The staff at Wallingford Community Senior Center want to help keep our elders connected, for social interaction as well as to make sure they get their vaccine.
AmeriCorps Seniors Volunteers, called Homage Senior Companions, are trained and vetted – and 55 or over. They can give weekly calls or a regular video chat to elders who would benefit from more social interaction. This free program, once the pandemic is over, can transition to volunteers making weekly, in-person visits to those at home, and alone, and wanting someone to play cards, take a walk or have lunch with them. Contact Denise Malm at the WCSC, or Mary Ann Higgins at Homage at 425-265-2225 or mhiggins@homage.org, to sign-up.
The Wallingford Senior Center also wants to get information to our elders, particularly those 65 and older, who need to get a COVID-19 vaccination. Check out these websites:
- King County Public Health Information about the COVID-19 Vaccine
- City of Seattle Mayor’s Office Vaccination Information
- Washington State Vaccine Phase Finder
- King County COVID-19 Testing Locations
Yet, for those among our seniors who might not be adept at managing websites, or have access in their homes to working computers/SmartPhones, there are ways to get help by phone:
- King County COVID-19 Call Center (language interpretation available) at 206/477-3977
- Washington State COVID Assistance Hotline at 1-800-525-0127 or 1-888-856-5816
A patient’s primary care physician should also be able to help with finding access to the vaccine, for those eligible.
All seniors need to know that there is no cost for getting a COVID-19 vaccine, or an appointment for a COVID-19 vaccination. All people getting vaccinated will be asked for information, about health insurance, doctors, and health status, but there is no charge for the vaccine.
The Wallingford Community Senior Center remains closed, for the health and safety of members and staff, but they still have plenty of activities. Check out the on-line classes, including Bingo, French 1010, yoga, art, book club, Tai Chi, and creative writing, on the WCSC website – and engage with the Wallingford Seniors!