Direction Home Akron Canton Area Agency on Aging and Disabilities’ primary concern during this time is working to maintain the health and safety of our members, our employees, and our community. Our leadership is continually evaluating information and guidance from Ohio Department of Aging (ODA), Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM), Ohio Department of Health (ODH), and local authorities. We are working to adjust our processes to meet the demands of addressing COVID-19 spread. Currently, programs and services are not being significantly impacted.
Referrals for programs and services can be made 8-5 pm Monday through Friday by calling 877-770-5558.
Current Status:
We continue to operate all programs and services including
- Aging and Disability Resource Center (call center, assessments, and Pre-admission review),
- all Care Management programs,
- Provider Relations,
- Elder Rights/Ombudsmen, and
- Care Transitions.
Questions on COVID-19 and Ohio’s response can be answered by calling the state hotline: 833-427-5634 or visiting coronavirus.ohio.gov
Older adults requiring assistance due to COVID-19 can call our Aging and Disability Resource Center at 877-770-5558 or their local 211 for resources.
Additional Information on COVID-19 can be found below, provided by the Center for Disease Control
Get Ready for COVID-19 Now*
- Have supplies on hand
- Contact your healthcare provider to ask about obtaining extra necessary medications to have on hand
- Have enough household items and groceries on hand so that you will be prepared to stay at home for a period of time.
- Take everyday precautions
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Take everyday preventive actions
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing, or having been in a public place.
- If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
- To the extent possible, avoid touching high-touch surfaces in public places – elevator buttons, door handles, handrails, handshaking with people, etc. Use a tissue or your sleeve to cover your hand or finger if you must touch something.
- Wash your hands after touching surfaces in public places.
- Avoid touching your face, nose, eyes, etc.
- Clean and disinfect your home to remove germs: practice routine cleaning of frequently touched surfaces (for example: tables, doorknobs, light switches, handles, desks, toilets, faucets, sinks & cell phones)
- Have a plan for if you get sick:
- Stay in touch with others by phone or email. You may need to ask for help from friends, family, neighbors, community health workers, etc. if you become sick.
- Determine who can provide you with care if your caregiver gets sick
Watch for symptoms and emergency warning signs
- Pay attention for potential COVID-19 symptoms including, fever, cough, and shortness of breath. If you feel like you are developing symptoms, call your doctor.
- If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19 get medical attention immediately. In adults, emergency warning signs*:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
- New confusion or inability to arouse
- Bluish lips or face
*This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning.
What to Do If You Are Sick*
- Stay home except to get medical care
- Separate yourself as much as possible from other people and animals in your home
- Call ahead before visiting your doctor
- Wear a facemask if you are sick
- Cover your coughs and sneezes
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue
- Throw used tissues in a lined trash can
- Wash hands immediately after
- Clean your hands often
- Avoid sharing personal household items
- Clean all “high-touch” surfaces daily
- Monitor your symptoms
*Information provided by the Center for Disease Control www.cdc.gov/COVID19