The Allen Parish Council on Aging’s biggest battle against COVID-19 has been assisting the elderly safely and providing the services this population needs.
At the moment, Pat Jones, director, said COA needs meal delivery drivers and homemakers, so the organization is looking to hire employees to fulfil those needs.
“We really need employees,” she said. “We’ve got to serve the people. We are open and delivering meals.”
Jones is hoping the senior center in Oberlin will be opening soon, but as of press time, guidelines continued to keep the center’s doors shut to the public.
She said the senior center is going to be refurbished with a new paint job and some other renovations.
She said Allen Parish’s COA is in a network of 64 agencies, and although her parish doesn’t have the staff to shop for the elderly and do other errands, she was proud that only 10 names from the state’s 600,000 registered seniors were removed from the list due to COVID-19 deaths. She said the staffs work hard to sanitize and keep the elderly safe. She said they continue to wipe down vehicles and other items each day to prevent disease.
The COA is working with Cleco for its annual fan drive through the month of June. Donations are welcome, and anyone can donate. To learn more, call the COA office at 318-335-3195.
COA continues to bring meals to its seniors and provide transportation for those in need. If you require one of these services, Jones encouraged seniors to contact the agency at 318-335-3195. Staff members also can assist with paperwork for those who require food assistance and Medicaid.
Volunteers are always welcome. And she was excited the governor recently recognized the staff and volunteer workers at COA.
