SourcePoint continues services

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While the enrichment center may be closed, SourcePoint is continuing to offer a variety of services to its members, including its Meals on Wheels program.

SourcePoint closed its enrichment center on Cheshire Road in Delaware to members March 14 with plans to reopen April 27, but Alison Yeager, SourcePoint’s director of communications & development, said it will be keeping up with its members during the closure.

“At SourcePoint, we’re exploring what we can do to help engage our members and other older adults in the community, such as streaming exercise videos on Facebook and sharing what other health organizations recommend,” Yeager said.

She added SourcePoint is encouraging members who frequent the enrichment center to find other ways to stay active during the closure.

“Be proactive about your health,” Yeager said. “Remember to hydrate and eat a balanced and nutritious diet. With warmer weather on the horizon, go outside and walk — the fresh air will help both body and mind during this stressful time.”

Yeager said it’s important that seniors stay engaged with others, while also practicing social distancing.

“Social distancing does not mean social isolation,” she said. “Now, more than ever, we need to find smart ways to stay connected — online, over the phone, and through good old-fashioned letters in the mail. Reach out to family and friends on the phone or through apps like FaceTime and Skype.”

Yeager said SourcePoint will be continuing its in-home care services and Meals on Wheels deliveries during the closure.

“SourcePoint remains committed to providing critical in-home care services to our Delaware County seniors for as long as safely possible,” Yeager said in a news release Wednesday. “We know that seniors are a high-risk population for the coronavirus. We are doing everything we can to maintain key services; however, we recognize that our operations may need to be adjusted in the coming days or weeks.”

Yeager added SourcePoint is working with the Delaware General Health District to monitor the situation and has made several changes to in-home care services in response to the virus. The changes include having clients call their care consultants if they are sick so extra precautions can be taken; having staff call clients to check on their stress levels; asking screening questions before any face-to-face deliveries; and having staff practice social distancing, extra hygiene precautions, telecommuting and conducting as much work as possible over the phone.

Yeager said the Meals on Wheels program has also made several changes, including cleaning and disinfecting the kitchen every day, arranging for “no contact” meal deliveries with clients, and having delivery drivers and volunteers drop off bags at SourcePoint without entering the building. She said staff from other departments have also been volunteering with Meals on Wheels to make sure the program is fully staffed.

Looking ahead, Yeager said there are several things the community can do to help out.

“First and foremost, if you are healthy, check on your older family members, friends and neighbors,” she said. “Offer them a meal, make a grocery run, help them access telehealth care, and talk to them on the phone. While organizations like SourcePoint can help, we can’t do it alone. It’s truly a community effort.”

Yeager said SourcePoint is also looking for healthy volunteers. Interested individuals can apply at MySourcePoint.org/volunteer or call 740-363-6677, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

SourcePoint is also accepting donations, which can be made at MySourcePoint.org/give.

Yeager said SourcePoint is also taking extra steps to make sure the facility is clean and safe when it reopens.

“While we pride ourselves on a clean facility, we began taking extra precautions on March 2, prior to any known cases of COVID-19 in Ohio,” Yeager said. “We stepped up our facilities cleaning and sanitation efforts to hospital-grade disinfectant solutions, routinely wiping door handles, stairway handrails, chairs, and common surfaces. Now that the enrichment center is closed, both our maintenance and janitorial staff has been deep cleaning.”

Yeager said SourcePoint is sending regular communications to its members, clients and volunteers, while also posting updates to MySourcePoint.org/COVID19.

Meals on Wheels delivery drivers load delivery bags full of meals at SourcePoint Thursday morning. The program has implemented several changes since the coronavirus closed SourcePoint’s enrichment center, including allowing for “no contact” deliveries and screening any face-to-face deliveries.
https://www.delgazette.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2020/03/web1_DSC09828.jpgMeals on Wheels delivery drivers load delivery bags full of meals at SourcePoint Thursday morning. The program has implemented several changes since the coronavirus closed SourcePoint’s enrichment center, including allowing for “no contact” deliveries and screening any face-to-face deliveries. Courtesy photo | SourcePoint

By Glenn Battishill

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Glenn Battishill can be reached at 740-413-0903 or on Twitter @BattishillDG.

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