Older adults and people who have severe underlying medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19 illness. There are things you can do to reduce your risk of getting sick:

• Stay home if possible.
• Wash your hands often.
• Keep space between yourself and others (stay 6 feet away, which is about two arm lengths).
• What You Can Do
• How to Protect Yourself

SENIOR SUPPORT SERVICES

• Sourcewise (Find services available to you in Santa Clara County)
• Friendship Line (800) 971-0016 
• Meals on Wheels 

Mon Ami, a free service that connects volunteer companions, is accessible to people across the country who may feel or be physically isolated by COVID-19. The platform matches people by interests, language spoken, and time availability. Well Connected is a free program by Covia which allows people to socialize and learn through online and phone classes on a range of topics and areas of commonality.

AARP

AARP free and publicly available resources include:

• • How to avoid scams and fraud
  • How to stay healthy at home
  • How to receive caregiving support
  • 6 questions to ask nursing homes that your loved one is in

AARP is also hosting weekly coronavirus tele-town hall conversations with national experts. These calls take place every Thursday at 10am and anyone can participate by calling toll-free at 1-855-274-9507.

In partnership with Governor Newsom and the California Department of Aging, AARP has also published the California for ALL resource card, a one-stop information guide on COVID-19 for ALL Californians – but especially for older adults. The card provides a single, trustworthy resource with clear guidance on where to get the most up-to-date information on COVID-19 and where to find community resources. The card is available in English, Spanish and Chinese, at www.states.aarp.org/California/covid19 or by emailing CAAARP@aarp.org and requesting a copy.

MEAL DISTRIBUTION & GROCERIES FOR SENIORS

Residents in quarantine, as well as older adults and persons with disabilities or health conditions who need support can call the The Health Trust at 408-961-9870 or email the Meals on Wheels program at MOW@healthtrust.org. You can also visit the Meals on Wheels website.

For older adults seeking prepared meals, Santa Clara County’s Senior Nutrition Program continues to serve adults over 60, disabled adults that live with older adults, and the spouses of people that are 60 and over. This program now follows a take-out model at most locations, while a handful of locations have temporarily closed to encourage seniors to shelter at home. For seniors who must go to grocery stores, many stores provide senior hours to help protect their health and safety. Additional supportive services for all adults are available here.

LIFELONG LEARNING FOR SENIORS

Senior Planet offers several free interactive classes via Zoom every day, including exercise options (such as Morning Stretch, Chair Yoga, Balance/Strength, Fit Fusion), tech tutoring (How to Use Zoom, Online Bill Pay, How To Choose a Computer, and more), and entertainment (Creative Creations, Online Chess, etc.).  Many of the classes are held in Spanish. Visit https://seniorplanet.org/locations/palo-alto/events/

FIND SENIOR GROCERY HOURS HERE