Covid-19 Resources
The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately affected older adults, who are at an increased risk for severe complications from the disease, as well as the negative effects of prolonged isolation and loneliness.
As an elder abuse law firm in Southern California, we care deeply about the elders in our community and want to see them thrive in their golden years. Our team has compiled a list of resources for those looking for ways to help the elders in their lives during this difficult time. The collection includes volunteer opportunities (both virtual and onsite in Southern California), nonprofit organizations providing food to vulnerable seniors, local government sites, resources for education/connection, legal resources, and additional web-based resource centers.
During COVID-19, all kinds of needs have increased, from blood donation to social connection. We hope this list will give you ideas of how you can help and connect you with opportunities to make a difference in the Southern California community.
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Volunteer: Virtual/Remote
With the social limitations necessitated by the pandemic, there are more opportunities to volunteer from home than ever before. New initiatives have been created, while long-standing organizations have shifted their operations to be social-distancing-friendly. Some of the following include options for both remote and onsite volunteering. (Note: Since many of these organizations are focused on building social connection between generations, some of them also offer safe, remote volunteer opportunities for older adults who want to volunteer.)
- AARP’s Create the Good
- All for Good
- Big and Mini
- Caring Calls
- DOROT Volunteer from Home
- Friendly Visitor Program
- Generation Tech
- HandsOn San Diego: Virtual Volunteering
- Letters Against Isolation
- Letters of Love: Love for Our Elders
- Smilemakers Holiday Gift Project
- Sharing Smiles
- Volunteer Match
Donate Food or Money
Food insecurity has increased tremendously during COVID-19, particularly among vulnerable groups such as low-income seniors. The need for compassionate social services has increased as well. Monetary and in-kind donations are greatly needed and appreciated during this time. Segmented by region, this list includes several organizations that are working to provide services and fight hunger among the elderly.
California/US:
Imperial County:
Los Angeles County:
Orange County:
San Diego County:
Inland Empire (San Bernardino and Riverside Counties):
Volunteer: In Person (With CDC Precautions)
This list includes specific, high-need organizations in Southern California (including Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Orange, Riverside, San Diego, and Imperial counties) that are currently offering in-person volunteer opportunities and following CDC guidelines.
- American Red Cross
- Catholic Charities Los Angeles
- Catholic Charities San Diego
- Feeding America Inland Empire
- HandsOn San Diego: Volunteer in Person
- Jewish Family Service Los Angeles
- Jewish Family Service San Diego
- Los Angeles Regional Food Bank
- Meals on Wheels Orange County
- Meals on Wheels San Diego: Delivery
- Serving Seniors (San Diego)
- St. Vincent de Paul Meals on Wheels (Los Angeles)
- Zoomers to Boomers Grocery Delivery
Local Resources
State, county, and city governments are offering and sharing significant COVID-19 resources, many of which are particularly relevant to the elderly. Here are the resource pages from local Southern California governments:
- California Department of Aging
- City of Long Beach
- Los Angeles County
- Orange County
- San Bernardino County
- San Diego County
- Southern California Council on Aging
Education & Connection
Learning new skills and helping each other feel socially connected is important for all of us during COVID-19. These resources are relevant to older adults and those who help them.
- Friendship Line California
- Generation Tech Zoom Webinar
- NCOA: Tools for Reaching a Remote Audience
- University Without Walls
Legal Resources
Elder abuse is on the rise during the pandemic. It’s harder than ever to keep an eye on elderly loved ones, but there are still ways to monitor for abuse. In addition to getting help from an elder law attorney in the case of abuse or neglect, these resources provide helpful information and reporting mechanisms.
- California Department of Aging
- County Adult Protective Services Contacts
- Eldercare Locator
- Medi-Cal Fraud Abuse Reporting Form
- National Elder Fraud Hotline
- NCEA Resources: California
- OIG Fraud Hotline
Additional Resource Centers
Many state, national, and international organizations are collecting and providing COVID-19 resources for elders. Here are some of the best and most thorough:
