Expanded services provided for elderly and disabled during COVID-19
West Central Indiana Economic Development District (West Central) has expanded their aging services and programming to assist those in need during the COVID-19 pandemic. The organization has also made some adjustments to existing programs in order to comply with social distancing recommendations.
“With the onset of the coronavirus in our region, we quickly saw some needs that we could fill in West Central Indiana,” states Ryan Keller, Executive Director of West Central. “Our most vulnerable populations need support now, more than ever, and our aging services and programs are well-equipped to provide additional support during this time.”
The congregate meal sites have transitioned to a grab & go system during COVID-19. This program supplies any person 60 and over (plus a spouse of any age) with five (5) frozen meals. All meals meet the Older American’s Act Nutrition Guidelines. Donations of $1.25 per meal are appreciated. If you are not already registered for a congregate meal site, you must call and sign up to be served.
To sign up, call the meal provider, Midland Meals, directly at 765-477-7189. The meal provider will help callers find the right meal pick-up site based upon location. Qualifying individuals will be able to pick up meals the following week at their designated meal site location.
Those unable to leave their homes during COVID-19 can call West Central’s Division of Aging (Area 7) at 812-917-3145 for a short, home-delivered meal consultation. Qualifying individuals will have five (5) frozen meals sent to their home via FEDEX during COVID-19.
Additionally, at-risk individuals 60+ and disabled persons of any age who want to limit exposure to public spaces and practice good social distancing during COVID-19 qualify for grocery and medication delivery. West Central is offering donation-based grocery and medication pick up in Parke, Vermillion and Vigo Counties during COVID-19. Call 812-232-2675 or toll free at 1-800-489-1561 x248.
Other services that West Central provided year-round that have become more relevant throughout the COVID-19 pandemic include rural transportation and health insurance services.
Rural transportation for individuals of any age is available 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. M-F for $2 per trip in Vigo County. Donation-based transportation for disabled persons or individuals 60+ is available (same days and times) in Parke, Vermillion and Vigo Counties. Call 812-232-2675 or toll free at 1-800-489-1561 x248.
West Central’s Covering Kids & Families program helps clients navigate coverage options including Medicaid, the Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP), the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and the Marketplace. Call 1-888-975-4CKF for more information.
For more information in general on West Central, visit westcentralin.com or follow @westcentralin on Facebook.
