Updated Charlevoix County Commission on Aging for July 2020 - July 6, 2020 11am 
In Michigan, adults age 60 and over account for 37 percent of the COVID-19 cases and 87 percent of the deaths. This population is at high-risk, so the Aging & Adult Services Agency (AASA) at Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) issued guidance on reopening programs and services for older adults age 60 and over and vulnerable individuals with underlying health conditions.

The guidance provides a phased approach toward re-engagement for all individuals with increased mitigation standards for those in the high-risk category. MDHHS has made it clear that those in the high-risk category are “Safer at Home” until there is a treatment or vaccine. The recommendation for those over 60 is to only venture out when necessary and then with appropriate precautions; wear a face covering and wash hands/use hand sanitizer or gloves. If you are feeling sick or under the weather, stay home! Limit your contact with those outside of your home. Practice distancing from others at a minimum of 6 feet apart.

The Charlevoix County Commission on Aging continues to assess and re-assess as the State opens regions with less reports of the virus. Our desire is two-fold; keep our seniors safe and healthy and provide information and opportunities when safe and appropriate. Based on the recommendations from MDHHS, we will not reopen for congregate meal service until 60 days after we enter in to Phase 6. In the meantime, we are planning a strategic and careful course forward as we re-engage in providing services inside and outside of our building.

There are many areas of consideration as we look to re-engage. We are required to have COVID-19 reopening plans that safely outline our strategy to protect seniors and staff. We must be certain that staff have the appropriate protections in order to not become infected or further spread the disease to seniors. We must be certain that we have ample and appropriate cleaning products to protect seniors from risk of infection. We must make accommodations for staff who are over 60 or those with underlying health conditions, as it is currently medically inadvisable for them to return to direct service work. We have continued to distribute Home Delivered Meals daily, so we need to be careful that our reopening plan does not compromise staff who provide this necessary service.  Please see the attached letter outlining some of the things we have done since the inception of COVID-19 and what our plans are for July 2020.

Letter to Aging Adults of Charlevoix County

Special Additional Training for Covid-19

ServeSafe Training Certificate for Foodservice Delivery during Covid-19
ServeSafe Training Certificate for Foodservice Take Out during Covid-19

Resources
Exercise Resources:
Fall Prevention Exercises
Total Knee Exercises
Total Hip Exercises

5/1/2020:  "Teaching Technology to Older Adults During the Coronavirus Pandemic" here: https://www.publichealthdegrees.org/resources/teaching-technology-to-older-adults-coronavirus/
4/3/20 - Care Act Regarding Seniors - Gary Peters Publication 
3/26/20 - Virtual Activities to Avoid Loneliness and Isolation 
3/20/20 - https://www.ncoa.org/covid-19/covid-19-resources-for-older-adults/#.XnTdY3nwJyY.email 
3/16/20 - Covid-19 Tip Sheet for Older Adults

The mission of the Charlevoix County Commission on Aging is to provide the highest quality senior services in partnership with the community.  We focus our efforts on advocacy and support for seniors and their caregivers by promoting health, wellness, and education to achieve a dignified and enriched quality of life.

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