Fall/Winter 2020 Senior Resources 

Rep. Danielle Friel Otten    October 16, 2020 | 12:53 PM

Back in April, my staff and I created a list of resources to help connect seniors and their families with the services they need during the COVID-19 pandemic. I encourage you to refer to that list for important information about our State and County Departments of Aging, as well as resources for seniors in need of meals, economic assistance, and more.  
 
The list below contains additional resources and suggestions to help seniors stay safe and beat boredom and isolation in the coming fall and winter months. If you have suggestions for the list, please contact my office at repotten@pahouse.net.  

 
COVID AND FLU RESOURCES 

Nasal Swab COVID-19 Testing 
Chester County offers nasal swab diagnostic tests for individuals who have COVID-19 symptoms or who have had a known exposure to someone with COVID-19 and live or work in Chester County. 

Testing is offered at multiple sites, and registration is required. Visit the county website for registration and an up-to-date weekly schedule of dates, times, and locations. 

 
Free Flu Shots 

The single most effective protection against the flu is getting a flu vaccine. It is recommended that everyone aged 6 months and older receive a flu vaccine every year. 

It’s likely that flu viruses and the virus that causes COVID-19 will both spread this fall and winter. Healthcare systems could be overwhelmed treating both patients with flu and patients with COVID-19. The flu and COVID-19 have many similar symptoms (cough, chills, fever, body aches). This means getting a flu vaccine this year is more important than ever. 

Flu shots are available at several locations throughout Chester County and the 155th Legislative District, and the Chester County Health Department offers Fluzone high dose flu shots for individuals 65 and older.  

For dates, times, and locations, please see the 2020 Community Flu Clinic Schedule on the Chester County Department of Health website, or register online here.  
 

SENIOR TRANSPORTATION 

  • ROVER is still running! 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. 
     

SENIOR SERVICES, PROGRAMS, AND ACTIVITIES 

  • Virtual Support Groups: The Alzheimer’s Association and AARP Community Resource Finder is a database of aging-related resources that makes it easy for individuals and families to find programs and services near you.  

  • Based on guidance from local governments and health departments during the COVID-19 crisis, many programs will be offered virtually rather than in-person. Click here to find programs and resources near you. 

 

  • Grocery Shopping for Seniors: No one should have to risk their life performing essential tasks such as picking up groceries.  
     
    Shop4Seniors is a volunteer-based organization designed to bring the local community together to help older Pennsylvanians during the time of unprecedented need. Shop4Seniors allows people who are older or at high risk of infection to submit their grocery list to their local organization. Lower-risk volunteers sign up to shop and deliver list items to the person who ordered??. 
     
    For more information on how to sign-up visit: www.shop4seniors.org/getconnected  

 

  • Virtual Religious Services: Throughout the pandemic, many churches and places of worship have made services available online to limit person-to-person contact. Here are some of the places of worship in the 155th Legislative District offering virtual services: 
     

If you know of other online services of any faith or denomination to add to the list, please contact us.  

 

  • Outside Adventures and Physical Activities 
     

  • Fall foliage tours: Pennsylvania has a longer and more varied fall foliage season than any other state in the nation or anywhere in the world. One of the best and safest ways to enjoy Pennsylvania’s beautiful landscapes and foliage is to visit one of Pennsylvania’s many State Parks or Forests. Click here to see which parks are open and learn what measures you can take to have a fun and safe experience.  

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  • Downingtown Area Recreation Consortium: While the Downingtown Area Recreation Consortium may be closed due to COVID-19, they are still offering a variety of programs and activities to help you stay active both physically and mentally.  
     
    Click here to see a full list of virtual programs/activities. 
     

  • YMCA Virtual Exercise Classes: In the middle of a global pandemic, it can be difficult to stay active with so many gyms and community centers closed or operating at limited capacity.  
     
    The YMCA of Greater Brandywine is offering on-demand fitness classes, with 20 new live classes each week. While on-demand classes are offered only to YGBW members, you can try a sample class to get an idea of what is available for you.  
     
    Click here to learn more about what the YMCA has to offer for seniors in our community.  

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