COVID-19 Resources

04/21/2020

ACCA friends,

We at ACCA strongly encourage you to continue following guidelines of wearing masks in public, socially distancing and washing your hands. It’s important that all of us, regardless of age, do so to help stop the spread. We also encourage you to get a vaccine and have a dedicated vaccination information resource page.

Please stay safe, stay well and reach out to us when you need us!

Athens-Clarke County Resources

Athens-Clarke County COVID-19 Information
Message from Mayor Kelly Girtz, county updates.

Athens-Clarke County COVID-19 Vaccine Information

Athens Community Council on Aging

Athens Free Clinic Hotline
If you do not have transportation or have other barriers to care, you may call the Athens Free Clinic mobile unit Mon-Fri, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm: 706.308.4092.

Athens Neighborhood Health Center
Free COVID-19 testing: walk in or call to make an appointment.
706.546.5526 – 675 College Avenue
706.543.1145 – 402 McKinley Drive

COVID-19 Mobile Clinic
Free testing in your neighborhood.
706.308.4092

Local COVID19 Testing Options

Flagpole
Health, financial and other resources for those affected by Coronavirus.

Northeast Health District COVID-19 Screening Hotline
706.340.0996 available Mon-Fri, 8:00 am – 7 pm, Saturday 8:30 am – 5:00 pm.

The Ark
Currently providing rent assistance and can be reached at 706.548.8155. Visite la página para obtener información en español.

Caregiver Support

A Senior’s Guide to Navigating Tech Issues in 2021
The guide covers common computer and smartphone issues and how seniors can troubleshoot them at home. It also provides actionable tips on what to look for when shopping for senior-friendly tech.

AARP Caregiving How-To Video Series
Videos on diet, managing incontinence, mobility, medications and wound care.

AARP Tele-Town Hall Meetings

Advanced Care Planning
The Being Prepared in the Time of COVID resource offer instructions for advance planning during the COVID-19 pandemic. The resource includes a worksheet on page 2 with specific questions to assist individuals in creating their own advance care plan.

Athens Community Council on Aging

Caregiver statistics

Northeast Georgia Area Agency on Aging
Caregiving resources.

The Alzheimer’s Association
Offers 24/7 online support.

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
The Caregiver Support Program during COVID-19 fact sheet offers caregiver tips including topics applicable to all caregivers such as advance planning, how to protect yourself, and tips for stress management during an emergency.

COVID-19 Information

American Red Cross
Coronavirus safety tips.

Benefits.gov
On Benefits.gov, you can find government benefits related to unemployment assistance, healthcare, food and nutrition. You can also use the Benefit Finder tool to find additional benefits you may be eligible for.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Reducing your risk, symptom checker, developing a care plan and information on face masks you can make at home. The CDC also has a webpage dedicated to COVID-19 and older adults.

COVID-19 Vaccine Related Cyber Scams | 50 Free Resources + Safety Tips

CVS Drive-up COVID-19 Testing
Drive-up Coronavirus testing is available at 3595 Atlanta Highway Athens, GA 30606 – appointment required.

Hearing Loss and Masks
Individuals with hearing loss are at higher risk of miscommunication and at its worse, no communication. Learn how you can help those with hearing loss while they are wearing masks.

Georgia Department of Public Health
Guidance for individuals during COVID-19.

Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program (LTCO)
ACCA’s LTCO program advocates for long term care facility residents in the East Georgia region. The LTCO program provides private and confidential information and resources as well as work towards complaint resolution for COVID-19 issues and any other care concern or question you may have about long term care.

COVID-19 Nursing Home Data – As part of CMS’ commitment to protect nursing home residents, nursing homes are now required to report vaccinations of residents and staff. These data are available on this webpage.

Fireside Chat Recordings – This webpage holds all CMS COVID-19 partner calls, including CDC/CMS hosted fireside chats answering long-term facility staff questions about COVID-19 vaccination.

Medicare & Coronavirus
Helpful resources including Consumer Fact Sheet – Medicare Coverage and Coronavirus 2021

National Council on Aging
What older adults need to know.

National Council on Aging
Información, recursos y vídeos de COVID-19 en español.

State of Georgia Department of Human Services
Contact information and resources during COVID-19.

U.S. Food & Drug Administration
The COVID-19 resource page contains additional resources such as fact sheets, videos, podcasts, toolkits and articles.

World Health Organization
When and how to use masks.

COVID-19 Vaccine Information

Financial Information & Assistance

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau coronavirus landing page has links to information on mortgage and housing assistance, economic impact payments, managing finances, and scams.

GeorgiaCares
A volunteer-based program that provides free, unbiased and factual information and assistance to Medicare beneficiaries and their caregivers with health and drug plans. GeorgiaCares is a public-private partnership, administered by the Georgia Department of Human Services (DHS) Division of Aging Services (DAS).

Social Security Administration (SAA)
While their offices are not providing service to walk-in visitors due to COVID-19, SSA remains committed to providing ongoing benefits and vital services. You can speak with a representative by calling your local Social Security office or their National 800 number. They provide local office phone numbers conveniently online with their Social Security Office Locator. Many SSA-related tasks can be done online as well. Click here to reference their online services.

Medications

Good Pill
Having trouble getting medications you need because of COVID-19? Good Pill can provide 3 months of your medications, FREE (and delivered). Get started by calling 1.888.987.5187 – open Mon-Fri 10 am – 6 pm.

Jennings Mill Drug Company can deliver prescriptions locally, and in most cases with no physical contact. Call 706.621.5996 for more information.

Scams

Unfortunately, scammers are taking advantage of fears surrounding the Coronavirus. The Federal Trade Commission has identified several of them and is offering tips to protect yourself and others. These include watching for emails claiming to be from the CDC saying they have information about the virus and ignoring online offers for vaccinations. 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.

AARP
12 experts within the federal government recently offered tips on how to not fall victim to scams during this time.

Birch Gold Group
A comprehensive list of scams and how to avoid them.

Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered a number of scam text-message campaigns and “robocalls” offering free home testing kits, promoting bogus cures, selling health insurance, and preying on virus-related fears. The COVID Scams webpage offers information about avoiding and reporting scams.

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
The Coronavirus Rumor Control webpage helps the public distinguish between rumors and facts regarding the response to COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, the page offers links and information on how to report scams to the Federal Trade Commission.

Self Care

100+ Helpful COVID-19 Addiction and Mental Health Resources
2020 has been a year like no other. If you or a family member are struggling with addiction or concerned about mental health, please reach out to the available resources including help for those with substance abuse. The Palm Beach Institute and the Southern California Sunrise Recovery Center also provides helpful resources for those in the recovery community including what signs to look for if you feel you or our loved one are displaying signs of substance abuse.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Tips on stress and coping with COVID-19.

Georgia COVID-19 Emotional Support Hotline
1.866.399.8938

How Seniors Can Stay Virtually Connected with Loved Ones
Senior Lifestyle has compiled the best social media, video platforms and apps for seniors to stay virtually connected.

Peer2Peer Warm Line
1.888.945.1414
The warm line provides Georgians the opportunity to receive peer support over the phone 24 hours a day.

Piedmont Athens Regional
Five Minutes on Five Ways to Cope
Guided Relaxation

Resources for Older Adults Experiencing Loneliness

Staying Healthy During COVID-19
A comprehensive guide on ways you can stay healthy, and safe, during COVID-19 by blogger Erin Pearson.

What You Need to Know About Handwashing
From the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Suicide Prevention
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for those in distress: 1-800-273-8255. This comprehensive guide features 36 online suicide prevention resources and helplines.

Technology

45 Free Apps for Seniors to Promote Independence
A great resource to help older adults live independently and healthily. These apps can help keep track of your health, manage finances and stay connected with others.