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Kerr-Tar Area Agency on Aging’s Harvey Holmes, family caregiver resource specialist, and Michele Brigandi, aging projects coordinator, appeared on WIZS Town Talk Monday at 11 a.m.
With current COVID-19 social distancing measures in place for the protection of at-risk populations such as the elderly, Holmes and Brigandi said times are difficult for both seniors and their caregivers.
“Social isolation is a huge issue for seniors right now with many programs closed or limited for their safety,” said Brigandi. “Seniors in our area value their time at the Senior Centers engaging in friendships, daily interactions and physical activities.”
Brigandi said she has been impressed with how diligently the Senior Centers in the Kerr-Tar area, which includes Franklin, Granville, Vance, Warren and Person counties, have worked to ensure nutrition programs for seniors continue even while other programs are temporarily suspended.
With in-person congregate meals shifted to home delivery, Brigandi said Senior Center staff and volunteers have risen to meet the challenge of providing nutritious food and necessary hygiene supplies to those isolated in their homes.
“I have talked to staff for the nutrition program and they are seeing first-hand the effect this is having on our seniors,” stated Brigandi. “Depression and boredom are huge; many also suffer from dementia, anxiety and mobility issues. If you have a senior in your life, I encourage you to reach out often – daily, if possible – to check on them.”
With many Senior Centers closed and programs such as adult day care and respite care currently unavailable or limited, caregivers who rely on these services are also feeling overwhelmed.
“A lot of times it’s hard for caregivers to ask for help or admit they need help,” Holmes commented. “Both myself and the Kerr-Tar Area Agency on Aging want to be that rock for caregivers and to assure them that we’re still here. We are still only a phone call or email away.”
Noting a possible stigma with the term “social distancing,” Holmes said he is encouraging the public to view it more as a physical distancing. “Be physically distant instead of socially distant. You can be social and stay connected with others by phone or online,” said Holmes.
Holmes encouraged seniors and caregivers to stay “socially connected” with the Agency on Aging via Facebook, Twitter, or the organization’s website at kerrtarcog.org/departments/aging. You may also call the agency at (252) 436-2040 for additional information or with questions.
2020 Kerr Tar Senior Games
Brigandi, who is also the coordinator for the Kerr Tar Senior Games, clarified that the games have been canceled for 2020. Both athletic events and performing arts activities were originally scheduled for spring 2020.
“We are tentatively planning a celebratory get-together or banquet for the end of September,” Brigandi said. “We want to recognize seniors in the area, offer fellowship and entertainment and recruit participants, hopefully, for next year’s Senior Games.”
To hear the interview with Holmes and Brigandi in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.