical distance, not emotional distance. We need to stay connected to neighbors and loved ones, and we need to take care of ourselves.
There is no denying that this is a trying time, but it is also temporary. I know we can and will get through this crisis by taking care of ourselves and each other.
Links
[1] https://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=300
[2] https://my211.force.com/s/service-directory?code=BD-2400.2600
[3] https://sandiegofoodbank.org/gethelp/
[4] https://feedingsandiego.org/get-help/
[5] https://www.meals-on-wheels.org/meals
[6] https://www.jfssd.org/our-services/food-meals/home-delivered-meals-foodmobile/
[7] https://www.mamaskitchen.org/gethelp/meals/
[8] https://my211.force.com/s/service-directory?code=BD-5000.3500
[9] https://www.optumsandiego.com/content/sandiego/en/access---crisis-line.html
[10] https://omnidigital.uhc.com/SDChat/
[11] https://namisandiego.org/
[12] https://www.ioaging.org/services/all-inclusive-health-care/friendship-line
[13] https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/
[14] https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/get-help/chat
[15] https://www.livewellsd.org/content/livewell/home/live-well-every-day/LiveWellatHome/seniors-older-adults.html
[16] https://www.sandiego.gov/public-library/elibrary
[17] https://www.sdmart.org/virtual-sdma/
[18] https://libertystation.com/post/stay-connected-to-arts-district-liberty-station
[19] https://www.theoldglobe.org/edp-pages/2020/online-theatre-programs/