Indiana Division of Aging talks Coronavirus with AARP

AARP Indiana and Indiana’s Family and Social Services Administration’s (FSSA) Division of Aging teamed up for an informative Telephone Town Hall on May 8.

Dr. Jennifer Sullivan, Secretary of the FSSA; Sarah Renner, Director of Indiana’s Division of Aging; and Dr. Steve Counsell, Medical Director for Indiana’s Division of Aging, all joined AARP Indiana State Director Sarah Waddle for the call.

Many of the mechanics of the coronavirus were covered, as was what people should do if they have loved ones in long-term care facilities. You can listen to the full conversation here.

More info: Six questions to ask if you have a loved one in a nursing home.

Here are some quick tips from the FSSA and the Division of Aging on how to protect yourself from coronavirus:

· Wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.

· Assume that everyone has the virus and stay at least six feet apart from others.

· Use a mask (even if it is fashioned from an old t-shirt) in public to prevent others from getting coronavirus.

· If you’re in a high risk category, continue to only leave your home for essentials.

· Remember that your risk of catching coronavirus goes up if you stay in close contact with others for 15 minutes or more.

· Don’t be scared to get tested if you feel the need to do so; just be cautious. If you go get tested, wear a mask and bring/use hand sanitizer. Visit coronavirus.in.gov and use the COVID-19 Testing Information tab to find a testing site near you and get registered for a test.

The FSSA and Division of Aging have a wealth of resources to help during the coronavirus pandemic. Check out the following document for a read out on resources (and those resources’ contact information:

AARP and Division of Aging Town Hall Resource References