AARP Montana launches webpage to help locate resources for those affected by COVID-19

While you’re at home distancing yourself from others and staying safe, AARP wants you to know that you may be isolated, but you’re not alone.

Sometimes just hearing a friendly voice on the other end of the line can help in challenging times. We have trained volunteers standing by to provide a friendly call to say hello. Submit a Request to have a Volunteer call you Monday to Friday 7AM to 3PM MDT -- or call us directly at 1-888-281-0145 and leave us your information and we will call you back.

Chat with others about their experiences and and engage in online activities together through "The Mighty" online community discussion -- join the conversation about Coronavirus.

Across the country, people are joining new online Community Connections groups to stay in touch, share ideas, and help others affected by the Coronavirus. Whether you want to start a group, find a group, or get assistance yourself, our directory can help you connect with folks right here in Big Sky Country.

For your protection, we’ve suspended community events, but they’ll return as soon as it is safe. In the meantime, AARP is here to help keep you informed and stay connected.

Download our AARP Montana Tip Sheet on how to stay safe and stay connected

Keep an eye on this page for up-to-date, trusted information. Participate in one of our weekly tele-townhalls about the coronavirus; learn about ways to avoid scams and keep yourself safe. Or stay connected through a Community Connections Group.

Also, know that we’re working with lawmakers in Washington D.C. to ensure that you are protected during this unprecedented time.

Together we’ll make it through this stronger. AARP Montana looks forward to continuing to serve you.

Below please find links to resources and information concerning the coronavirus situation in Montana:

MONTANA HEALTH INFORMATION:

• July 15, 2020: Governor Bullock Issues Directive Requiring Face Coverings in Certain Indoor Spaces and Outdoor Gatherings to Prevent the Spread of COVID-19
• Governor Steve Bullock has established a Coronavirus Task Force with a web page dedicated to updates and breaking news
• If you have coronavirus symptoms, contact your health care provider or the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services to figure out if you could — and should — get tested. Signs of the virus are a dry cough, fever and shortness of breath. (Read more about coronavirus and how to stay safe.)
• The Montana State Library offers a statewide map showing the number of COVID-19 cases on a county-by-county basis, plus a Montana situation update, current information and a Global Outbreak Dashboard.

• Governor Steve Bullock announced a set of directives and guidance to slow the spread of COVID-19 and protect vulnerable Montanans, including closing of public K-12 schools, social distancing measures, and limiting visitation at nursing home facilities.
• Wildfire Smoke and COVID-19: Frequently Asked Questions
  

MONTANA FOOD ASSISTANCE RESOURCES:

• If financial difficulty is a barrier to food, the Montana Food Bank Network can help you find your closest food bank and other food assistance programs in your area.
• The Montana Food Bank Network offers a program called Mail-A-Meal to reach food insecure Montanans in rural, remote, low population areas.
• The Aging Services Division of the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Resources offers a comprehensive list of services for seniors, including Nutrition Services, like home delivered meals.
• The State of Montana offers the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
• Area Agencies on Aging – You can reach your local AAA office by calling 1-800-551-3191. There are 10 offices across the state and they can connect you with home meal delivery and/or grocery shopping services available near your home. Check out their webpage at www.m4a.support.

INFORMATION TO HELP YOU STAY SAFE FROM CORONAVIRUS SCAMS:

• Beware of Scam Robocalls, Texts Tied to COVID-19 Outbreak

RESOURCES FOR VETERANS:

• The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs complied a comprehensive list of resources and links for Veterans
• Testing Veterans for COVID-19
• Lessons From Military Caregivers Amid Coronavirus
• VA Unveils New PREVENTS Site for Mental Health & Suicide Prevention During Pandemic
• VA’s Video Message to Veterans during COVID-19: We’re Here for You

GROCERY STORES OFFERING SPECIAL SHOPPING OPTIONS:

• 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.
• Walmart: offers a grocery purchasing option where you can order groceries and supplies and at many locations, you pick them up in their parking lot.
• Costco: Offers special shopping hours for seniors 60+ (Tue & Th 8 - 9 a.m.) and also offers home grocery delivery.
• Supermarkets Offering Special Hours for Older Shoppers

HEALTH ASSISTANCE AND CAREGIVING INFORMATION & RESOURCES:

• Resources to Assist with your Mental Health
• Practical Tips for Caregivers Concerned About Coronavirus
• Receive a Free Family Caregiving Guide from AARP Montana
• Latest health information, resources and updates on Coronavirus
• 7 Ways to Handle Anxiety During the Outbreak

INFORMATION & RESOURCES FOR THOSE WITH LOVED ONES IN NURSING HOMES:

• 5 Questions to Ask About Visiting Nursing Homes (with link to tip sheet)
• 6 questions to ask if your loved one is in a nursing home (with link to tip sheet)
• Should You Take a Loved One Out of a Nursing Home During the Pandemic?
• Montana Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
• Where to turn for help if you suspect elder abuse
• AARP answers: Nursing homes and the coronavirus
• Have a nursing home complaint? Meet your long-term care ombudsman
• Is it OK to visit older family members at home now?
• Finding the Right Long-Term Care for Your Loved One
• Keep Long-Term Care Facility Residents Connected with their family During COVID Crisis
• Receive a Free Family Caregiving Guide from AARP Montana

RESOURCES TO STAY CONNECTED:

• Montana 2-1-1 connects you with the community resources, services, and assistance you need.
• Get the latest coronavirus news, straight from the specialists. Join AARP & government experts for a live Q&A event. Get the latest info including how to protect yourself from scams. Every Thursday @ 11 am (MT). Call toll-free: 855-274-9507 or listen to the live stream online.
• The AARP Montana Facebook Page helps you connect to others with shared interests and contains the latest updates and news.
• AARP Community Connections helps people stay in touch, share ideas, and help others affected by the Coronavirus.

MONTANA UNEMPLOYMENT INFORMATION:

• The Montana Department of Labor and Industry offers a COVID-19 Resource Guide for Montana Employers and Employees

RESOURCES FOR MONTANA'S BUSINESSES:

• The Montana Chamber of Commerce has launched a Covid-19 resource page for business owners

LOCAL CITY & COUNTY RESOURCES:

• Area Agencies on Aging – Offer a wide variety of local senior services, resources and support in Montana. You can contact your local office by calling 1-800-551-3191 or check out their webpage at www.m4a.support
• The Montana League of Cities and Towns offers an extensive list of resources for local municipalities

COVID-19 DATA ANALYSIS AND MAPPING SITES:

• Mayo Clinic Coronavirus Tracking Map

• Center for Spatial Data Science, University of Chicago
• The Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation
• COVID-19 Coronavirus Tracker, Kaiser Family Foundation
• The Montana State Library offers a statewide map showing the number of COVID-19 cases on a county-by-county basis, plus a Montana situation update, current information and a Global Outbreak Dashboard.