Orange County's Elderly Seek Connections Amid Coronavirus

RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA, CA — Over the fifth week of coronavirus shutdown, the elderly population has reached out more than ever to the county's social services department. The county's office on aging has received over 2,000 calls over the past week, they said.

County officials plan to call 500,000 seniors this week to check in on them, Wright said. Frozen meals are being delivered twice a week instead of daily to help reduce the amount of contact, he said.

The Orange County coronavirus or COVID-19 Public Information Hotline and Health Referral Line: 833-426-6411

As of April 4, the hotline will take calls from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays.

Debra Baetz, director of the county's Social Services Agency, said the agency had seen a 65 percent increase in call volumes for various types of public aid.

In the past two weeks, the agency has received more than 12,000 applications for public assistance programs, "which is a drastic increase," Baetz said.

Residents are encouraged to check in on elderly neighbors, while maintaining social distancing practices, according to Dylan Wright, director of OC Community Resources.

Do you have or know of someone in need?
Patch wants to help you find the resources you are lacking. Email your editor: ashley.ludwig@patch.com or post to your Patch Neighbor page with a story, tip, or need, and we will do our best to lend aid or find help.

Don't miss updates about coronavirus precautions as they are announced. Sign up for Patch news alerts and newsletters.