At CareLink, our elderly clients are always our first priority and, in many cases, our Meals on Wheels program is the front line of defense for food-insecure seniors. With the ever-increasing threat of the Coronavirus in our community, our staff is working diligently to adapt our response to avoid an interruption of services across all programs. We have an extra layer of concern because our recipients are members of the high-risk group, so we want to minimize their exposure to the virus.
We are working to remain poised to respond as the needs of our clients evolve. To reduce exposure to our recipients, CareLink has converted our hot meals to a week’s supply of frozen meals. With the health of our clients, staff, and volunteers in mind, we made the difficult decision to suspend all volunteer routes effective Monday, March 23rd, when CareLink staff began weekly deliveries to each client and supplied 15 emergency meals in the unfortunate case that we are forced to temporarily suspend all services. In addition, employees will call all Meals on Wheels clients to continue the check-ins that our daily visits previously provided. At this point, CareLink has invested an unexpected $40,000 and counting, just in our meal program alone.
In-home care services are continuing to provide essential services, following CDC guidelines for safe interaction between clients and our caregivers. Non-emergency medical transportation continues to be provided as well. CareLink’s Information and Assistance department is still available to anyone needing assistance with services or resources. As always, CareLink is here to connect older people and their families to the resources they need to remain safely in their homes and is available at 501-372-5300.
Now more than ever, CareLink relies on community support to continue serving older people in Central Arkansas. Your contributions ensure we meet the increased needs of our seniors during this time and are able to serve the growing population of homebound older people in our community. To contribute to our cause, visit https://www.carelink.org/give-now or call Randi Metcalf, VP of Development, at 501-688-7469.
