Community Care responds to COVID-19

By Cecilia Nasmith

The evolving COVID-19 situation has been monitored by Community Care Northumberland, along with the advice of health and government authorities.

With the health and safety of its staff, volunteers, clients and community as top priority, the agency announces some changes to its programs and services to take effect immediately.

Meals On Wheels

The hot Meals On Wheels previously delivered to clients' doors by volunteers is a model that is now transitioning to frozen meals.

Transportation

All non-essential transportation is cancelled, with essential-appointments transportation still available from the agency's – for example, the regular drives required for dialysis, chemotherapy and certain specialist appointments – decided on a case-by-case basis. When provided, essential drives will be provided in Specialized Transportation vehicles that are cleaned after each trip.

All Specialized Transportation routes are cancelled. Clients can call if they require access to an essential service, and th agency will work with the client to resolve the situation.

Again, volunteers will not be used for any client-transportation service until further notice.

Home Help and Maintenance

All these appointments are cancelled. If clients are receiving meal preparation during their visit and this is seen as essential, the opportunity to receive frozen meals will be offered. And, if required, clients can request grocery shopping and delivery by a staff member.

Personal Distress Alarms

Please contact one of the Community Care offices (in Campbellford, Brighton, Colborne, Cobourg and Port Hope) if assistance or battery replacement is required.

Office Volunteers

In the interest of volunteer health and safety, all office-volunteer duties must be cancelled at this time. The agency will reach out to them to assist in telephone duties and connecting with clients through Telephone Security Checks.

Hastings Office Closure

The Hastings Community Care office is currently closed. All inquiries for supports from this area can be directed to the Campbellford location, which can be contacted at 705-653-1411 or campbellford@commcare.ca.

Visiting Hospice Services

All in-home visiting by volunteers and in-home assessment by staff is cancelled, with visiting an assessments to be completed by telephone.

Friendly Visiting

All in-home visiting by volunteers and staff is cancelled. All visiting will be completed by telephone.

Wellness Programs

All social groups, classes, workshops, exercise and fall-prevention classes are cancelled.

Community Care staff are now reaching out to clients to inform them directly of the changes taking place and, where possible, to make alternate arrangements.

“We are confident that these changes will help limit the spread of the virus and protect our staff, volunteers and clients while we continue to offer essential services to the members of our community,” the announcement said.

“We thank you for your co-operation and understanding during these difficult and uncertain times. As new information becomes available and decisions are made, we will continue to keep you informed through all of our communication channels, including our website at www.commcare.ca.”