By Amelia Tarallo
Hometown Weekly Staff
Through out the pandemic, the Westwood Council on Aging has helped local seniors handle all the changes and precautions that came as a result of COVID-19. Now, as the state approaches life without coronavirus restrictions, the staff of the Council on Aging is ready to help seniors get back to regular life.
During the first few months of 2021, staff at the Council on Aging helped schedule vaccination appointments for seniors. Those who were stumped by vaccine signup websites could call the COA to find an appointment. But now, the COA no longer needs to help seniors. “We no longer offer vaccinations, because they are now available everywhere without appointments. But we were so grateful to the [Westwood Fire Department] and [Board of Health], who coordinated this program with us,” explains COA Director Lina Arena-DeRosa.
Staff members have refocused their energy from booking vaccine appointments to making plans for reopening and focusing on programs for the seniors. Among the activities most missed since COVID's arrival are the COA's travel outings. Last summer, all trips were canceled due to pandemic concerns. “We are so thrilled to slowly getting back to 'normal,' including our day trips with Fox Travel. Anyone taking these trips must show their vaccination card, as well as wear a mask at all times, but still it is so great to get back on the road! We had to cancel so much last year, but slowly we are coming back!” This year’s trips will include a cruise through Lake Winnipesaukee in August, a trip to Martha’s Vineyard in September, and the New Hampshire Turkey Train in October.
As in-person restrictions are lifted around the state, seniors can expect to see their favorite programs return to the Patricia Carty-Larkin Senior Center. Arena-DeRosa and fellow COA staffers are planning to ensure seniors can return to the center safely. “Right now, our focus is on opening the center safely this summer with our regular daily programs. We will need to limit the number of seniors coming in and out of the center and follow strict CDC guidelines, but it is my hope that by the fall we will be offering new and interesting programs again,” says Arena-DeRosa.
Until then, seniors can continue to watch their programs on cable and by attending Zoom sessions. “We will continue to offer programs on cable throughout the summer, so for those who are not comfortable coming in, they can still participate in exercise, yoga, and more by watching safely in their homes. And there will be a few special Zoom classes, like cooking, book group, and other programs over the summer.”
On Monday, May 17, Governor Baker announced that all remaining COVID-19 restrictions would be lifted by May 29. While it is just one of many steps in the slow walk towards normalcy, seniors can expect to see another step - the senior center’s reopening - just on the horizon.
