Reopening Programs at the COA
As we begin preparation of reopening some of the programs at the Cass County Council on Aging, we must consider how we can do it safely. Below is our tentative plan for reopening some of our services and activities. (Some of these are dependent on Gov. Whitmer rescinding Executive Order No. 2020-110, which specifically closed fitness centers, recreation centers, and the like.)
To ensure the safety of all parties, visitors can expect to see the following precautionary measures and policies in place during their next visit:
- All visitors must sign in and sign out to all activities
- All visitors must wear facemasks (except when participating in fitness activities)
- All visitors must take their temperature upon entry into the building
- Activities will have a maximum number of attendees allowed, so reservations must be made
Additional safety precautions:
Steps to Ensure Safety
Conduct Daily Entry Self-Screening Protocol
- All employees take temperature and answer questionnaire upon entry
- All visitors will enter through main entrance and take temperature and answer questionnaire upon entry
- Signs at entrance
Ensure all visitors who enter the building are tracked, including what activities they attended
- Track visitors upon entrance and record what activities they attended
- Set attendance limits for all activities and require prior registration to ensure activities are under room capacity
Update Cleaning & Disinfection Protocols
- Additional tissue and trash receptacles located throughout the building
- Additional hand Sanitizer bottles located throughout the building
- Public water fountain will be turned off
Maintain 6ft Social Distancing
- Plexiglas shields will be installed at lobby desks and other locations necessary
- Markers on floor designating 6-foot distances
- Rooms will be set up to ensure social distancing with different capacities
Provide Non-Medical Face Coverings
- All employees have access to surgical masks and gloves; homecare aides have N95 masks and gloves
- We have approximately 100 donated cloth masks that visitors can borrow if they do not have their own masks. Cloth masks will be washed each night.
Visitor Registration and Tracking
- Track visitors upon entrance and record what activities they attended
- Set attendance limits for all activities and require prior registration to ensure activities are under room capacity
Additional training for all employees and volunteers
Opened June 8th
In-Home Care (Opened June 8th)
Our dedicated and knowledgeable home health aides help clients to stay in their home while receiving the care that they need. Our aides assist with individualized services for each person and deliver the utmost professional care.
How to get services: Contact the Care Services Department at (269) 445-8110 or email lorih@CassCOA.org
Special Precautions: Homecare aides will be provided with appropriate PPE
Chore Services (Opened June 8th)
When tasks like cleaning out an attic or basement start to become overwhelming, the Cass County COA may be able help eligible 60+ Cass County residents through the seasonal Respite Chore Service Program.
How to get services: contact Bobbie Krynicki at the Cass County COA. Call (269) 445-8110 or email bobbiek@casscoa.org
Special Precautions: Chore Services workers will be provided with appropriate PPE
Handy Helpers (Opened June 8th)
Volunteers from the COA’s Handy Helpers program build wheelchair ramps to provide access and safety for Cass County seniors and their families. The Handy Helpers also help older adults with minor home maintenance and repairs (like installing grab bars or hand rails) so that seniors can stay safe in their homes.
How to get services: contact Leslie Vargo at the Cass County COA. Call (269) 445-8110 or email LeslieV@casscoa.org
Special Precautions: Handy Helpers volunteers will be provided with non-surgical facemasks
Medical Loan Closet (Opened June 8th)
Gently used medical equipment (like wheelchairs, walkers, etc.) can be borrowed free of charge as needed.
How to get services: Complete this request form or Call the COA office at (269) 445-8110 to confirm equipment availability.
Special Precautions: Pickup by appointment only. Equipment is cleaned and sanitized.
Opened June 15th
Medical Transport (Opened June 15th)
The Cass County COA offers transportation for Cass County Seniors to and from out-of-county medical appointments.
How to get services: contact Lucianne LaFontant-Lee at the Cass County COA. Call (269) 445-8110 or email lucil@casscoa.org
Special Precautions: Passenger will have temperature taken before ride. Passenger is required to ride in the back seat. Both Driver and passenger are required to wear facemasks.
Opening June 22nd
Outdoor Fitness Classes at Lowe Center (Opening June 22nd)
Fitness Class Schedule TBA
Special Precautions: Classes will be taught outside in the Pavilion. Pre-registration for classes is required. Class participants will be spaced 6 feet apart.
Foot Clinic (Opening June 22nd)
Taking care of your feet is highly therapeutic especially when you get your nails trimmed, calluses filed and a foot massage. Provided by: Jessica Kelly
Cost is $17.00 - Register by calling the office at (269) 445-8110
Special Precautions: Pre-registration is required. Facemasks must be worn.
Opening July 6th
Support Groups (Opening July 6th)
The Cass County COA facilitates a number of Support Groups designed to provide encouragement, camaraderie and valuable information for those dealing with, or caring for someone with Alzheimer's Disease, and other dementias, Diabetes, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s Disease, Stroke, and Grief.
How to get services: contact Care Services Department at (269) 445-8110
Special Precautions: Facemasks are required. Pre-registration for support group sessions is required. Participants will be spaced 6 feet apart. Support Groups will also be offered on Zoom for those that cannot attend in person.
Classes, Clubs and Activities - (Opening July 6th)
The Cass County COA will start to offer Classes, Clubs and Activities where participants will be able to maintain social distancing. These activities include: Bingo, Craft Classes, Knitters, Meditation Series, Mens Bible Study Group, Movie, Watercolor Class, Writers Workshop.
Activities that will not open yet are: Ceramics, Chess, Dance Club, Euchre, Line Dance, Mah Jongg, Pinochle, Quilting
Special Precautions: Pre-registration for activities is required. Facemasks are required. Participants will be spaced 6 feet apart.
TBA
Indoor Fitness Classes at Lowe Center & Front Street Crossing - (will open when Gov. Whitmer allows)
Special Precautions: Pre-registration for classes is required. Class participants will be spaced 6 feet apart.
Fitness Centers at Lowe Center and Front Street Crossing - (will open when Gov. Whitmer allows)
Each center offers a variety of cardiovascular Fitness machines and weight training equipment. Each fitness center is led by trained instructors who can provide assistance and advice to help you get in shape and stay in shape.
Special Precautions: Pre-registration for fitness center sessions is required. Equipment and participants will be spaced 6 feet apart. Some shared equipment might be temporarily unavailable. Equipment will be cleaned between each use.
There are still a number of programs and activities that will not be opening yet, until we can do it safely. These include On-site Congregate Dining, Adult Day Service, Massage, Tax Preparation Assistance, Ceramics, Chess, Dance Club, Euchre, Line Dance, Mah Jongg, Pinochle, Quilting.
Please call the COA at (269) 445-8110 with any questions.