For 45 years, NU-HOPE Elder Care Services has been dedicated to addressing the comprehensive needs of seniors. Our mission statement is clear: We will consider all aspects of senior lives, including their physical, financial and emotional needs, and assist them to safely remain in their own homes and avoid institutional placement. It is a mandate that we do not take lightly.
The Cornonavirus Pandemic highlighted the importance of our mission.
When it became apparent that the health and well-being of those we serve was being threatened by the Coronavirus, NU-HOPE immediately activated its emergency plan, putting into action that had been developed and incorporated into our ongoing training program.
Key actions taken by NU-HOPE included:
• Daily discussions with local and state government and health authorities.
• Contacting every client to discuss the situation and discuss measures for maximizing safety.
• Providing frequent updates to clients and community partners regarding community resources, hotlines and guidance from local authorities, the CDC and Florida Department of Health.
• Updated trainings for all staff and volunteers to review the best practices designed to maximize the health and well-being of all.
• Providing emergency shelf stable meals to all clients to ensure access to food.
• Implementing critical social distancing actions, including the temporary closure of our Congregate Meal Sites. Clients who previously received meals at the group dining sites were provided the option of continuing to receive meals in their homes. Meal site managers continue to make ongoing contact with clients thorough regular phone calls to ensure that their needs are being addressed and to reduce the stress of social isolation.
• Temporarily closing of our Thrift Stores to reduce the risk of community spread. However, as the organization relies heavily on the proceeds of sales in order to fund our services, the organization switched to online sales and by-appointment only review of merchandise.
• Revision of our home delivered meal procedures to reduce social contacts.
• Working with vendors to ensure continued access to meals and other essential supplies, as well as the staff needed to deliver in-home and nutritional services.
• Partnering with local businesses and organizations to provide shelf stable and pet food to seniors.
Taking these steps have not always been easy, but they were essential. The health, safety, and well-being of the community we serve will always be our primary concern. And while we are proud of the quality of our existing emergency plans and the vast experience that our staff and volunteers brought to the table, we learned that true emergencies are fluid and change hour by hour.
We have also learned that the most valuable resource that our community has during such times are each other… the partnerships, dedication, and determination of our community to join together and do whatever is necessary to overcome the challenges we all face.
Thank you for being part of this amazing community.
IMPORTANT LINKS
Florida Department of Health Updates
The COVID-19 Call Center is available 24/7
1 (866) 779-6121
Highlands County Health Department
Center for Disease Control (CDC)
Avon Park Meals on Wheels
863-257-1780
Sebring Meals on Wheels
863-402-1818
