First State seniors have been among the hardest hit by the coronavirus, even as efforts to isolate them from its spread in Delaware.
All 11 COVID-19 deaths in the state involved people over the age of 65. Nine of the victims were over 74 years old. That’s prompting groups up and down the state to redouble work to help seniors stay at home and avoid exposure.
CHEER Centers in Sussex County are adjusting their meal programs. With all of its sites closed under Gov. John Carney’s State of Emergency order, CEO Ken Block says they’re offering grab-and-go service to seniors as safely as possible.
“We’re providing personal protective equipment,” Bock said. “We’re trying to do the things we can to keep everybody, our volunteers, and our customers, and our staff, as safe as possible, too, and still ensure that those seniors are going to be able to have what they need to sustain themselves at their homes.”
Bock notes an increased use of CHEER’s Meals on Wheels program. He says they have ramped up production in order to provide fifteen additional meals to each home.
Delaware businesses are also stepping up to assist seniors isolated during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Division of Aging and Adults with Disabilities director Dava Newnam says the goal is to keep seniors as isolated as possible. Some businesses have adjusted their hours to minimize contact with others.
“We’re very thankful for our grocery stores and our pharmacies and retail communities for really stepping up and opening early so that these individuals have the ability to go and get what they absolutely need without having to deal with a lot of crowds,” Newnam said.
Seniors are encouraged to reach out for help for support and not let a bad situation get worse. They can contact thestate's Aging and Disability Resource Center for assistance.
