COVID-19 Updates

COVID-19 Resources

During this very unique time of our life, there is a lot of uncertainty in our lives. We hope to break through those barriers of uncertainty and provide all of our community members with uplifting, useful, relevant, and accurate information. We know that many older adults do not have access to internet, therefore we created a new newsletter, "Stay Informed While Staying Indoors". This newsletter is emailed to those who have access to internet and mailed out to those who do not have access to internet. To be added to our email list please email: healthy.aging2000@gmail.com

For the most updated vaccine information:
Coronavirus Vaccine Homepage: www.schsa.org/coronavirus/vaccine
Vaccine Clinic Information Line: 1 (833) 954-3566

Some pharmacies in Stanislaus County are providing the COVID-19 Vaccine.
Please visit the pharmacy websites to see if vaccines are available and if you are eligible.
CVS | Rite Aid | Walgreens

Stay Informed While Staying Safe
A newsletter in response to the COVID-19 Pandemic.
The following issues of the newsletter are directed towards older adults in Stanislaus County. We strive to get updated, relevant, and reliable information to older adults in our community.
For the answers to any of the games, please click here

Scroll below for local resource to assist you through this difficult time!

Delta Variant (July 2021 & August 2021)
The Delta variant, which is a mutation of the COVID-19 virus, was first detected in the United States in March 2021. This is one variant that seems to spread more easily and quickly than other variants, which may lead to more cases of COVID-19. An increase in cases will put more strain on healthcare resources, lead to more hospitalizations, and potentially more deaths. As scientists continue to study the Delta variant and other variants, their current studies suggest that the authorized vaccines (Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson) work to fight against the circulating variants. Here are some recommendations for individuals to take to protect yourself against COVID-19:

Get a COVID-19 vaccine.
Wear a mask that covers your mouth and nose, especially if you have underlying health conditions and are over 65. *Masks are recommended for indoor activities effective 7.28.2021.
Avoid crowds and poorly ventilated indoor spaces.
Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available use hand sanitizer.

For more information visit: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/variants/variant.html

COVID Testing

COVID-19 Test is Quick, Easy, and Free (August 2021)
COVID-19 testing provides a better picture of the cases in our community. Testing is quick, easy, and free of charge!
Where can you get tested?
OptumServe: In-Office and Drive-Thru Testing
Locations are subject to change | Walk-in or make an appointment 1(888) 634-1123

Rube Boesch Center - Sunday - Friday from 7:00 am - 7:00 pm located at 275 North Orange Street, Turlock, CA 95382
Salida Library - Monday - Friday, 7:00 am - 7:00 pm located at 4835 Sisk Road, Salida, CA 95368 *Drive-Thru option available
Ceres Unified School District – District Offices - Sunday-Thursday, 7:00 am - 3:00 pm located at 2491 Lawrence Street, Annex Meeting Room 2, Ceres, CA 95307

For additional locations visit www.curative.com OR www.hrsupportpros.com (Turlock).

For more information visit:: http://schsa.org/coronavirus/testing/

The Curative Process:

Set up an appointment by going to www.Curative.com/CA10 this will help the process to be contactless. You will select your testing site, enter your personal information, insurance information, and select the symptoms you are feeling. Appointments are only available 4 days in advance.
Arrive during your 30-minute appointment window. You will receive your Collection Kit from the Mobile Van.
The administrator of the test will ask you to cough 3 times into your arm, and then pull out a swab from your collection kit and swab in your mouth at each area they mention.
Put the swab in the collection bag and drop your bag in the bin.
A text message and an email will be sent to you as soon as the results are available.

Source: www.curative.com/ca10

COVID Vaccines

COVID-19 Vaccines (February 2021)Receiving a safe and effective vaccine is the most important tool to help end the COVID-19 pandemic. To keep everyone safe and healthy, the Stanislaus County Health Services Agency is using the most relevant science and data available to address COVID-19’s threat to our health and economic well-being, including providing the COVID-19 vaccines. By getting vaccinated, we can slow the surge and help our community, including our healthcare system, schools, fellow community members, and businesses, recover.

MYTH: COVID-19 Vaccines can make me sick with COVID-19 (February 2021)
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), none of the COVID-19 vaccines contain the live virus that causes COVID-19, therefore the COVID-19 vaccine cannot make you sick with COVID-19.

Where to Get Vaccinated in Stanislaus County (February 2021)The COVID-19 vaccine is available for older adults aged 65 and older. Clinic locations and hours are updated weekly and subject to change. Here are a few ways on how you can get your vaccine. There is also a new Vaccine Clinic Information Line you can call to receive information on Vaccine Clinic locations and hours. Call 1-833-954-3566 for the Vaccine Clinic Information Line.

Option 1: Ask your healthcare provider (appointment based)

Option 2: Ask your pharmacy

Option 3: Public Health Vaccination Clinics - “First Come, First Served”
Must live in Stanislaus County and bring proof of residence
- Modesto Centre Plaza - 1000 L Street, Modesto, 95354
- California State University, Stanislaus - Fitzpatrick Arena - 1 University Circle, Turlock 95382
- Gladys L. Lemmons Senior Center - 450 East A Street, Oakdale 95361
- New location in Patterson to be announced.

For the most updated vaccine information:
Coronavirus Vaccine Homepage: www.schsa.org/coronavirus/vaccine
StanEmergency Facebook: www.Facebook.com/StanEmergency
Vaccine Clinic Information Line: 1 (833) 954-3566

Steps to Take After You Receive Your COVID-19 Vaccine? (February 2021)
To improve the effectiveness of the vaccine, please remember the following public health measures:

Wear a mask over your nose and mouth.
Stay 6-feet apart from others.
Avoid crowds.
Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, or use hand sanitizer.
Stay home when sick or not feeling well.

Mental Health and Well Being

Well Connected Senior Center (May 2020 & August 2020)
During these times of isolation, join a group that interests you! Try out Well Connected which is a free community program made up of members who value being connected. All groups and classes offer a wide range of topics, you are sure to find one that interests you. Some groups and classes they offer; nature talks, the “good ole days”, pet tales, etc. These classes and groups are accessible by phone at no cost to you. Most groups last for 30-60 minutes and all groups are small with about 12 participants.
Newcomers are always welcome! If you don’t feel like talking at first, you’re welcome to just listen as long as you’ve let the group know you’re there. If you are ready to register please call (877)797-7299, email coviaconnections@covia.org or visit https://covia.org/services/well-connected/ for more information.

Staying Optimistic & Contented During Trying Times (November 2020)
Dr. Robert McGrew, MD
How do we cope with all of the problems affecting both us and our loved ones during these prolonged, tough times with Covid? The anxiety, disruption of our daily routines, and isolation from others can bring down our emotional and social health. For me, keeping healthy starts with concentrating on the basic things of life.
This includes

Being optimistic about today and the future
Having good energy
Sleeping well
Living an intentional life that brings contentment

I think the first step is to stop and assess how you are feeling now. If you do feel more worried than you want, or more sad, then it is important to think about why this may be. A few years ago, I found myself staying more anxious and discontent than I wanted to be. Reflecting on this, I realized that I was paying too much attention to news of current events--from TV, the internet and the newspaper. All of them seemed to emphasize alarming events, yet gave me no new information that I needed to live my daily life. Therefore, I decided to avoid TV and internet news (even Facebook posts about current events). Instead, I just read a trusted news source a couple times a week to stay up with the information I really needed. With the time that I saved, I turn my attention towards entertaining, educational and spiritual content.

Thankfulness is another new emphasis. On my daily walk, I always find several things to be thankful for. Other people find writing things for which they are grateful down in a journal and reviewing those things often greatly improves their optimism. For me, prayer and other spiritual practices seem to flow out of thankfulness, and boost my happiness.

Staying connected to others is much tougher now for many of us. Calling other people to say 'hi' and catch up comes easily for some of us, yet very hard for others. However, having a good talk with another person for just 10 minutes daily is enough to maintain our sense of optimism and well being!

If our emotional health is good, then everything else seems to fall into place. We'll have the motivation to get some regular exercise, which will help us to have more energy, less worry and better physical health. We can plan for a well-balanced diet, and make sure to get 7 or more hours of quality sleep. Finally, we'll have the energy to find ways to make the world a better place for others, which is a great source of contentment!

The Department of Aging & Veteran Services is Here and Ready to Serve (September 2020)
Vintrica Grant, LCSW | Project Hope, Mental Health Clinician
There is alarming evidence that the risk of severe illness from COVID-19 increases with the older adult population. Although taking precautions for safety is necessary to reduce the spread of the virus, these very practices are also causing an increase in isolation, depression and anxiety.

EMC Health Foundation polled older adult residents 65 and over in Stanislaus and Merced county regarding COVID-19 concerns. According to their survey, 84% of older adults report concerns about COVID-19, 60% of older adults reported feeling “entirely alone” and 30% of seniors said the virus has had a considerable impact on their overall mental health.

Other valid concerns mentioned were related to access to food, medical care, fear of leaving the home, and concerns of losing independence. As a Stanislaus County employee, I cannot speak for Merced County however, I encourage those in that area to contact Merced County Human Services Area Agency on Aging at (209) 385-7550 and Merced Adult and Aging Services at (209) 385-3000.

For Stanislaus County, The Department of Aging and Veteran Services mission is to “Help Seniors and Veterans obtain services and benefits they need to live secure, healthy, independent lives”. We have a multitude of free in-home services to assist those who are 60 years of age and over and that can address the specific needs expressed by the older adults interviewed in this survey.

Older adults can access food by way of the Congregate Meal sites or Home Delivered Meals Program. Project Hope provides short-term counseling, socialization options and system navigation for those who are experiencing difficult emotions and situations. For In-home support, medical equipment, case management and medication management, MSSP (Multipurpose Senior Services Program) and Family Caregiver Support Program are available. These are just a few of the many resources we have available through the department. For more information please visit our website at http://www.agingservices.info or call our main line at (209) 558-8698 to speak with a senior information specialist who’s available Monday-Friday from 8:00 am -4:30 pm.

Friendship Line (June 2020, & August 2020, July 2021)
If you are feeling isolated and alone give the Friendship Line California a call at 1(888)670-1360. The Friendship Line California is a 24-hour, toll-free life line dedicated to Californians over 60 years.
The Friendship Line acts as a crisis intervention hotline and “warm-line" for non- emergency emotional support calls. The phone line is staffed by friendly specialists who provide emotional support, grief support, and active suicide intervention. Just a telephone call can help you feel better! Pick up the phone and give it a try, 1(888)670-1360.

Protect Yourself from Being Scammed

Simple Steps to Prevent You From Being Scammed (August 2020)

Shred all receipts with your credit card number.
Request direct deposit from benefit checks so they don’t get stolen from your mailbox.
Never give out credit card, banking, Social Security, Medicare number, or other personal information over the phone.
Be skeptical of all unsolicited offers and thoroughly do your research before accepting.

For more information visit the National Council on Aging at https://www.ncoa.org/

Steps to Take If You’re a Victim of a Scam (August 2020)
If you think you’ve been scammed, don’t be afraid or embarrassed to talk about it—waiting could make it worse. If you have been a victim please take these actions immediately:

Call your bank and/or credit card company to cancel any debit or credit cards linked to the stolen account.
Reset any passwords or personal identification numbers.

Also if warranted, contact the Senior Law Project at (209) 577-3814 and Adult Protective Services at 1-800-336-4316 or 209 558-2637.

COVID Contact Tracer Scam Alert Scams (July 2020)
Be on guard that there are scammers who send email, text messages or call people, pretending to be coronavirus contact tracers and trick people into providing personal information. Scammers deceive people into believing they have come in contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19. They then ask for private, healthcare information such as your Medicare number, Social Security number or bank account information. Here are some tips for scam calls:

Never give out personal information like your social security number, medicare number or bank account information because legitimate contact tracers will never ask for personal information.
Screen your calls against unfamiliar numbers and let them go to voicemail, if it is important, they will leave a message.
If you get a suspicious call about coronavirus contact tracers, please report it to Senior Medicare Patrol at their toll-free hotline 855-613-7080.

Senior Meals & Special Senior Hours

Senior Luncheon Sites Reopening - updated August 2021
The Stanislaus County Area Agency on Aging is happy to announce that the majority of our Senior Community Centers are reopening for in person dining beginning Monday, August 2nd. These meals will be made fresh daily and will replace the previous frozen box meal program. Reservation required at least one day in advance. A to-go option is also available at most sites through September.
There are Senior lunch sites located in Riverbank, Hughson, Modesto, Grayson, Patterson, Newman, and Turlock. Seniors 60 or older that are interested in the Senior lunch program should call the Senior Information Line at (209) 558-8698. Eating healthy food leads to a healthier body and mind!

Grocery Stores (April 2020)
The Stanislaus County Area Agency on Aging and the Senior Coalition of Stanislaus County have compiled a list of grocery stores and their designated hours for Seniors and those who are most vulnerable during the COVID-19 outbreak, please contact the Senior Information Line for a copy of the list, (209)558-8698.