Timely Resources for Older Adults

By Heather Terry

The year 2020 has been like no other year. Due to COVID-19, schools moved to virtual learning, graduations were cancelled, employees were sent home to telework, professional sports came to a standstill, senior centers closed, and senior living communities went on lockdown to outside visitors and loved ones. Through the uncertainty, it is interesting to watch how all generations have adjusted to living life through a pandemic.

This year has been tough on all of us, but especially hard on those over the age of 60 who are considered the most vulnerable – those who our leaders advised to “shelter in place.”

Senior Services North Fulton (SSNF) has been serving seniors in our community for 30 years, but the agency has never experienced the unique needs that have come from the COVID-19 crisis.

“We have pivoted and adapted in order to effectively carry out our mission of safely serving seniors in our community,” said SSNF Executive Director Ron Harlow.

Nonprofit SSNF is the Meals on Wheels provider in North Fulton, offers free transportation to get homebound seniors to their medical appointments, and manages seven local senior centers. For anything senior-related in North Fulton, SSNF is a go-to resource.

Early in the pandemic, the primary focus was keeping the agency’s Meals on Wheels program going without disruption. Last year, SSNF delivered about 34,000 meals. This year, the agency estimates close to 50,000 meals will be delivered. Harlow says the increase is due to seniors not wanting to leave home for fear of being exposed to the virus.

SSNF also implemented a contactless delivery process to keep their clients and volunteers safe. The meals are left on the doorstep, and the volunteer verifies the meal is received and chats with the seniors from a safe distance. Over the years, the agency has learned that the volunteer visits are just as important to its clients as the meal itself.

During the last several months, a new group of seniors in need has also emerged.

“We are hearing from many workforce seniors in North Fulton who are suddenly out of a job and are struggling to pay bills,” said Harlow. “They are servers at your favorite restaurants, store owners, and businesspeople who are having trouble paying their rent and buying food.”

As part of its ongoing COVID-19 response, Fulton County allocated $300,000 to Senior Services North Fulton for emergency assistance.

“In addition to our regular clients, this funding has allowed us to help a population of seniors that has never needed us before,” Harlow said.

Most of the funding has been used for rent assistance, utility bills, medications, and purchasing groceries for people ages 60+ who are struggling in light of the pandemic.

In addition to providing emergency assistance, the agency has been working hard to keep seniors in the community from feeling isolated.

Back in March, when Gov. Kemp implemented the shelter in place order, SSNF was faced with closing its seven senior centers. Senior centers are crucial to helping older adults maintain their mental, physical, and emotional well-being.

So, if we can’t be together, how do we stay engaged?

Tanya Morris, the client services director for SSNF, said, “Like so many senior centers across the state, we started virtual programming at the beginning of May when it became clear we weren’t returning to the centers any time soon.”

Morris said the first few classes were filled with tears of emotion, as the seniors were able to ease some of their loneliness and reconnect with their friends after months of isolation.

However, virtual programming comes with its challenges. With many seniors having “pay by the minute” phone plans, no internet, and/or little knowledge of technology, senior center managers have had to get very creative with ways to keep people active without video conference apps like Zoom.

Materials and worksheets are provided so participants can follow from home. “You would be amazed what our staff is able to do over the phone,” said Morris. Exercise programs, workbook activities, and health education classes are all being conducted via teleconference. With so many seniors living alone and not able to see or hug their families, they are reporting that these classes are the best part of their week.

The SSNF staff members are proud of the work they are doing to ensure our senior neighbors are feeling safe and cared for. If you are 60 or older and need assistance or are interested in participating with virtual senior centers in North Fulton, call 770-993-1906 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Heather Terry is the community relations director for Senior Services North Fulton, 11381 Southbridge Parkway, Alpharetta. 770-993-1906 x223. SSNorthFulton.org