COVID-19 Senior Assistance

For a list of resources and assistance, including food distribution sites, Veteran assistance, COVID-19 Testing, and more, please visit our COVID-19 Community Resources page.

COVID-19 Vaccine Information

COVID-19 Vaccine Information Button

Florida Department of Health Call Center

The Florida Department of Health has established a dedicated coronavirus call center at 1-866-779-6121 as well as an email address at COVID-19@flhealth.gov that the public can use for questions or clarifications on issues relate to coronavirus. The hotline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 

If you experience signs or symptoms of COVID-19, contact the Palm Beach County Department of Health at 561-840-4500.

Area Agency on Aging Helpline

Helpline specialists are available to assist seniors with applications for Food Stamps (SNAP). The Department of Children and Families has expanded benefits under Food Stamps and the Helpline can assist with enrollment.

Seniors and adults with a disability should call the Helpline at 1-866-684-5885 for access to services such as 

  • food
  • electric bill assistance
  • help with Medicare
  • caregiver resources

 As an outgrowth of the Older Americans Act, the Helpline is, as always, the gateway to publicly funded services, Medicaid and long term care needs.

For more information visit the Area Agency on Aging of the Palm Beach / Treasure Coast's website.


Staying Healthy

Pay attention to flu or pneumonia-like symptoms in yourself and others and report them to a medical professional immediately.

Follow current guidance and instruction from the CDC regarding COVID-19. Tips to keep yourself and your loved ones healthy include:

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
  • Stay home when you are sick; work from home.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.     
    • If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. 
    • Always wash hands with soap and water if your hands are visibly dirty.

For more information please visit the Alzheimer’s Association website.

Tips for Dementia Caregivers at Home

Caregivers of individuals living with Alzheimer’s and all other dementia should follow guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and consider the following tips

  • For people living with dementia, increased confusion is often the first symptom of any illness. If a person living with dementia shows rapidly increased confusion, contact your health care provider for advice.
  • People living with dementia may need extra and/or written reminders and support to remember important hygienic practices from one day to the next.     
    • Consider placing signs in the bathroom and elsewhere to remind people with dementia to wash their hands with soap for 20 seconds. 
    • Demonstrate thorough hand-washing. 
    • Alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol can be a quick alternative to hand-washing if the person with dementia cannot get to a sink or wash his/her hands easily.
  • Ask your pharmacist or doctor about filling prescriptions for a greater number of days to reduce trips to the pharmacy. 
  • Think ahead and make alternative plans for the person with dementia should adult day care, respite, etc. be modified or cancelled in response to COVID-19.
  • Think ahead and make alternative plans for care management if the primary caregiver should become sick.

Tips for Caregivers of Individuals in Assisted Living

The CDC has provided guidance to facilities on infection control and prevention of COVID-19 in nursing homes. This guidance is for the health and safety of residents. Precautions may vary based on local situations. 

  • Check with the facility regarding their procedures for managing COVID-19 risk. Ensure they have your emergency contact information and the information of another family member or friend as a backup.
  • Do not visit your family member if you have any signs or symptoms of illness. 
  • Depending on the situation in your local area, facilities may limit or not allow visitors. This is to protect the residents but it can be difficult if you are unable to see your family member. 
  • If visitation is not allowed, ask the facility how you can have contact with your family member. Options include telephone calls, video chats or even emails to check in. 
  • If your family member is unable to engage in calls or video chats, ask the facility how you can keep in touch with facility staff in order to get updates.