Coronavirus Resources for Vermonters

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The spread of the coronavirus across our country has created a very stressful environment for Vermonters and especially older people and those with underlying health conditions who are at heightened risk. We are working hard to help our members, their families and the broader community understand how to protect themselves.

Below is a list of local and other helpful resources available to help support you during this difficult time:

Vermont Dept. of Health – The Vermont Dept. of Health has the most up to date VT information about what you need to know about COVID-19 in your community: https://www.healthvermont.gov/

Unemployment Insurance: The Full-Service Unemployment Insurance Claims Center can be reached at 1-877-214-3330 or https://labor.vermont.gov/unemployment-insurance

If you have questions about COVID-19 Dial 2-1-1 -- If you have trouble reaching 2-1-1, dial 1-866-652-4636. Vermont 2-1-1 is an excellent resource that can provide callers with information and referral services to federal, state, and local entities, community action agencies, churches, and more. According to their website, Vermont 2-1-1 is the number to dial to find out about hundreds of important community resources, like emergency food and shelter, disability services, counseling, senior services, health care, child care, drug and alcohol programs, legal assistance, transportation agencies, educational and volunteer opportunities, and much more. If you are calling from a border town, please be sure to ask if you are speaking with Vermont 2-1-1. If you end up connecting with another state’s 2-1-1, they should be able to connect you to Vermont’s.

The Senior Help Line is coordinated by the Vermont Area Agencies on Aging and can provide information and referral for caregiver support, health insurance counseling, transportation, senior nutrition programs including meals on wheels, home health services, housing alternatives, and exercise and wellness programs. The Senior Help Line number is 1-800-642-5119. Online at: https://www.agewellvt.org/

Public Wifi Hotspots https://publicservice.vermont.gov/announcements/public-wifi-hotspots-vermont


COVID-19 Scams & Fraud:

Scammers and fraudsters are professional criminals who will take advantage of any situation to steal your money or identity. A number of scams have been reported that target the fears and concerns people have relating to COVID-19. Protect yourself:

Secret Service Warnings
https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-2020/coronavirus-warning.html

15 fraud related scams
https://www.thestreet.com/technology/cybersecurity/coronavirus-online-scams-to-watch-out-for:

Combatting Social Isolation:

Vermont Libraries https://libraries.vermont.gov/covid19

Free Books Online https://wapo.st/2UuAEg7



Outdoor Activities

Ø Wildlife scouting: https://vtfishandwildlife.com/watch-wildlife/top-10-wildlife-watching-experiences

Ø Birdwatching: https://vtfishandwildlife.com/watch-wildlife/bird-watching

Ø VT Wildlife management Areas: https://vtfishandwildlife.com/node/153

Ø Best VT Hiking/Walking Trails: https://www.alltrails.com/us/vermont

Fitness / Exercise/Entertainment

Ø Staying active for seniors https://ymca360.org/on-demand#/

Ø Indoor fitness videos (yoga, etc.): https://www.aarp.org/health/healthy-living/staying-fit/?intcmp=AE-HEA-HLLV-TERTNAV-SFIT

Ø Indoor exercise stretching videos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TFYVfGJtT1A

Ø 20 min. Pilates workout: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6A98Glp5DuY

Home Art https://docs.google.com/document/d/1EVMQiHHKugF4RQ071DzimkSKn1AuiBNOJ-i6xs1mBts/preview?fbclid=IwAR0rlgTsaBhx8Mj9Wm0uLX4FqjkO_TaUNsTJefp8UbkAhlSHJktd5Jjv10w

Virtual Museum Tours 12 Museums from London to Seoul that you can visit on-line from your couch! https://www.travelandleisure.com/attractions/museums-galleries/museums-with-virtual-tours

Metropolitan Museum of Art – 360 degree tour
https://www.metmuseum.org/art/online-features/met-360-project

Games and puzzles https://search.aarp.org/gss/everywhere?q=puzzles&intcmp=DSO-SRCH-EWHERE


More on Coronavirus

• Everything You Need to Confront the Coronavirus Crisis
• 7 Ways to Handle Anxiety During the Outbreak
• www.aarp.org/coronavirus

AARP Vermont staff and volunteers are working to develop virtual meet-ups such as coffee hours and informational member outreach such as TeleTown Halls, social media events and more for the coming weeks. Stay healthy and safe.

--YOUR AARP VERMONT TEAM--