Russian River Senior Center

Our meals programs for seniors and homeless individuals continues. Rather than bring seniors in for community meals, we are making bagged meals and seniors can pick them up individually at our outside spaces. We are also delivering bulk frozen meals to those quarantined at home. Our medical transportation program that provides daily rides from our rural area to city-based hospitals and other medical offices continues to provide medically-approved transportation services through a taxi-voucher program. Client case management is continuing via telephone and e-mail. We are touching base with each member at least once a week.

New COVID-19 Hotline for Seniors

Gov. Gavin Newsom is launching an initiative to help seniors stay connected and healthy while they’re having to stay home because of the coronavirus outbreak.

As part of that effort, the state has created a hotline where people can call with questions. The number for the hotline is 1-833-544-2374 and is being run in coordination with local 2-1-1 systems.

The goals of the senior initiative are not just wellness checks but also addressing “the deep anxiety people are feeling being isolated at home, and the loneliness people are feeling at home — not connected to the outside world, anxious about their life and their loved one’s life,” Newsom said.

Resources for Older Adults

Call (707) 565-INFO for Sonoma County Resources for Older Adults during the coronavirus emergency, older adults 60+, their families and caregivers can call or email the Area Agency on Aging Information and Assistance Line and talk with experienced Sonoma County Adult & Aging Division social workers in English and Spanish.

Call (707) 565-INFO (565-4636), Monday-Friday, or email questions to 565info@schsd.org. Leave a voicemail or email with contact information, and a social worker will respond within 48 hours. (Interpretation in other languages or communication accommodations may be arranged on request.) Social workers can link callers to helpful resources, and county and community programs; problem-solve about how to access needed goods and services; and refer to programs for social connection, peer counseling, meals, caregiver support, in-home care, transportation and more. After contact, social workers offer a follow-up call to determine if the resources met the caller’s needs. For details about this year-round program, visit: sonomacounty.ca.gov/Human-Services/Adult-and-Aging/Area-Agency-on-Aging/ 707-565-INFO/ or call (707) 565-5900.