In the face of the unprecedented Covid-19 pandemic, the Rochester Older Persons’ Commission (OPC) continues to provide essential services to the vulnerable senior population in our community. The Letica Drive facility is closed for daily recreational usage, but staff and dedicated volunteers remain committed to providing the life-saving programs and services, which are at the core of OPC’s mission.
These services include Meals on Wheels, which provides hot, nutritious meals to seniors 60+ in OPC’s service areas of Rochester, Rochester Hills, Oakland Township, Auburn Hills, Addison Township, Brandon, Independence, Orion & Oxford Townships. OPC staff and volunteers continue to prepare and deliver the meals 5 days a week (5 hot + 2 frozen for the weekend). The OPC Meals on Wheels has also provided 6 days’ worth of shelf-stable meals to clients in the event of any unforeseen disruption of service. The meals and the wellness check provided by the daily delivery are a crucial tool in staying abreast of the health and wellness of these otherwise isolated seniors.
Meals on Wheels is also currently available for new and short-term, or temporary referrals. If someone, 60+ and living within the service areas mentioned, is unable to grocery shop and/or prepare viable meals, they can contact the OPC Meals on Wheels department at 248-608-0264, between 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The program is not income-based, and most requests can be fulfilled within 48 hours, possibly longer if call is received on a Friday or weekend.
Transportation services for grocery and essential medical purposes only, also continue to operate. OPC mini-bus service is available to persons 60+ and adults with disabilities residing in Rochester, Rochester Hills and Oakland Township. Service hours are Monday – Friday, 8:15 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., and Saturday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. There is no service on Sunday while churches are closed. Please contact the Transportation Department for ride reservations at 248-652-4780.
The OPC’s Senior Resources Department is also available, providing referrals for senior services such as home care, medical supplies, food assistance, in-home services, Medicare/Medicaid, counseling and other necessary services. Contact Senior Resources at 248-608-0249.
The OPC, as the primary service provider to seniors in North Oakland County, will remain responsive to the needs of this most-vulnerable population in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic. Senior clients and members’ health and wellness are of utmost concern. The OPC receives regular and continuous updates from the Center for Disease Control (CDC), as well as the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), and will update information/resources as necessary.
Obviously it remains a mainstay of this community.