Stay prepared

Keeping Seniors and Caregivers Informed

Senior Services of Southeastern Virginia is actively addressing the specific needs of older adults, aged 60+, during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Vaccine Information

Click here for COVID Vaccine Information and Resources: COVID Vaccine Resources

What can family and caregivers do to help seniors prepare?

Know what medications your loved one is taking and help them maintain the amounts they need. Let them know there should be no need to stop taking their medications or only taking partial doses.
Monitor food and other medical supplies (oxygen, incontinence, dialysis, wound care) needed and create a back-up plan.
Stock up on non-perishable food to have on hand in your home to minimize trips to stores.
If you care for a loved one living in a care facility follow the recommended visitation policies. It is for the health and safety of everyone involved.

Important Note on Prevention

At this time, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the following precautions:

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing; going to the bathroom; and before eating or preparing food.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Stay home when you are sick.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

Know the facts about COVID-19

The CDC is your best source for timely, accurate information. Here are some helpful fact sheets and posters they’ve provided to help get the word out.

Beware of Scams

Beware of fraud schemes related to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). There currently are no vaccines, pills, potions, lotions, lozenges, or other prescription or over-the-counter products available to treat or cure COVID-19 online or in stores.

The Department of Health & Human Services’ Office of Inspector General (OIG) has said that scammers are offering COVID-19 tests to Medicare beneficiaries in exchange for personal details, including Medicare information. However, the services are unapproved and illegitimate.

Be cautious of unsolicited requests for your Medicare or Medicaid numbers, or any of your health insurance information.
Be suspicious of any unexpected calls or visitors offering COVID-19 tests or supplies.
Ignore offers or advertisements for COVID-19 testing or treatments on social media sites.
A physician or other trusted healthcare provider should assess your condition and approve any requests for COVID-19 testing.

Follow official sources for accurate information.

In addition to test scams, the United States Attorneys for the Western and Eastern Districts of Virginia, the FBI, and the Virginia State Police have formed a task force to prevent fraud after receiving reports of treatment, supply, provider, charity, and phishing scams.

For more info, visit the Virginia Coronavirus Fraud Task Force website.

You can help control the spread of rumors by visiting FEMA’s rumor control page.

The Social Security Administration has also provided a helpful video on scam awareness, social security, and COVID-19 updates. You can view it here: Protecting You From Fraud and Abuse
Learn about fraud schemes related to COVID-19 by visiting Office of Inspector General’s COVID-19 fraud alert page.

Useful Links

We’ve compiled a list of useful links to help you stay well and be informed during this time:

Emergency Broadband Benefit Program

The Federal Communications Commission is launching the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program on May 12, 2020, a temporary benefit to help low-income households afford broadband during the pandemic. Eligible households include those with incomes below 135% FPL and/or those who qualify for SNAP, SSI, Medicaid. If eligible, qualified households can receive:

Up to a $50/month discount on broadband service and associated equipment rentals
Up to a $75/month discount if household is on qualifying Tribal lands
A one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer (with a co-payment of more than $10 but less than $50)

Only one monthly service discount and one device discount is allowed per household.
Get an outreach toolkit from the FCC at: https://www.fcc.gov/broadbandbenefit and find consumer-oriented information at: https://getemergencybroadband.org/
The program will end when the fund runs out of money, or six months after the Department of Health and Human Services declares an end to the COVID-19 health emergency, whichever is sooner.

Village Connector Experience

The Juanita C. Grant Foundation is proud to announce the new Village Connector Experience, which will conduct outreach to older adults experiencing increased social isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Members registering for services may select motivational calls by trained Ambassadors Sunday through Friday, 1 to 3 days per week. Members may also elect to receive greeting cards, letters, and surprise packages. Virtual events available include coffee clutches, tea times and storytelling. The services are free.

Register: Village Connector Experience Registration Form
Learn More: Village Connector Experience

From the Social Security Administration

Video: Protecting You From Fraud and Abuse

From the Virginia Legal Aid Society

Virginia has created the Rent and Mortgage Relief Program (RMRP) to help households in need during the coronavirus pandemic. The RMRP is providing financial assistance for rent or mortgage payments to certain eligible households. This includes financial assistance for rent or mortgage payments past due beginning April 1, 2020.