The Central Virginian - Among the many places that have closed their doors as the coronavirus spreads is the Betty J. Queen Intergenerational Center on Industrial Drive. That means organizations that normally offer services there cannot do so for the foreseeable future. 

One such organization is the Jefferson Area Board for Aging (JABA), which operates an adult care center and other programs for senior citizens at the Betty Queen Center and has an office in the building. 

“Some of our clients are at the same risk as those living in nursing homes,” said Ginger Dillard, the agency’s director of community services. “We’re trying to monitor the situation as best we can. I’m not sure we’ll get ahead of it, but we’re trying to keep up with the changes.”

Even though their doors are closed, the organization is still providing services for the county’s elderly citizens. 

Home meals are being delivered to citizens who already receive them, and people who normally come to the Betty Queen Center for meals will have them delivered to their homes as soon as it can be safely arranged.

Counseling services will be available over the phone to those who need them. Everything from general information to Medicare and insurance counseling and long-term care ombudsman services will still be available.

In order to keep people entertained while they’re at home, JABA has put together activity kits, which include coloring pages, word search and Sudoku puzzles and other activities to fill the day. Members are also being encouraged to stay in touch with their friends from the Betty Queen Center over the phone or by writing them letters.

Members of the community who would like to write letters to seniors are encouraged to reach out to JABA about how they can do so.

“This is becoming a situation where it takes a village,” Dillard said. “We’re looking for ways to keep the community engaged if this continues long term.”