The Salt River Senior Services Department would like to update the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community seniors on what’s new. 

Phase 1.5 Updates 

With the spike in positive COVID-19 cases in the Community, Senior Services has gone back to Phase 1.5 of the Return to Work Plan. Services are offered by appointment only.

“We never really fully opened back up, even in Phase 2 and 3. Our changes are minimal; all of our doors and gates are locked,” said Senior Services Community Liaison Jessica Martinez. 

The Senior Services Recreation Division is not hosting any events, meaning there will not be any drive-thru giveaways or arts and crafts programs. This will help eliminate hand-to-hand contact and stop the spread of COVID-19. Senior Services is planning to bring back events in March. 

Home care services that were provided to Level 2 and Level 3 seniors are being put on hold. None of the home care assistants will be going into homes at this point or providing any daily cleaning; these services will be provided only on a case-by-case basis for those in immediate need. 

The Food Service will continue to deliver lunch Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. 

Transportation has not resumed yet. Senior Services is still not providing transports to any medical appointments or anywhere else. If seniors are in need, they can contact the SRPMIC Department of Transportation at (480) 362-7315. Seniors who are currently enrolled and receiving services can contact their social workers, and some of the social workers will be able to transport seniors to some appointments, depending on the severity of the need. However, contacting the social workers should be the last resort, as Senior Services is trying to limit personal contact at this time.  

New Eyeglass Vendor

Senior Services has added a new eyeglass vendor. Avante Optics of Phoenix has always been the only eyeglass vendor that the Senior Services has utilized but they have now added Sundance Optics as a second vendor, which gives Community seniors two eyeglass vendors to choose from. 

Chronic Disease Self-Management Program

The Chronic Disease Self-Management Program is an annual program that provides seniors with ways to reduce stress, improve nutrition, and maintain their mobility and balance. The program helps seniors create personalized action plans to help manage their health. The six-week program is offered to 20 seniors each, several times throughout the year. The next Chronic Disease Self-Management Program starts on February 14 and will continue through March 21. For more information, call (480) 362-6350. 

February Zoom 

The seniors’ monthly meeting is held on the first Wednesday of each month via Zoom. This Zoom meeting has temporarily replaced the monthly Senior Breakfast that was held prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. During the February meeting, which was held on February 2, the Senior Services staff provided an update on the Community’s Phase 1.5 changes and the Health and Human Services Director gave an update on the River People Health Center. 

To keep up with the Salt River Senior Center, check out their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/SRseniorservices or sign up for text-message updates by texting the word “seniors” to 41411. You will receive news, information on upcoming events and programs, and the daily lunch menu.