SHERIDAN — Executive Director Carmen Rideout said The Hub on Smith’s top priorities for seniors are food, supplies and socialization. As COVID-19 spreads throughout U.S. communities — and senior citizens remain at a higher risk — Rideout said services have been turned upside down.

The Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention reported Feb. 24 that COVID-19 patients older than 80 have the highest fatality rate, next to patients 70-79.

As of Wednesday afternoon, breakfast and midday congregate meals at The Hub, Day Break Adult Care and all planned activities are closed/canceled. Goose Creek Transit transportation services were discontinued along fixed routes, though necessary medical trips for chemotherapy or dialysis continue as needed, Rideout said.

The Hub has added customers and routes to the Home Delivered Meals program. Goose Creek drivers pick up groceries ordered online or called in and deliver them outside a customer’s door, though only Walmart currently has the staff to accommodate those orders, Rideout said.

The Hub is asking people who regularly visited the dining room if they require home-delivered meals. Staff are reaching out to people on call lists in an effort to contradict the potentially negative effects of isolation and ask if they need help, especially over long periods, Rideout said. Loneliness is a critical factor to health and well-being for seniors, she said.

Read the whole article.

About The Sheridan Press
The Sheridan Press has served Sheridan County, Wyoming, since 1887. The award-winning independent newspaper is dedicated to informing and engaging the community by creating, producing and distributing exceptional content and trusted journalism. Online rates start at just $1.50 per week; to subscribe to The Sheridan Press, click here.