News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Meal deliveries to seniors across the Upper Cumberland have increased by almost 50 percent since the COVID-19 pandemic began.
Director of the Area Agency on Aging Holly Williams said the Upper Cumberland Development District can handle the increase demand with extra funding from the federal government.
“We have received some additional funding through the Families First Act,” Williams said. “That has allowed us to provide more meals, home delivered meals in particular, to individuals throughout the Upper Cumberland Region.”
The Families First Coronavirus Relief Act was signed into law by President Trump in March. Among other things, the act provides food assistance to vulneralbe communities.
Despite the increase in delivered meals, Williams said demand for meals at area senior centers remains low.
“At the senior centers, there has been a small response from seniors that want to take the frozen meals home with them,” Williams said. “There has not been a large increase in that demand. That could continue to increase as we go forward and we’re prepared to provide those meals if there is an increase.”
There are 14 senior centers across the Upper Cumberland serving people over the age of 60. The centers promote the social, emotional, and physical well-being of the region’s seniors.
“For those that are used to attending the senior centers, it has been a challenge,” Williams said. “They’ve not been able to go there as they usually do and participate in the activities and socialize. Our senior centers have really stepped up, as usual, and been contacting each of their attendees that are of higher risk. They are providing what we call ‘telephone reassurance’ to those individuals each week.”
As pandemic-related restrictions prepare to enter their third month, Williams said people need to keep their senior neighbors who are still sheltering. She said it takes a group effort to make sure seniors stay safe.
“I would encourage anyone that knows someone in that situation to call our office,” Williams said. “We have a toll-free number that comes into our Information and Assistance Staff, and they’re here to indentify the needs individuals have and see if we can connect them with resources either through our programs or through other resources available to their community.”
The UCDD’s number for the Area Agency on Aging and Disability is 866-836-6678. More information on senior services can be found online at http://ucdd.org/.
