COA still offering services at this time

Many senior citizens depend on services provided by the local Council on Aging (COA). Like many other facilities across the country, the COA has been closed under direct orders from the governor.

“The governor’s office has ordered all COA meal sites, offices and senior centers to be closed,” said Director Helen Langley. “Our staff will still be on hand to answer phone calls but no clients will be allowed to enter.”

Langley said that although the doors are closed, they will still be available to assist some residents.

“We are still here for our seniors,” she said. “Throughout the week, we will continue to call and check on the people who regularly visit the COA.”

As a precaution, all programs and daily activities have been suspended at this time.

“There won’t be any exercise sessions, bingo games or activities for at least 30 – COA Director Helen Langley days,” said Langley. “At this time, we will deliver meals to those who normally depend on the COA’s congregate meal program.”

Langley had mentioned that transportation services would still be provided, with extra sanitizing precautions being taken to protect everyone involved.

However, an update states that transit services are now pending approval from the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development.

“We will operate as close to normal as possible until something changes,” Langley said. “We will let people know more as we receive word ourselves.”

Even though this was expected, Langley said regular clients will be upset about the closure.

“People are going to go crazy. They want to come in. We have quite a large number of clients that make use of our exercise equipment. Others enjoy our daily bingo games and depend on our meals,” she said. “This will be hard for everyone. This is not something we are pleased with but when the agency that funds our operation tells us to close, you do what they tell you to do.”

As of press time, all homemaker services and respite care services were still available. For more information, call (337) 824-5504.