COVID-19 Resources for Seniors
Rep. Danielle Friel Otten April 17, 2020 | 3:05 PM
Pennsylvania Department of Aging
The Pennsylvania Department of Aging is the agency that oversees all programs and services providing aid to Pennsylvania’s seniors. They are available to assist seniors with caregiver support, transportation, senior housing, prescription assistance, nutrition services, and more. They can be contacted at 717-783-1550 or aging@pa.gov.
Chester County Department of Aging
The Chester County Department of Aging can connect you to programs and services that can help you stay home and stay safe. While the department’s physical offices are closed, they are still operating to provide essential services and answer questions. Please call 610-344-6350 or email ccaging@chesco.org.
Protective Services
One of the primary responsibilities of the County and State Departments of Aging is to protect older adults by investigating suspected cases of abuse quickly and thoroughly. During the COVID-19 crisis, they are taking steps to reduce the risk of exposure to older adults. If you suspect elder abuse, please call the county hotline at 1-800-564-7000 or the statewide abuse reporting hotline at 1-800-490-8505. These hotlines operate 24/7, 365 days per year.
PA Link
The PA Link assists older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing information and connecting them to supports and services they need (non-medical and medical) to live safely in their homes and communities. Contact the PA Link Call Center by phone at 1-800-753-8827 or online at www.carelink.pa.gov.
Adults Living in Nursing Homes, Personal Care Homes, or Assisted Living Facilities
Assisted living facilities across Pennsylvania have been receiving guidance from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to improve the infection control and prevention practices to prevent the transmission of COVID-19.
Nursing Homes are licensed through the PA Department of Health, which has posted COVID-19 guidelines for Nursing Homes on its website:
https://www.health.pa.gov/topics/disease/coronavirus/Pages/Nursing-Homes.aspx
If you or a family member have questions about the measures being taken, please contact the administrative staff at your/their facility. If you still have concerns, please contact our office at repotten@pahouse.net, and we can help you file a complaint with the Department of Health (for nursing homes licensed by DOH) or the Department of Human Services (for personal care homes or assisted living facilities).
Meal Services
It is crucial for everyone, especially older adults, to have access to nutritious meals for overall health. In-home meals, SNAP supplemental grocery assistance program and other services are available to help you through COVID-19.
Contact the Chester County Department of Aging at 610-344-6350 or ccaging@chesco.org for information about programs available in your area.
The Chester County Department of Aging has also developed this helpful guide to the special seniors-only hours at local grocers and pharmacies.
Meals on Wheels of Chester County
Meals on Wheels of Chester County is continuing to provide services. Sign up for meals here. If you are unable to get up to retrieve your meal from a cooler (have limited mobility), most volunteers will bring your meal inside the home. Any questions or problems can be asked or reported at 610-430-8500.
Feeding America can also help by connecting you with local food banks and meal programs near you. Visit the Feeding America Partner Locator for more information.
Senior Centers
If you are a senior living in Chester County and you need assistance obtaining breakfast or lunch, please reach out to the Phoenixville Area Senior Center or the Coatesville Area Senior Center. For more information, please check their websites or Facebook pages. You may need to call ahead to reserve your meal.
Transportation
ROVER is still transporting to the grocery store. Rider must be registered before booking a trip. Registration can be completed online here or by calling 484-696-3854. ROVER is working on making buses available as early as 5AM to take seniors to grocery stores/pharmacy during special hours. They are also working to ensure there are no more than three riders on the bus at a time to comply with social distancing.
Prescription Assistance
PACE, the prescription assistance program, is allowing for early prescription refills. This will allow older adults to keep several weeks' worth of medication on hand as is recommended by the current COVID-19 preparedness guidance. Under regular circumstances, enrollees must use 75% of their supply before refills will be reimbursed. PACE will now reimburse refills purchased before 75% of the days' supply has passed except for opioids and other controlled substances – these will be handled on a case-by-case basis. To refill your medication early, simply ask your pharmacy provider.
Local pharmacies across Pennsylvania are now offering free delivery for all older adults, even if they are not a PACE beneficiary. When requesting your medication to be filled or refilled, simply ask your pharmacy provider for free home delivery.
As a result of current COVID-19 guidance, no-contact prescription delivery is now available. PACE has waived the requirement that pharmacies must obtain a delivery signature on all prescriptions, allowing medications to be left at your door.
If you are having difficulties obtaining your refills, please contact PACE cardholder services at 1-800-225-7223.
Economic Resources and Income Tax Assistance
The Internal Revenue Service is offering tax assistance for taxpayers, businesses, tax-exempt organizations, and others – including health plans – affected by COVID-19
Economic Impact Payments: The IRS is committed to helping you get your Economic Impact Payment as soon as possible. The payments, also referred to by some as stimulus payments, are automatic for most taxpayers. No further action is needed by taxpayers who filed tax returns in 2018 and 2019 and most seniors and retirees.
Check your eligibility and payment status here
The IRS has changed the deadline to file and pay federal income taxes to July 15 and is offering coronavirus relief to taxpayers.
View tax relief information here
View filing information here