LOUISVILLE, Ky. — For many of our most vulnerable, staying “healthy at home” is more of a hardship.
“They’re isolated," said Patty Dissell, executive director of SeniorCare Experts, a nonprofit delivering meals to Louisville’s elderly population. She's talking about older adults.
“They are being sent home from the hospital earlier than normal to reduce their risk of catching the virus," she said.
She said many are suffering physically and financially, especially now during COVID-19. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, it’s a population accounting for more than 15% of Metro Louisville.
“We were getting calls constantly," Dissell said, adding she's never been busier. Since early March, she said demand for food has increased by 75 percent.
“We’ve kind of been a little command center," said Dissell.
She said the nonprofit, which receives funding mostly from grants, with about 25% from individual donors, is delivering about 200 meals every weekday. Each meal runs between $5 and $7.
Volunteers Jessica Aaron and her son Jacob, took us along for a virtual ride.
“So we’ve got protein, vegetables, bread, drinks for them," said Jacob.
“We always wear our mask. We hand sanitize," Jessica explained.
The need for social distancing means they now bring food up to the door, knock or ring the doorbell, and then wait in their cars till it gets picked up.
“It’s a highlight of the day," said Jessica. She said she knows how much people appreciate the service.
SeniorCare Experts has had about 25 additional volunteers over the last few months, seeking to help those during the pandemic. State data shows there's a need for it.
According to the Kentucky Department for Aging and Independent Living, last week there were over 80,000 meals served to seniors by drive-through pick up at local senior centers or home delivery services. Before COVID-19, there were 40,000 meals served to seniors through senior centers and home delivered meal delivery.
A spokesperson with the department said 1 in 6 seniors in Kentucky are food insecure.
RESOURCES
- SeniorCare Experts
- Louisville’s Senior Nutrition Program
- Caregiving in a Time of Coronavirus: Tip Sheet from Emory University Goizueta Alzheimer's Disease Research Center
- Share Facts About COVID-19: Coronavirus Information for Seniors
- COVID-19 Virtual Information Sessions provided by University of Louisville Trager Institute
- Kentucky Department for Aging and Independent Living - Seniors age 60 and older are eligible for a free meal regardless of income. They can sign up for a free meal and be screened for additional resources in their area by calling the Aging and Disability Resource Center hotline at 877-925-0037. If you or a loved one need help understanding your Medicare benefits at this time, call toll free 1-877-293-7447.
►Contact reporter Paula Vasan at pvasan@whas11.com on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram