SOSMagJulySeptember2020

Whether we want to or not, all of us are going to have to become more familiar with computers or i-pads/Android tablets or smart phones, to get our needs met. This is how we will reduce the likelihood of contracting the Covid-19 virus, now, and into the coming cold and flu season. According to Harvard Health Publishing, (health.harvard.edu ) Covid-19 is “…spread by inhaling someone’s aerosols (Aerosols are infectious viral particles that can float or drift in the air for up to three hours.)” One can inhale viral particles by standing too close to an infected person as he/she breathes, talks, coughs or sneezes; or by touching an infected surface then touching eyes, nose or mouth. Serving Our Seniors is working to help Erie County residents, age 60+ become comfortable using ZOOM. ZOOM is a software that lets people meet, see each other, and look at documents - virtually. This means you will be in one room/location and we will be in a different room/location, but we are still meeting with you. Serving Our Seniors anticipates this is how we will help others with Medicare Part D or Medicare Counseling during Open Enrollment, in order to keep everyone safe from the virus. By letting us help you to learn how to use ZOOM, now, you will help us become better at training others. To express your interest in learning ZOOM, please call (419-624-1856) or e-mail (Mail@ServingOurSeniors.org ). How Covid-19 Is Making ZOOM Commonplace When Governor DeWine issued the “Stay at Home” order, in March 2020, Serving Our Seniors suspended it’s Out of Town Transportation Program to take clients to health care appointments located out of town. Often these trips are an hour or more to Cleveland or Toledo. Age, in itself, is a risk factor for contracting the virus. An older person’s immunity isn’t as robust as a younger person. Add underlying health problems (diabetes, immune-deficiency disorders, lung problems, heart problems, etc…) to an aging immune system and you have a population group who is more likely to catch the Covid-19 virus. The most likely way to contract Covid-19 is by inhaling the same air as an infected person. When in a car, with the windows rolled up, Serving Our Seniors cannot protect the volunteer driver, who is age 60+, from getting the virus. The same is true for the client. Serving Our Seniors cannot protect the client, if the driver is an unknown When Can I Get a Ride Out of Town? carrier of the virus. This is why we are unable to operate the Out of Town Transportation Program, at this time. We are offering an alternative. If you have a friend or family member, with whom you feel safe to transport you to your health care appointment, but lack the money for gasoline, Serving Our Seniors can pay for the gasoline. It does require calling in advance to make the request and a procedure to follow. For more information about using this alternative, call 419-624-1856 and ask for a Senior Advocate Assistant. Stay safe. Ireland Bennett, Trainer Dave Ceshi Paul Fries 5