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LEWISTON — SeniorsPlus has launched assistance with accessing COVID-19 vaccinations as part of the nationwide effort by the Department of Health and Human Services to reach all Americans, including the homebound and individuals in remote rural areas.
The new social services outreach effort is one of many offered by SeniorsPlus to find solutions to pandemic-related obstacles including access to nutrition, education and counseling. For assistance, individuals should call SeniorsPlus at 1-800-427-1241.
SeniorsPlus has assisted 3,200 older people and people with disabilities to connect or register to get the COVID-19 vaccination, and with questions about the vaccine, since the end of January. The agency has helped with transportation by connecting homebound clients to EMS and other providers able to enter client homes and give them the vaccine, or by providing cab fare, gas cards or other means of transportation to vaccination sites for clients.
In addition, SeniorsPlus has partnered with area hospitals and pharmacies to connect local residents over the age of 60 to a COVID-19 vaccination stand-by list in an effort to not let any COVID-19 vaccine go to waste.
The vaccine-access project is one of many programs SeniorsPlus is presenting even though the agency is not yet able to open its doors to the public. Output by Meals on Wheels at SeniorsPlus almost doubled over the past year because of the increase in homebound older adults. I
ts educational programming went virtual, offering many introductory classes on digital platforms like Zoom and iPad access through its iPad lending program. Caregiver support and ongoing support groups continued via Zoom. Meanwhile, the agency continues to provide information and assistance telephonically and virtually.
SeniorsPlus is the Western Maine designated Area Agency on Aging covering Franklin, Oxford and Androscoggin counties.
