Shawnee Health Service is working to support Southern Illinois seniors during the coronavirus pandemic.
To help those over 60, Shawnee Alliance, the social service department at Shawnee Health Service, has received additional funding from the Illinois Department of Aging. People over 60 and those with pre-existing conditions are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19.
?For Alliance Director Carol Aronson, the goal is to make it possible for seniors to stay isolated and still have their daily needs met.
“We’re able to bring in groceries, and food,” Aronson said. “Home-delivered meals, so meal delivery and shelf-stable food for other meals of the day.”
The program can also help seniors with expenses related to the shelter-at-home order and deliver personal care items and over-the-counter medications. All items are delivered in a no-contact manner, to reduce the risk of transmitting the coronavirus.
Shawnee Alliance is also doing outreach to help those they serve deal with the mental impact of being isolated.
“Many older adults already suffer from depression, and it can bring on depression being isolated. So in addition to getting them things they need in their home, we also are making lots of extra calls to them,” said Aronson.
Support is available for anyone over 60 who lives in Shawnee Health Service’s service area. For more information on these services, call (618) 985-8322.
