UMAS/MAFS is committed to providing leadership and support throughout the evolving COVID-19 PANDEMIC crisis

Dear Community Members, UMAS/MAFS is committed to providing leadership and support throughout the evolving COVID-19 PANDEMIC crisis. As we face new challenges every day, we will continue to offer help, support, and resources to the seniors and the community throughout the city of Chicago and its suburbs!

Update 3/20/2020

To: Aging Network From: Paula Basta, Director Date: March 20, 2020 Re: COVID19/Essential Services As you all know, in home services and the provision of meals are critical to the health and welfare of our older adults here in Illinois. To clarify, in home services and the provision of home delivered meals are both considered “essential” services under the Stay at Home Executive Order announced today due to the COVID19 pandemic. We are very appreciative of the Aging Network’s dedication and support to our most vulnerable Illinoisans!

The spread of COVID-19 PANDEMIC around the globe has made this time very crucial. Due to this time of global uncertainty, people all over the world are fearful. COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome and can be fatal. We at UMAS/MAFS are required and have taken extra measures to keep vulnerable seniors and staff safe and healthy. Our hearts go out to everyone impacted. In order to protect our seniors, families, employees, and communities, we have taken the following steps until March 31st, 2020.

1. Community Care Program
   1. In-Home Care: As per the IDOA guidelines, we are continuing the In-Home Care Services except when the client denies the services. Pre-Service Training, Home-visits, Semi-annual Training are done telephonically until March 31st, 2020.
   2. Adult Day Care: Similarly, from March 17th to April 17th, we have suspended our Adult Day Care Services. Although, our Skilled Medical Staff are monitoring the health of the seniors telephonically. Also, Drivers are keeping an eye on seniors when dropping off their meals.
2. Congregate Meal Program:
   1. Adhering to the guidelines of the Department of Family and Support Services and IDOA (Illinois Department on Aging), we have suspended the Golden Dinner Program. However, we are providing window pick-up meal services (restricted to two meals per person). We are also hygienically delivering meals to those you cannot come to our site.
   2. Following the guidelines of Age Options, we have also suspended the Congregate Meal Program. Meantime, due to the high demand for our healthy, fresh and home-cooked meal, we are providing pick-up meal services and delivery services throughout the suburban county from our Niles and Schaumburg locations.
3. MAFS Public Benefit Programs such as the T-Clip program (Targeted to culturally and linguistically isolated people, that include, Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security and many more, serving the immigration population), has been temporarily suspended from meeting with clients face to face, although all benefits are provided telephonically.
4. In order to maintain social distance and following the safety regulations, we are conducting intermittent Teams/Skype meetings with all the site’s staff.
5. In order to curtail and eradicate the spread of COVID-19, we have also made it feasible for our staff to work alternatively from home.