Warren/Forest Senior Center Reopening

Information

Experience Inc., the Area Agency on Aging, will open area senior centers, except for the Tidioute Senior Center, using safe social distancing policies effective the week of June 8.

Hours of operation to the public

Centers will have limited hours to the public so that staff may clean the facilities. Hours will be: Allegheny Community Center, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Marienville, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Tidioute, closed except for lunch take-outs; Endeavor, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

How many people can be in the senior center at any one time

¯ It will be determined how many individuals can safely fit into our senior centers and practice social distancing for reopening. Each center will be different depending on the square footage — 30% capacity, using 6 feet spacing for tables, spaced lines for lunch, etc.

¯ Tables and chairs will be spaced appropriately to maintain social distancing, they may not be moved.

¯ Reservations will be required until further notice.

¯ Two people allowed in the restrooms at one time.

Staff and Participant Screening and Safety

¯ Every day both center staff and participants will be required to consent to a temperature reading and may or may not be granted entry based on the results. Those with readings over 100 degrees Fahrenheit will not be permitted to enter. If someone appears ill (staff included), you can take their temperature. Or if they are coughing or otherwise appear ill, we will have to ask them to leave and not to return until they are better.

¯ Waiver: consumers must sign an Assumption of the Risk and Waiver of Liability relating to Coronavirus/COVID-19 when they attend a center for the first time.

¯ Health screening: consumers must also fill out a health screening form when they return to a center the first time.

¯ All individuals entering senior centers must wear a mask unless they have a medical condition prohibiting its use. Those who do not have a mask will have one provided.

¯ Hand washing: consumers must wash their hands upon arrival, before lunch and when they leave the center. Hand sanitizer will be available for consumers.

¯ No physical contact of any kind amongst consumers, volunteers and staff is permitted.

Consumers are not permitted to move and tables or chairs in any area of the facility. Signs will be posted prominently throughout the facility.

Lunch

Centers will resume their congregate lunch service in June using the following guidelines:

¯ Disposable paper products will be utilized for all lunch service.

¯ Single-use beverage containers, like bottles of water, or water or coffee poured by staff using gloves will be utilized.

¯ People may take their lunches home in take-out containers if they are not comfortable eating in a communal setting.

¯ Consumers can bring in their own lunches and beverages but can’t share with anyone, nor are they allowed to bring in food, such as desserts, to share.

¯ Consumers will be called up one table at a time to retrieve their meal; social distance indicators outlined on the floor.

¯ Congregate meal availability will be determined on the same basis as described under “How many people can be in the senior center at any one time.’ Each center will be different in how many people they accommodate according to their space.

¯ No consumer is allowed to save seats for other people.

Allowable activities

Lunch, tai chi, Healthy Steps chair exercise, bingo if using disposable papers or have individuals keep a bingo card for themselves alone; anything that can be done using 6 foot spacing and not share items, such as cards.

Activities that will not be allowed

Anything such as cards, billiards (unless participants have their own cue stick, chalk, etc), board games, etc., that involves people sitting or standing close together and sharing things like cards.

Cleaning procedures

Centers will be cleaned according to CDC guidelines in the morning prior to consumers attending the centers, during the day and after consumers leave for the afternoon.

Protocol for Positive Case

The following will be adhered to if there is a positive COVID-19 case at a center. The center will be closed immediately. Fellow members will be informed of exposure using HIPAA guidelines. The facility will be cleaned and disinfected. The local Health Department will be consulted and staff, volunteers and members who had contact with the infected member will self-quarantine and be tested.

Senior Center menu and ACC activities for June

¯ June 15 — parmesan chicken, pasta, tossed salad, italian bread and applesauce, 10 a.m. tai chi, 12:30 p.m. Bingo;

¯ June 16 — hot dogs, barbecue butter beans, macaroni salad and fresh fruit, 10 a.m. Bible study, 11 a.m. Healthy Steps;

¯ June 17 — pulled pork sandwich, coleslaw, ranch potatoes and cookies, 10 a.m. tai chi;

¯ June 18 — pot roast, whipped potatoes/gravy, carrots, wheat bread and pears, 11 a.m. Healthy Steps, 12:45 p.m. Mystery Bingo;

¯ June 19 — chicken cobb salad, (chicken, egg, bacon, cheese), vegetable barley soup and peaches (Sheffield and Endeavor only);

¯ June 22 — roasted pork with mushroom sauce, vegetable rice pilaf, green beans and pineapple, 10 a.m. tai chi, 2:30 p.m. Bingo;

¯ June 23 — baked meatloaf with gravy, baked potato, wax beans, bread and cookie, 10 a.m. Bible study, 11 a.m. Healthy Steps;

¯ June 24 stuffed pepper, potatoes, mixed vegetables, roll and fresh fruit, 10 a.m. tai chi;

¯ June 25 — chicken cutlet, scalloped potatoes, salad, bread and fruit gelatin, 11 a.m. Healthy Steps, 12:45 to 2 p.m. Mystery Bingo;

¯ June 26 — tuna salad sandwich, lettuce and tomato, tomato soup and fresh fruit (Sheffield and Endeavor only);

¯ June 29 — warm roast beef sandwich with mozzarella, hash browns, carrots and fresh fruit, 10 a.m. Tai chi, 12:30 to 2 p.m. Bingo;

¯ June 30 barbecue chicken, blended rice, brussel sprouts, bread and applesauce, 10 a.m. Bible study, 11 a.m. Healthy Steps.

Organizers ask seniors to make their lunch reservations well in advance as they are catered meals. Eligible participation is 60 years and older with a suggested meal donation of $3. Under 60 years of age the cost is $4. Menu is subject to change if necessary.

Farmer Market Voucher Program Changes

2020 application forms for the vouchers are available online at www.AlleghenyCommunityCenter.com, under the News tab, at a local senior center or by calling the Allegheny Community Center (814-723-3237) to have one mailed. There will be no in-person voucher clinics this year. Vouchers will be mailed. To qualify for the vouchers, applicants must be 60 or older (or turn 60 by Dec. 31, 2020) and meet the household income guidelines of $23,606 for one person in the household, or $31,894 for two people in the household.

A list may be obtained from the SFMNP website www.PAFMNP.org. The website will have the most current information available starting May 15 through the end of the program year.

Market lists are also available on the PA FMNP app available in Google Play store and the Apple Store for free. Search for PA FMNP farmers market locator.

VITA Tax Program

The Allegheny Community Center announces that the VITA Tax Program has been cancelled for all VITA sites in Warren and Forest counties due to closures as recommended by the governor. All senior centers in Warren and Forest Counties continue to be closed for public programming while the counties are in the yellow phase. This also includes no availability for in person assistance to complete Property Tax/Rent Rebate applications.

Consumers can go to www.irs.gov for free federal tax software for online filing or they may download forms for filing paper copies themselves. PA income tax forms are available at www.revenue.pa.gov/FormsandPublications.

PA Property Tax and Rent Rebate forms are available at Experience Inc., the Warren-Forest Area Agency on Aging (814-723-3763) or in the lobby of the Allegheny Community Center, 42 Clark St., Warren. They are also available at www.revenue.pa.gov/FormsandPublications.

Warren/Forest Senior Games

The games, which are usually held in June, have been cancelled for the year.

Community Needs Assessment

Those who want to participate in the Experience, Inc., the Warren/Forest Area Agency on Aging, 2020 Community Needs Assessment for Older Adults, can visit www.alleghenycommunitycenter.com and click on the News tab for the May newsletter, which includes the Needs Assessment.

Experience Inc., The Area Agency on Aging

Experience Inc., the Area Agency on Aging, continues to operate and provide critical services to the older adults of Warren and Forest counties. While the main office and all area senior centers are closed to the public, the AAA remains committed to our senior population.

They are unable to come to people’s homes or have them in our office, but staff is available to answer questions or to help if someone is in need of our programs and services. They will do everything that they can to meet consumer needs over the phone.

Call the Area Agency on Aging at 814-723-3763. If you already have a case worker please dial their extension, leave a voice mail and they will return your call.

Established in 1968, Experience, Inc., the Area Agency on Aging, is dedicated to meeting the needs of senior citizens of Warren and Forest Counties. Experience, Inc. is a nonprofit company. They offer a wide variety of programs and services created for seniors to enhance the quality of life.

Their services are designed with your long-term independence in mind. Their professional staff is here to help, plan and coordinate your care.

Here is an explanation of the services provided by Experience, Inc., your area agency on aging:

¯ APPRISE is a free health insurance counseling program designed to help all Pennsylvanians with Medicare. Counselors are specially trained staff and volunteers who can answer your questions about Medicare and provide you with objective, easy-to-understand information about Medicare. This service is free. For more information, call 800-281-6545 or 814-723-3763, ext. 123

Forest County residents are asked to call 800-281-6545 or 814-723-3763, ext. 123 to schedule appointments in Marienville and Tionesta. Continue to watch the Forest Press for dates and places, or call the toll free number, 1-800-281-6545, for more information and to schedule an appointment.

¯ IN-HOME CARE SERVICES. A professional care management staff provides service coordination care through an assessment plan of your needs.

¯ FAMILY CARE GIVER SUPPORT. Families are the major provider of long-term care, but research has shown that caregiving exacts a heavy emotional, physical and financial toll. Experience, Inc. provides programs and services that can help by providing respite care and financial reimbursement for those who qualify.

¯ HOME DELIVERED MEALS. As mentioned above, meals are delivered to older adults, those with disabilities, or anyone who qualifies by the inability to prepare a nutritious meal for themselves.

¯ PERSONAL CARE AND HOME SUPPORT. Personal Care Services provides “hands-on” care in the home to individuals 60+ who are unable to independently meet their personal hygiene needs or perform activities of daily living.

¯ PERSONAL EMERGENCY RESPONSE SYSTEM. The Personal Emergency Response System or PERS, are home devices that connect older adults to a 24-hour call center with the push of a button.

¯ SENIOR COMMUNITY CENTERS. Experience provides community supports in centers throughout Warren and Forest counties that provide nutrition and health programs, socialization, education and personal growth, care management for aging services and volunteer opportunities. For more information about any of the services mentioned, call Experience Inc., at 814-723-3763, Ext. 139.