Information, Health and Food Assistance During COVID-19 Outbreak in Colorado

In the face of the coronavirus pandemic, AARP Colorado is providing information and resources to help older Coloradans and those caring for them protect themselves from the virus and help prevent it from spreading to others.

Governor Jared Polis has ordered all residents to stay home except for essential needs like food, medicine, health care and jobs that are considered critical.

If you have coronavirus symptoms, call your health care provider or local public health department to figure out if you could — and should — get tested. Some signs of the virus are a dry cough, fever and shortness of breath. (Read more about coronavirus and how to stay safe.)

To be tested for COVID-19 in Colorado, you must have an order from your health care provider. Call or email a health care provider first.

Up-to-date state and local health information:

• The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment offers updates on those infected, plus tips for prevention, public resources and contact information.
• A Public Health Order is in effect in Denver. This includes a “stay at home” directive for the entire city that will last from March 24 – April 30. Essential activities needed for health and safety are exempt.
• The Denver Regional Council of Governments Area Agencies on Aging offers support to older adults, people with disabilities, caregivers and families.
• For medical, food and recovery services and information, call your local 211.

Food assistance resources:

• If financial difficulty is a barrier to obtaining food, find your closest food bank and other food assistance programs in your area.
• The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is available for people who qualify. Visit Colorado PEAK to apply. All applications will be forwarded to your county office.
• Meals on Wheels is available in the Denver Metro Area and other surrounding communities. Check with your county office, or Volunteers of America for potential delivery in your area.
• Project Angel Heart is a nonprofit that prepares and delivers meals to people with serious illnesses in the Denver area.

Unemployment benefits:

• The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment provides applications, but be prepared for possible delays getting through as the department is dealing with high volumes.

Grocery stores to know about:

• Safeway: Albertsons chains, including Safeway, are open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7 to 9 a.m. for older adults and other at-risk shoppers, including pregnant women and people with compromised immune systems.
• Whole Foods: Shoppers age 60 and up can shop at stores for one hour before they open to the general public. Store hours vary by location. If a store is scheduled to open at 9 a.m., older shoppers can go from 8 to 9 a.m.
• King Soopers: King Soopers will dedicate the first hour on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays to older shoppers citizens only.

Health assistance resources:

• Find your county department of health office for information about local COVID-19 health-related assistance.
• AARP Colorado caregiving resources include short podcasts and helpful information.
• Colorado Department of Human Services caregiver support provides services to caregivers, who assist older adults, as well as grandparents over age 60 raising grandchildren.
• AARP Community Connections is a program of neighbors helping neighbors, providing mutual aid during this time and helping to stave off isolation by signing up to receive phone calls from volunteers, or to volunteer to connect with older adults.

Military veterans assistance:

• Veterans and military families now have Free Resources to Aid VMF Amid COVID-19 Outbreak.

How you can help:

• Stay home.
• HelpColoradoNow.org as a way to reach out to Coloradans in need.

More on Coronavirus:

• 7 Ways to Handle Anxiety During the Outbreak
• Practical Tips to Help Caregivers Reduce Exposure