COVID-19 Resources for Seniors

COMMUNITY BASED SERVICE and PROGRAMS

For information or to register for our Community Based Services, call the Passmore Center 919-245-2015 or Seymour Center 919-968-2070

ONLINE Programs and Activities: View our ONLINE program and activity options and get started today, the list of virtual opportunities are growing every day!

Fit Seniors:"At home" exercise and wellness options designed to help keep you fit and healthy. Exercise with your favorite OCDOA fitness instructor, and discover valuable tools for staying healthy at home or on the go. Try something new using easy to follow health and exercise guides, videos and live online classes. Visit Fit Seniors for options like Balance Class I, Yoga, Strength Training, Staying Well at Home, Safe Driving and more. New options added frequently so stay tuned and get started today, it’s FREE!

Lunch Program: Lunches are distributed curbside 3-times a week. A hot meal and a boxed lunch are distributed on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, ensuring that our registered lunch participants receive  6 meals weekly. At this time we are only accepting new applications for those county residents age 60 and over and who can pick up a meal at the Seymour Center in Chapel Hill or Passmore Center in Hillsborough. Those in group quarters will only be considered if they can identify someone to come and pick up their meal. To register, email Isabel Jackson or call 919-245-4256.

Senior Centers: Here are a few of the many ways that senior center staff and volunteers are making a difference:

• Lunch program participants receive DIY Activity, Craft and Fitness packets
• Implemented a new Stay at Home Scavenger Hunt program, complete with prizes
• COVID-19 updates & guidelines are shared using multiple distribution methods
• Staff & volunteers encourage isolated participants through letters, text and phone calls
• Senior Center Garden Clubs BYOT (Bring Their Own Tools) to work in the gardens while practicing social distancing using a rotational system
• Quilters make and donate masks to health care facilities

Seniors on the Road: All Trips of the OC Department on Aging – Seniors on the Road Summer program have been CANCELLED to protect the safety of our participants. 

With the uncertainty of the pandemic and the implications of not being able to properly maintain social distancing in regards to transportation and at the venues, the Department on Aging is cancelling the trips planned for June, July and August 2020. We hope to be able to travel again in the fall. Take Care and Stay Well.

At-Home Activities: Download a staff curated list of online activities that mirror some of our drop in activities including crosswords, card games, reading books, painting, table tennis, DIY projects, and more.

Seymour Tech Remote Learning: We are offering FREE remote technology courses via Zoom. Find the schedule and sign up for these remote learning courses at www.seymourtechcenter.org. Find the course you want and simply click to enroll for each class.

VOLUNTEER PROGRAMS AND OPPORTUNITIES

For information about our volunteer programs and opportunities, call the Aging Helpline at 919-968-2087, email Shenae McPherson or call 919-245-4243.

COVID-19 Volunteer Opportunities: Would you like to share your skills and gifts with older adults in Orange County. Leaders from Orange County’s Department on Aging and UNC’s Partnerships in Aging have created a list to match volunteers with the needs and changing circumstances of individuals and organizations that serve older adults. To volunteer, please add your name to the COVID-19 Volunteer List.  

Emergency Plan & Serious Illness Plan: When we make health decisions ahead of time and put those wishes in writing, we bring peace of mind to our families and to ourselves. The Project EngAGE End of Life Choices Senior Resource Team has created a document to aid in beginning your process for emergency planning during this COVID-19 health crisis. This form is not intended to be or to replace your advanced directives document, but is to be used as a tool to provide additional information for quick access should you need it. Access the form here.

Grocery Delivery Service: If you are in need of grocery delivery, or if you know an older adult who would benefit from this service, Volunteer Connect 55+ is now offering this resource.  To register for this program, complete the online request form or contact the Aging Helpline at 919-968-2087.  This service is being offered to Orange County residents age 60 and over. Ordering requirements apply.

Supplemental Food Box Program: A FREE monthly Commodity Supplemental Food Program food box is available for qualifying for Orange County residents, age 60 and over who meet income requirements. Contact us for information or to apply

Tax Assistance - Virtual Services: The Orange County VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program) has transitioned to a Virtual Service providing assistance with 2019 tax returns for some taxpayers. The tax filing deadline for both Federal and NC State returns has been delayed to July 15, 2020. To learn more visit our VITA website.

Telephone Reassurance:  As we continue to enforce social distancing, and social gatherings aren’t possible, we want to make sure you’re doing okay. Would you like a daily phone call just to check on you? We are actively enrolling new Orange County adults age 55 and over. If interested, contact us today!

Orange County Department on Aging COVID-19 Resources:

• Orange County Department on Aging COVID-19 Resource Guide for Older Adults
• At-home Activities curated by the staff of the Passmore and Seymour centers to mirror our on-site activities
• COVID Emergency Plan & Serious Illness Plan (pdf)
• COVID-19 Volunteer Opportunities

Orange County Health Department COVID-19 Updates: