The Office on Aging recognized the need for this Older Adults Programming: COVID-19 Resource Toolkit over the summer, as senior centers and other older adult-serving programs throughout Orange County began to re-open and return to pre-pandemic offerings.
Knowing about the negative and long-term consequences of isolation, the Office on Aging commissioned this Resource Toolkit to address older adults’ hesitation, fear, mental and physical decline, as well as safety for older adults, and the staff volunteers who care for them.
To assist in the development and launch of this Toolkit, the Office on Aging assembled an Orange County Senior Re-Emergence Steering Committee. The Committee members - comprised of key stakeholders from the Office on Aging, city and nonprofit providers, and other experts - served as advisors, shared and reviewed content for the Toolkit, and tested the Toolkit, all with a health equity lens.
The Older Adults Programming: COVID-19 Resource Toolkit contains guidance, tools, and information on various topics, including:
- Recognizing signs of mental health needs
- Appropriate social skills for safe interactions
- Helping seniors with technology barriers
- Grief and loss support
- Caregivers Support
- Adult Day Programs & Residential Care guidance
- Self-care tips for staff and volunteers
