COVID-19 Age-Friendly Resources

An age-friendly community is one that cares for the needs of all community members, no matter their age or ability.

Now more than ever we are seeing the importance of addressing the needs of our most vulnerable populations. Older adults are at a higher risk of suffering debilitating health effects of COVID-19 and our community is coming together to address some of the needs that are arising.

The Miami-Dade Age-Friendly Initiative has compiled a list of COVID-19 related resources for older adults, organizations, and municipalities to have available and share. We will be updating and adding links periodically.

Please view the resources below:

Miami-Dade COVID-19 Resources for Older Adults

TESTING

Think You Have the Virus and Need to Get Tested?

• Miami-Dade County is hosting testing centers for older adults. You can view regular updates, including a list of testing sites on the county website.

• For those living in the City of Miami, the City will be testing homebound Miami residents ages 65 and older. City staff will first reach out to low-income senior towers. Call 305-960-5050 to make an appointment.

URGENT NEEDS

Are You Aware of an Older Adult Who Has Problems Getting Meals?

• If you are or know of an older adult who has any problems getting meals, please call the County’s 311 Call Center to be patched in with the Emergency Operations Center in order to obtain meals or other services. By dialing 311 or 305-468-5900 you can get one-on-one personal customer service in English, Spanish, or Creole. You may now also submit a request for meal here.

• Are you aware of a veteran requiring food assistance? The United Way of Miami-Dade and Mission United are providing food assistance to veterans. Please have them complete a food assistance form here.

Are you are concerned about paying for electricity?

EHEAP is a program that provides assistance for home energy emergencies to qualified, low-income households with at least one person 60 years of age or older. Applicant households must meet financial eligibility guideline , and have an imminent energy crisis. A crisis may be an impending cut-off of utility services or an unusually hot or cold season energy expense, resulting in a past due account.

Are you currently homeless or at risk of becoming homeless?

The Housing Assistance Network of Dade (HAND) Program is promoting housing stability by providing temporary rental assistance for eligible individuals and families who are currently homeless or are at risk of becoming homeless. The HAND Program has been expanded to assist those who have lost their jobs, or have less income, due to the COVID-19 public health emergency and have received notice from their landlord of a plan to file for eviction. To see if you are eligible, learn more, and to apply, please click here.

Unemployment Benefits 

In an effort to help Miami-Dade County residents applying for state unemployment benefits, especially those who do not have computers at home, the Miami-Dade Public Library System (MDPLS) will be providing printed copies of Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) Reemployment Assistance Applications at 26 library locations beginning Wednesday, April 8. For more information and drop-off locations, review the news release. Residents can also download and print a copy of the application from DEO’s website and return it to any participating library’s book drop.

INFORMATION

Stay Updated on COVID-19 in Miami-Dade County 

Miami-Dade’s 311 Contact Center is the best place to get information or be directed to services. You can find all the ways to reach this service here: https://www.miamidade.gov/global/311.page.

Stay Updated on COVID-19 Food Assistance and Senior Services

Visit the Miami-Dade County Food Assistance and Senior Services page to stay updated on COVID-19 emergency orders,  for community centers serving seniors, food distribution and food assistance resources, and more. Click here to learn more.

Referral Services

• The Helpline is often the first point of contact for seniors, caregivers, and professionals seeking information and guidance through the network of service delivery. Helpline staff advocate for clients who are in need of additional assistance in finding services. To access this database, called REFER, click here or contact a Helpline Specialist at 305-670-HELP (4357).

• The Health Council of South Florida is providing free, unbiased assistance with and information about applying for the right federal and state programs, depending on household needs. Call the appointment hotline at 786-708-0836 or make an appointment online.

MAP TOOL

Looking for the closest testing center or age-friendly food access including stores with senior-only grocery shopping hours? 

Check out this map, which is updated regularly and provides information on:

• Drive-through COVID-19 testing sites

• Food assistance (including some specifically for seniors)

• Availability on senior-only grocery shopping hours

• Mental Health Services (including virtual services)

Resources for Older Adults and Caregivers

Practice Social Distancing, Not Social Isolation

• Check out this article from the American Psychological Association to learn more about the psychological impact of social distancing and ways to cope. The APA site also has information about self-care for older adults. Also, if you are or know of low-income older adults that have internet-enabled devices and can benefit from WiFi in their homes, Comcast at 855-846-8376 is offering two months of free internet service so you can stay connected.

• The National Resource Center for Engaging Older Adults has put together ideas to stay connected while at home during COVID-19.

Need Assistance with Medicaid or Medicare?

• SHINE is a free program offered by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs and the Alliance for Aging. Specially trained volunteers in Miami-Dade and Monroe counties can assist with Medicare, Medicaid, and health insurance questions by providing one-on-one counseling and information. English: 305-670-6500, extension 11256 | Español: 305-670-6500, extension 11276.

Looking for Legal Services?

The Senior Legal Helpline provides free legal advice and brief services by telephone to eligible Florida residents age 60 and older, for civil (not criminal) legal problems. To contact the Senior Legal Helpline call 1-888-895-7873.

Are You a Care Provider?

• The National Association of Home Care and Hospice has put together some Coronavirus Resources, including interactive tools and webinars. You can also assist a home-bound senior by setting them up with Umbrella: a community platform that helps older adults age in place that is offering grocery delivery and medication pick-up for people age 60+. 

• The Department of Elder Affairs put together some COVID-19 Tips for Caregivers of Elders with Memory Disorders and you can register for free webinars to learn about meaningful activities that can be used to engage people with dementia. Don’t forget to take care of yourself – find 8 Mental Health Tips for Caregivers During Coronavirus here.

• Learn about the most at-risk older adults and what can be done to help them.

Disability and Mental Health Support

Support is available to help functionally impaired older adults through the Alliance for Aging’s contracted provider network. To find out more information contact 305-670-4357. 

• NAMI is offering free virtual support groups for individuals dealing with mental health challenges. Learn more on their website.

• Thriving Mind of South Florida maintains a list of mental health service providers. Visit their site to find providers and services.

• The Coalition to End Social Isolation & Loneliness has put together a compilation of resources on the physical, behavioral, and mental health effects of physical distancing and how to stay connected with others while intentionally isolating oneself. This is updated regularly, so check back for additional information.

An Accurate Census Can Help Communities Become More Livable for People of All Ages

Filling out the 2020 Census is a perfect at-home activity. We can respond online, over the phone, or by mail – all without having to meet a census worker. NYAM’s “Get Out the Count” toolkit outlined strategies for developing a census outreach approach. Visit AARP’s Census page for a timeline and additional information.

The 8 Domains of Livability and COVID-19

Click here to learn about how the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities are protecting and serving older adults during the pandemic using the 8 Domains of Livability Framework.

Tell Us What You Are Doing! Email us at info@urbanhs.com to share some of the things you are doing to keep our older adults safe and connected during this time.

Miami-Dade County Resources

Miami-Dade County Emergency Order

Miami-Dade County have released emergency orders specific to older adults.

Stay updated on all emergency orders by visiting the emergency orders website here.

Stay Updated on COVID-19:

• Main Resource Page for Miami-Dade County Government COVID-19 Information and Updates 

• Daily COVID-19 Video Update from Mayor Carlos A Gimenez

• Miami-Dade County Government COVID-19 Print Resources Available in 3 Languages (English, Haitian Creole, Spanish) About Prevention and Symptoms

• Hurricane Planning During COVID-19
As we approach hurricane season, it is important to take some time to familiarize yourself with resources and information to help you prepare before, during, and after a storm. This year, due to COVID-19, there are additional protocols for the activation of evacuation centers.

311 Contact Center

The 311 Contact Center provides a fast, simple and convenient way for you to get information on local government services. Learn more here.

Florida State Resources

• The Florida State Department of Health

The Florida Department of Health’s dedicated call center for COVID-19 questions and concerns is operational 24/7. The phone number is 866-779-6121, or you can email COVID-19@flhealth.gov.

Government and Nationwide Resources

• CDC: What Symptoms to Watch Out For

–CDC COVID-19 Guidance for Older Adults

• AARP Coronavirus Resources

–View a List of Supermarkets That Offer Special Hours for Older Shoppers

–Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) guidance for long-term care facilities in the context of COVID-19

• Alliance for Healthy Aging: Common Questions and Answers About COVID-19 for Older Adults and People with Chronic Health Conditions

• Administration for Community Living: COVID-19 Guidance

• Housing Needs Report: The number of older Americans is projected to more than double from 40.3 million in 2010 to 85.7 million in 2050. This housing report uses data from the American Housing Survey (AHS) to explore the prevalence of housing units with aging-accessible features. Click here to learn more.

• IRS: The deadlines to FILE and PAY federal income taxes are extended to July 15, 2020. Also, learn more about the economic impact payments here.

-Learn more about scams: FTC Consumer Information

-Where to Report Coronavirus Scams: DOJ National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11(1-833-372-8311)

• The National Hispanic Council on Aging hosted a webinar to discuss Food security during COVID-19. A recording can be viewed here: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/recording/9090360124854916104.

• Affording healthy food during a pandemic has been challenging. Defeat Malnutrition Today has compiled some FAQs and resources for promoting good nutrition in older adults: https://www.defeatmalnutrition.today/covid-19. And AARP has a program that helps to make purchasing healthy food more affordable: https://healthysavings.aarpfoundation.org/.

• Meals on Wheels: Find a provider near you:  https://www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org/find-meals.

Grant Opportunities

As of May 16, 2020, this opportunity is now closed.

Since 2017, AARP has funded 376 projects in all 50 states, D.C., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Challenge grants will support quick-action projects that spark change and help improve communities for people of all ages in key livability areas of public spaces, transportation, smart cities, civic engagement, housing, and other innovative projects.

Winning grants will be announced in August and all projects must be completed by December 18. Please note, these reflect new dates as we extended the Challenge timeline in response to the Coronavirus and to allow communities more time to prepare their applications.

This opportunity is now closed.

Age-Friendly Initiative Lead Agencies and Coronavirus Response

AARP’s website includes information about the recently passed Stimulus, a Coronavirus Tele-Town Hall, a checklist for older adults during COVID-19 and several other resources: http://www.aarp.org/.

The Alliance for Aging is helping older adults with home energy emergencies, Medicare and Medicaid support, a referral services helpline, (see links in the resources section above) and has compiled some factsheets on prevention and staying safe, in English, Spanish, and Creole: https://allianceforaging.org/providers/covid-19-information.

Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County is tracking COVID-19 statistics for the county. Visit their site for updates on essential services that the Department is continuing to provide:  http://miamidade.floridahealth.gov/alerts.html.

Read an important message from the Health Foundation of South Florida http://www.hfsf.org/, about simple actions each one of us can take to help our region stay healthy and economically resilient as we confront this pandemic.

For updates from Miami-Dade County, including testing sites and Emergency Orders, visit https://www.miamidade.gov/global/initiatives/coronavirus/home.page. The county is also providing assistance with unemployment benefits (see the link included in the resources above for more details).

Read about transportation related updates related to COVID-19 from the Miami-Dade Transportation Planning Organization, including limited schedules on many transportation routes in Miami-Dade County in this week’s newsletter: http://www.miamidadetpo.org/enewsletter.asp.

The United Way of Miami-Dade is providing support for individuals and businesses. See how they are helping by visiting: https://unitedwaymiami.org/coronavirusresources/. 

Learn more about how Urban Health Partnerships is operating during COVID-19, including tips for taking care of vulnerable populations and additional resources:  https://urbanhp.org/uhp-covid-19/.