Coronavirus Information and Resources

Palisades Village is sorting through all of the information and trying to provide an up-to-date source of local information from reliable sources.  Please visit this page regularly as the information will continually be updated.  With things changing so quickly, we recommend checking with providers for the most accurate status.

• Maintain social distance (that’s 6-10 feet from others), wash your hands frequently, and avoid touching your face.
• PLEASE let our many volunteers go out and get groceries or prescriptions for you.  It is safer for YOU not to be out and about.
• Palisades Village is temporarily suspending services that involve a member driving with a volunteer.  Most doctors are offering tele-medicine for their patients to limit their exposure.
• Questions or concerns and how the coronavirus impacts our daily life? For answers, please email the Department of Aging and Community Living: DACL.coronavirus@dc.gov with any questions, comments, recommendations, etc.
• Please call or reach out to your neighbor (again, at a safe distance please).  You might also mention Palisades Village and our work to those that don’t know of us yet.  We want to be here especially for those seniors in need, including those that may be in need of a welcoming voice. 

• Our emergency team captains have been contacting you. Please reach out to them or the Palisades Village office is you have any needs or suggestions for virtual or phone-in events. It takes a Village to make our Village!

Current Office Operation Status:

Our Palisades Village logo is an open fence. This is a friendly reminder that you are welcome to “virtually come inside” to call us at 202-244-3310. Even though we are working remotely, a friendly voice will call you back quickly.

Current Policy on Programs and Services:

Palisades Village Gradual Reopening Based on Volunteer Availability

Recently we completed surveys of our members and volunteers.  47 full and associate members responded to 13 questions ranging from their well-being to handling the COVID-related challenges including transportation, technical assistance, home repairs, social isolation, and engagement.

Generally, our members are doing well. Some mentioned that they are experiencing a bit of anxiety about staying healthy and wearing a mask, miss the social connections, need some motivation to walk outside, have some transportation and/or technical challenges, need a haircut, are a bit bored, and/or are in need of home repair assistance.  Many are enjoying the virtual social programs that the Village offers in addition to the outreach we have been providing through our volunteers.

After we assessed the members, Palisades Village created a volunteer survey to see how we could best address our members’ needs with our volunteer workforce. 31 volunteers responded to the survey. We asked how comfortable volunteers would be during the DC Reopening Phases. During Phase One and Phase Two, the majority of volunteers were very comfortable providing contactless services. Palisades Village is offering grocery shopping and delivery, free masks and running errands. The Village also has emergency contact captains for each neighborhood who check in with our members. We have also set up phone buddies. In addition, some members have been receiving regular meals from our volunteers. Palisades Village volunteers have also provided special deliveries to the Village community.  We are so appreciative of all that our volunteers have been doing to help our members and help Palisades Village.

Many of our volunteers felt comfortable during this Phase to walk and or visit outside with a member. Other volunteers offered to do simple home repairs for our members. We also have technical support available.  We will provide transportation for members to essential medical appointments if a volunteer is available. If you would like to walk or visit outside with a Village volunteer, need technical support to connect to a virtual program or computer help, or need a simple home repair completed like changing a light bulb, moving a plant, changing a screen, etc., please call the Village office at 202-244-3310. These services are based on volunteer availability.

Palisades Village is taking a very cautious approach because of our senior at-risk population. During all phases, until a vaccine is developed, Palisades Village will:

• Question members and volunteers about health symptoms (see questions below).
• Continue to wear masks to protect members and volunteers.  Masks are available through the office.
• Sanitize hands and use disinfectant wipes on any surface members might touch before and after visits/programs.
• Increase air circulation as much as possible by opening windows.
• Maintain six feet of distance when possible. If you are walking with a member who may need an arm, please know there are additional risks and concerns. Please take the necessary precautions.

In order to ensure the safety of all, Palisades Village has a series of questions that it will ask the member and the volunteer to make sure they are feeling healthy to minimize risks. The office will be noting your responses. These questions include:

• Have you had a fever or chills in the past 48 hours?
• Do you have a cough?
• Do you have shortness of breath?
• Are you feeling unusually tired, or have you felt unusually tired in the past few days?
• Have you experienced body aches, in the past 48 hours?
• Have you experienced a headache in the past few days?
• Have you been in crowded situations in the past 48 hours?
• Have you been exposed to anyone who has tested positive for the virus?

Palisades Village is concerned about the health and well-being of our members, volunteers, and staff. We are following the evolution of the coronavirus in our area very closely and are coordinating our response with other villages, with DC health authorities, and with national centers including the CDC. Our mission — to help older adults live comfortably and safely in their own homes — will not change. We will, however, adapt the services we provide and the events we sponsor to changing circumstances, following recommended best practices and follow recommendations from the CDC.

Facts on COVID-19:

Sibley Memorial Hospital: In partnership with Palisades Village, Northwest Neighbors Village, and Cleveland & Woodley Park Village, Sibley Memorial Hospital is committed to supporting seniors in Wards 3 and 4 during the COVID-19 pandemic.  

DC Department of Health: Everything DC residents need to know about the Coronavirus, updated around the clock

World Health Organization: Read the latest information

CDC: The latest information on prevention, symptoms, and resources

 

KNOW THE SYMPTOMS

Free testing is available on a walk-in basis at some DC Fire Stations.  The closest in Ward 3 is:

Responses to FAQ from DC Department of Aging and Community Living (DACL) 1-13-21:

1. Going forward, will there be any consideration for priority by age?  That is, 90 and above, 80 and above, 75 and above, etc or is it only 65+?

Additional priority groups are not currently being considered than those outlined by the Mayor on Monday.

1. How will those that are housebound be vaccinated?

With the current vaccines that are able, DC is only able to provide vaccinations for seniors who are housebound in a large living community.

For seniors who are homebound and never leave their home, their risk of acquiring the infection will be reduced because 1) they do not leave their home, and 2) their healthcare aids were the first people in the District to be vaccinated beginning the week of December 14^th.

DC encourages seniors (and everyone!) to post signage at their home to remind people to wear a mask when they enter their home to keep them safe and reduce risk of exposure.

DC is optimistic that more vaccines to prevent COVID-19 will be approved for use by the FDA this spring. These vaccines are not expected to have the same storage, packaging, and use limitations as the two vaccines that are currently available and should allow for more options.

1. How long are we expecting to remain in Phase 1b?

DC is unable to definitely state when each group will be able to access the vaccine. The decision depends on: 1) the amount of vaccines received from the federal government; and 2) the pace and uptake of the vaccine in the previous phase/tier.

1. Are epipens available at all sites or do residents need to bring their own?

All providers are required to observe residents who receive the vaccine for 15-30 minutes.

1. How were sites selected? Will there be any in Ward 3? Residents are going a distance to attain an appointment and limiting the number available to people in the neighborhood. There is concern that this is exacerbating health inequities in the District.

There are a limited number of options across the city because DC is following CDC recommendations of the operational requirements for sites and the administration requirements for the two vaccines that are currently available. DC is optimistic that more vaccines will be approved for use by the FDA in the spring, and these vaccines are not expected to have the same administration requirements. This would allow DC to open more sites. 

1. How far in advance can someone make an appointment? This is particularly important for older adults who need to coordinate transportation to get there.

There will be information on appointment availability (the time period that’s available) when appointments are released.

1. The blurred Captcha letters are very hard to read, particularly for seniors with diminishing eyesight? Can the Captcha letters be replaced by the I’m Not a Robot checkbox?

OCTO is looking at this as one of the potential improvements to the appointment reservation process. Thank you for the recommendation!

1. When exactly will new appointments be made available on the portal?  Will this be on a predictable schedule moving forward?

New appointments will be available when DC receives additional vaccines. Sign up for alerts via email or text here: https://coronavirus.dc.gov/vaccinatedc. DC will send updates when more appointments are available, which depends on when DC receives vaccines from the federal government.

To register through medical providers:

Sibley/Johns Hopkins

• Sibley Memorial Hospital is administering the COVID-19 vaccine to patients who are age 65 and older and live in Washington, D.C., per guidance from DC Health. A patient is anyone who has sought care with a Johns Hopkins Medicine provider within the last two years. If you meet the above criteria, you are on Johns Hopkins Medicine’s list to be offered a COVID-19 vaccine. Over the next few weeks, individuals who meet these criteria will be contacted via email or phone when it is their turn to schedule a COVID-19 vaccine appointment in MyChart. For privacy reasons, the notification will be titled, “You have an appointment to schedule in MyChart.” Please check your MyChart account regularly.

• If you would like to get the COVID-19 vaccine, they encourage you to activate your MyChart account. MyChart is a secure portal protected by advanced encryption technology. Only you and your designated care partner will be able to access your account via a password.
• Phone number: 202-660-5623

• Georgetown Hospital is now providing immunizations to all District of Columbia residents age 65 and over.  To get an appointment, call 202-444-8168 or 202-295-0669 if you are over 65.

• To schedule: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=21700170
  
  

Schedule a Health Center Appointment:

District Health centers are also scheduling their patient population of DC residents 65 years and older. If you are a patient at one of the following health centers, please contact them to see if there is any scheduled availability for appointments. Of note, allocations of vaccine are very limited.

• Mary’s Center please call 844-796-2797
• Community of Hope (Marie Reed) please call 202-540-9857
• Community of Hope (Conway) please call 202-540-9857
• Unity (Upper Cardoza) please visit eCW portal, website, or call 202-469-4699
• Unity (Brentwood) please visit eCW portal, website, or call 202-469-4699
• Bread for the City  please call 202-386-7020
• La Clinica del Pueblo please visit website
• Elaine Ellis please call 202-803-2340
• Providence Health System please visit website

While in the car:

Food Assistance:

Need help getting groceries?  Palisades Village members can have volunteers do their shopping for them.  Contact the PV office at (202) 244-3310 to arrange all requests.

The Department of Aging and Community Living’s hotline is operational, and seniors who need information or assistance should call (202) 724-5626. The call center will conduct a quick assessment and connect you to the appropriate service.

COVID Informational Webinars:

Sibley Memorial Hospital, Cleveland and Woodley Park Village, Northwest Neighbors Village, and Palisades Village are offering three informational webinars for older adults.

Session 1 September 30, 2020: Get Your Answers from Sibley Medical Experts.  The recording is available here.

Session 2 October 21, 2020: Staying Healthy Doesn’t Just Mean Staying at Home with Dr. Laura Sander, MD, MPH.  The recording is available here.

Session 3 November 18, 2020: Building Resilience in the Wake of a Pandemic.  The recording is available here.

Establish a Pet Plan During COVID-19:

Guidance from the Humane Rescue Alliance - The Humane Rescue Alliance (HRA) is urging community members to have a plan in place for their pet during the COVID-19 outbreak. Residents may experience a hospital stay or severe sickness, potentially leaving untold numbers of companion animals in need of care. Below is the HRA's guidance for a pet preparedness plan:

1. Find a temporary caregiver to take on your pets if you are hospitalized.The best place for your pet, even if you are sick, is with you in your home. However, you may become too ill to care for your pet. It’s important to identify two potential caregivers and confirm that they’re prepared to care for your pet should they be called to action.
2. Prepare a pet supply kit. It may not seem necessary today, but having proper supplies and information in place in advance is critical. Your kit should include:

• Name and contact information for a person who can care for your pets
• Name and contact information for your back-up in case your go-to is no longer able to help
• Food, treats, a leash, toys and any other supplies necessary to care for your pet for at least two weeks
• A crate or carrier to transport your pet
• Vaccination records
• Collar with ID tags (don’t forget to make sure their microchip information is up to date)
• Medications and prescriptions, along with instructions
• Daily care instructions
• Your veterinarian's contact information

3. Know the facts. According to the Centers for Disease Control, there is no evidence that people can get COVID-19 from pets. The best place for your animal is inside the home they know and love. If you aren’t feeling well but are still able to provide care for your pet, please keep them at home with you where they’re most comfortable.

For more, please see the Humane Rescue Alliance./