Coronavirus In Newton: Check On Residents Over 60 Who Live Alone

NEWTON, MA — A phone call to a neighbor can go a long way. That's the message from Newton's senior center officials and volunteers, who are working to ensure that the city's older residents are not feeling isolated as the coronavirus emergency deepens.

"Isolation in and of itself causes other anxieties and that can exacerbate other health issues," said Newton's director of Senior Care Jayne Colino. "It's important to make sure that people are in touch they know where to get accurate info and that they're not alone."

Colino and the staff and volunteers at the senior center are working to make sure Newton's population of residents older than 60 are staying safe, and feeling connected as the number of known coronavirus cases in Massachusetts continues to grow and the center is closed to the public.

"We're not in a regular situation," she said. "I would hate for someone to be sitting at home and thinking 'I can't take my meds,' when there's a way to get resources to them.

Newton has the fifth largest senior population in the commonwealth, according to the city.

As of Thursday more than 300 people had tested positive for the virus and that number is only expected to climb as more testing kits become available.

"The best thing we're doing is reassuring people that we're here, and they're not alone."

Many are heeding government and health advice to wash hands, to keep six feet away from anyone who doesn't live in your household and to avoid social gatherings where you could unknowingly come into contact with someone who might have the virus -even if they're not showing any symptoms. But officials are worried that those who haven't been keeping their distance, or are not listening to advice to keep largely to your own home, might inadvertently spread COVID-19 to the most vulnerable populations.

In an effort to protect them, Gov. Charlie Baker, who has a 91-year-old father himself that he has stopped visiting in person since declaring a state of emergency on March 10, has asked that senior care facilities and nursing homes be closed to visitors. But that can be a double-edged sword: It can help slow the spread to senior communities, but many seniors lack access to computers or smartphones, leaving them more vulnerable to social isolation.

Using information from the City Census, the director of Newton's senior center has identified people in Newton who are between the ages of 60 and 85 and live alone and are checking in on them.

"Starting with the oldest group, everyone is being called," said Mayor Ruthanne Fuller in a statement. "To check on them, make sure they have groceries and the prescriptions they need, and to provide them with someone to call if they need assistance."

One person the senior center was able to reach was a gentleman who was completely isolated because of his health situation. He needed five medications but wasn't able to pick those up, the volunteers were able to help get those for him, said Colino.

"The best thing we're doing is reassuring people that we're here, and they're not alone," she said.

Need help?

If you need help or know an older resident that may need outreach call 617-796-1660.

"We're telling seniors - even if they don't need us right now - to keep our phone number and call us if that changes or even if you want to just say hi. Just call, and we'll chat," said Colino.

Tips on keeping active, virtual things to do:

There are a number of free “virtual” classes - from Tai Chi, to exercise for arthritis, or abs workout - on the Newton Senior Center website.

• Art museums with virtual tours
• Online Games For Seniors
• Online virtual tour of National Parks

Food

The senior center has started a box lunch grab and go program. They also have a delivery program.

Grocery Store Hours and Special Hours For Seniors

Newton grocery stores are open, but health officials stress that when buying groceries you should follow social distancing protocols by keeping as much distance as possible from other shoppers and employees.

You should also wash your hands before and after being in a public place, and consider going during off hours, or having groceries delivered.

Whole Foods

• For those 60+ 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.
• 9 a.m. to 8 p.m

Stop and Shop

• 6 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. for older residents and people with underlying health concerns.
• 7:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Wegman’s 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Star Market

• 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. seniors only
• 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Trader Joe’s 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

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