COVID-19 Updates and Information

The Area Agency on Aging of Pasco Pinellas is committed to the health and well-being of seniors, adults with disabilities, family caregivers and our staff. With the increase in confirmed COVID-19 cases in our region and the declaration of a national emergency, we have created this page to keep you up-to-date on the operations of the Area Agency on Aging Pasco – Pinellas and provide helpful resources and information.

AAAPP Operational Updates

The Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas lobby is open 9am – 4:30pm daily for all deliveries, including mail, packages, overnight deliveries and all submissions related to the OAA RFP process. The office remains closed to the general public. All critical services will continue to be available by phone.

Our Helpline and Intake/Screening/Medicaid teams remain open during normal business hours. You can reach us at 1-800-963-5337 or 727-217-8111 for out of area callers.
Our nutrition providers remain available. Home meal delivery is being completed with six feet of distance to protect the elder receiving the meal and congregate dining has transitioned into drive-through dining services. Drive through meal options are readily available for any older adult 60+. To sign up, call Neighborly (Pinellas residents) at 727-573-9444 or Pasco Senior Services (Pasco residents) at 727-834-3340.
Our SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) and Senior Victim Advocacy/Elder Abuse teams are available for support and assistance via telephone only. You can reach both programs via the Helpline number above.
Our case management teams are continuing to coordinate & provide services wherever possible to individuals, but have put in place extra precautions to avoid the spread of the disease.
Adult day care, senior center programming, and other community sites are largely suspended. Check with the direct provider or municipality for updates on site closures. Update: Claude Pepper and Crescent ADCs in Pasco County have reopened with very limited (<10 individuals, staff and clients included) capacity.
IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR COVID-19 INFO OR RESOURCES: Our Helpline team continues to update this spreadsheet with available resources as they are sent to us. We encourage community members to review and use this listing as a referral source. As capacity at local organizations is constantly changing due to the virus, we cannot verify all of these resources are readily available. However, this listing is a great place to start in your search.

Community Operations and Updates

- Department of Children and Families storefronts, Social Security offices, and many municipal offices are closed or suspended at this time. Many are still offering information and support via telephone – check with the specific provider for details. DCF Economic Self Sufficiency Program Information available in English – Spanish – Haitian Creole.
- Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority is offering ongoing route updates here.
- The Alzheimer’s Association’s Brain Bus has gone virtual. Flyer with full information available here.
- COVID – 19 Testing Sites
  - Pinellas County: Community Health Centers of Pinellas
  - Pinellas & Pasco: Baycare Health System

Information and resources to keep you and your loved ones safe

CDC – “Clara” COVID-19 Symptom Self Checker:
This is a great tool if you believe you may be experiencing symptoms of COVID – 19. Find it here.

COVID-19 symptom information in American Sign Language.

How to prevent spreading COVID-19 and what to do if you have symptoms:

Medicare & COVID – 19

Medicare & COVID – 19:

Helpful information from Medicare.gov
Press Release from SHINE regarding COVID-19 & Medicare Fraud
Medicare covers lab tests (no out-of-pocket costs) and medically necessary hospitalizations due to COVID-19.
SHINE is readily available to answer your questions over the phone! Contact them at 1-800-963-5337 or 727-217-8111.

Scams, Fraud and Exploitation related to COVID-19

Scams, Fraud and Exploitation related to COVID-19:

Federal, State and Private Protections for Older Consumers Impacted by COVID-19
Where to Report COVID-19 Scams and More – Info from the Department of Justice
Do you need support? Our Victim Advocacy team is readily available to support elder victims of crime or provide education and support related to prevention of scams, fraud and exploitation. Reach them at 727-217-8111 and ask for the Senior Victim Advocacy program.