Even seniors who were living and driving independently before COVID-19 may rely on others for food and travel support.
County and community agencies and organizations are finding ways to provide modified services.
Meals on Wheels, operated in Creswell, Cottage Grove and Springfield by Lane County Senior and Disability Services, continues to deliver nourishing, freshly prepared noontime meals to its Café 60 (dining room) locations via its Senior Meals program, and to homebound people by delivery.
Café 60 is serving meals to go only, at the following locations:
CRESWELL: Café 60 meals to-go only, at noon Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, Cresview Villa, 350 S. 2nd St. Meals on Wheels routes operating with “knock and drop” delivery.
COTTAGE GROVE: Café 60 meals to-go only, at noon Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, Riverview Terrace, 925 W. Main St. Meals on Wheels routes operating with “knock and drop” delivery.
SPRINGFIELD: Café 60 meals to-go and drive-up only, at 11:30 a.m. Monday through Friday, Willamalane, 215 C St. Meals on Wheels routes operating with “knock and drop” delivery.
Visit sdslane.org for info.
To volunteer, go to mowlaneor.org
h Area seniors can also receive food from Creswell Food Pantry in Creswell (find them on Facebook), Community Sharing in Cottage Grove (communitysharing.org) and/or Food for Lane County pantry locations and programs such as Senior Grocery (foodforlanecounty.org).
While food remains available through several sources, transportation for seniors has become more scarce under social restrictions.
h RideSource, an LTD paratransit service, operates Monday through Saturday, but at Sunday-level service, for essential trips. On Sundays, it operates for medically necessary trips only. Lane County residents eligible for transportation benefits under the Oregon Health Plan may also utilize RideSource. Contact RideSource at 541-682-5566.
h South Lane Wheels, which contracts with RideSource to provide door-to-door transportation in the Cottage Grove and Creswell areas, has suspended services and closed its office until further notice.
h LTD has canceled its Cottage Grove Connector/Mobility on Demand RideShare pilot until further notice. LTD’s Route 98 bus, serving Creswell and Cottage Grove, operates Monday through Saturday on Sunday-level service.
h On all routes, fare collection has been temporarily suspended and buses are taping off seating and carrying only 15-20 people at a time to maintain social distancing. Entry is through the back door(s) only (those needing to use the ramp may enter through the front door).
h Contact Lane County Senior and Disability Services (sdslane.org) and the Aging and Disability Resource Connection (sdslane.org).
h ADRC is a free service providing a single source for information and assistance affecting seniors, people with disabilities and their caregivers, regardless of income. To apply for ADRC services, call 541-682-3353.
Lonliness line supports 55+
Oregon Health Authority has partnered with Lines for Life’s Senior Loneliness Line to help Oregonians 55 and older. The team is specially trained in working with older adults. It can provide ongoing support, connect callers with resources, or just listen. Your information is completely confidential, and no one will follow up with you unless you request it.
Call 503-200-1633 or 800-282-7035.
