Senior centers are the go-to place for many older residents, for socialization, classes, meals, and resources. 

During the COVID-19 shutdown, however, both the Norfolk and Wrentham senior centers have remained closed. Although the staff has been available by phone for various functions, and important resources were still available in some capacity, seniors have likely felt the absence of a place to meet with peers.

That may start to change this summer, say the directors of both senior centers. Programming may increase and the centers may open in a limited capacity for appointments or perhaps even for some socially-distanced classes.

Although the details were still fluid at press time, Sherry Norman, Norfolk’s director, and Janet Angelico, Wrentham’s director, offered their thoughts on how the centers may cautiously move forward this summer and beyond.

Norfolk

In late March, staff moved out of the senior center so that the town would have one less building to maintain during the shutdown. Some staff worked from home but others, including the director, worked from a room at Town Hall. In early June, however, the staff moved back into the building on Medway Branch. 

“As we’re working on a re-opening plan, I felt strongly we needed to be in the space again to figure out how it’s all going to work,” explained Norman.

Senior centers, as a type of government service, are considered essential and therefore did not really close during Gov. Baker’s shutdown orders. Norfolk’s senior center staff, working with community groups, has been available for a variety of errands for homebound residents, such as grocery and prescription pickups. 

Home-delivered meals through HESSCO/Meals on Wheels never stopped, either. In fact, the number of Norfolk seniors receiving meals has more than tripled during the pandemic. The meal delivery service has operated through the Wrentham Senior Center for the last five years but was scheduled to return to Norfolk in late March before the shutdown occurred. Norman says her goal is to have the service operating out of the Norfolk Senior Center once again this summer.

While the building was closed, programs like the center’s popular yoga class were available via Zoom and through Norfolk Community Television (NCTV). Norman anticipates remote participation in some programs will continue, even after the center re-opens its doors. Since social distancing will be in effect, not everyone who wants to take a class at the center will be able to do so. There will be no more drop-ins, either. Pre-registration will be a must.

“I do envision some sort of hybrid will continue,” said Norman. “Some people will be here in person, while others will be remote. We’ll do it on a rotating basis so it will be fair.”

High-touch activities, like cards games, won’t be allowed. But movies or lectures are a possibility. Some activities may move outside if the weather cooperates, Norman speculated.

But even if the center re-starts some programming, not everyone will be quick to return, she acknowledged.

“Some people will come back no matter what and others will continue to self-isolate for various reasons,” said Norman. “But one of the things people are discovering through all this is that a lot of things don’t need to be in person.”

Norman said her staff has worked hard to keep the town’s senior citizens informed during the last few months and will continue to do so. Seniors should contact the center with any changes to their contact information, as well as with any ideas or suggestions for new programming during this unusual summer and beyond. 

“I think we’re just going to have to try some things, make adjustments as we go along, and figure out what’s going to work,” said Norman. “Seniors are a resilient bunch—particularly those of us who have survived 80+ years--and we will get through this together.”

Wrentham

Fran Angelico, the director of Wrentham’s senior center, is hopeful that by August she can start to welcome back residents for limited programming. Public health guidelines, as well as input from the town, will drive the decision, she said.

However, some one-on-one appointments may be possible sooner, such as meeting with a SHINE counselor or the visiting podiatrist. 

The center’s van has also continued to run, at least twice a week, transporting seniors without any other option to stores, pharmacies, and medical appointments, and that will continue.

Wrentham’s senior center has run a couple of virtual programs during the shutdown (Qi Gong and a book discussion group), but Angelico points out that only computer-savvy seniors have participated. The center’s exercise instructors come through the YMCA, so remote exercise classes have not been possible.

“If this pandemic is going to last much longer, we may put some programs on cable,” she said.

Meals on Wheels has continued unabated, said Angelico, and has served as a necessary wellness check for homebound seniors. Like in Norfolk, the number of recipients has gone up considerably.

When the center does reopen, there will be changes. In addition to social distancing requirements, masks will be mandatory and cleaning protocols will be enhanced. Sanitizer stations are already set up, as well as plexiglass barriers.

Some classes will be easy to run, like the popular painting class, since participants can easily sit apart. It will be more difficult to hold the exercise classes, however, but Angelico, like Norman, says they may try to run a few classes outdoors while it’s warm.

Despite the challenges, Angelico stressed that the center and its staff is available for the town’s senior citizens and is doing its best to keep them informed during the pandemic. Through wellness checks via Meals on Wheels, phone outreach, and newsletters, the senior center has served as a source of support for the town’s elderly population.

“We are here for them,” she said. “If they have any questions or need help, just call us. I’ve been here since the beginning of this and I will continue to be here during this unprecedented time.”