FROM TERRI JOHNSON, COMMUNITY HEALTH AGING COORDINATOR, HeART PROJECT

In these challenging and evolving times under Safer-at-Home, I wanted to share a few resources and information for our older adults, their caregivers and loved ones.

The most important thing we can do as a community is to reach out – by phone or physically distanced – to our older adults that may be alone or isolated. If you know someone like that, please check-in on them. There is assistance out there for those needing help in getting food, medications, and transportation.

One helpful resource is the COVID-19 Community Information & Resources webpage, which can be found at www.alcinfo.com/heart  (follow the red banner, then find the Community Information & Resources page). Here you will find information about meal sites/food pantries, tourism, local businesses, tourism, parks, physical and mental health resources, and a listing of public wi-fi spots throughout the county.

For those without access to the internet, here is a list of commonly requested numbers and resources:

Aging & Disability Resource Center-Central Wisconsin (ADRC-CW) – Call 715-627-6232 for information about Meals on Wheels, Medicare/Medicaid, and caregiver support. Congregate dining sites are suspended until further notice.

Langlade County Public Transportation (LCPT) – For essential activities (work, food, medical) the LCPT is running Monday-Friday 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.  Call 1-844-897-6246 for a ride (24-hour advance reservation preferred). Physical distancing and all other guidelines must be followed (e.g., wearing a mask). Since there are changes daily, please feel free to call ahead.

Public WI-FI Locations

Antigo Area: Cirrinty’s parking lot (2628 US Hwy 45), Langlade County Fairgrounds, Pleasant View Elementary, Crestwood Elementary, Spring Valley Elementary, Kurh’s Kountry Store in Phlox, Mattoon School, NTC parking lots, Antigo Public Library parking lot.

Elcho Area: Builders Service’s northside parking lot (AstreaWiFi, password Elcho123), parking lot Elcho Public Library (Elcho Public School, Hwy 45)

White Lake area: White Lake Public Library parking lot (615 School St), White Lake School District parking lot.

Technology Assistance

NTC is offering a free class “Video Chats Basics” – This class is designed to introduce learners to using video chatting, such as Skype, FaceTime, Facebook Messenger, or Zoom. Call to register: 715-623-7601.

Do you know an older adult with a smart device that needs a little help using it? Download this app on the older adult’s device to get free training – www.generationsonline.org.

Food Pantries

Antigo Community Food Pantry – Distribution days Wed 11-1pm & Fri 1-3pm. Stay in car – volunteer will come to you. In some cases, proxy shoppers will be allowed – call 715-623-1103 for more information. If you need emergency food assistance when pantry is closed call 715-627-1818.

Elcho Food Pantry – Drive-up distribution Mon 230-430pm & Wed 4-6pm. ID required.

White Lake Food Pantry – Open first and second Tuesday from 9-11am at 638 Bissell Street, White Lake. Contact Joe or Barb Grennell at 715-882-2781 for more information.

Phlox Area Food Pantry – Open Thursdays from 9am-1pm & 5-7pm at the Mattoon Community Hall.  Contact Wade Reimer at 715-216-0026 or Jim Maier at 715-326-0672 for more information.

Many grocery stores are offering special hours for seniors – call ahead and see if your store has special hours. If you need someone to shop for you,

CARE TimeBank has volunteers willing to (safely) grocery shop or run errands for you. Call Marie at 715-610-0339 for more information.

Health Care

Aspirus Langlade Hospital – If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 or are experiencing a fever, cough, shortness of breath call 1-844-568-0701.

Lakeside Pharmacy is offering delivery of medications in Antigo and curbside pick-up for everyone. Call for details or schedule a delivery 715-623-4444.

NorthLakes Community Clinic in White Lake is offering free COVID-19 information to all individuals, such as managing anxiety, how to practicing social distancing, guidance on self-care, navigating insurance through job loss, and more. You can call 888-834-4551 and someone will help you put in a request for information.

Langlade County Health Department – In-person visits suspended but appointments (e.g., immunizations) still welcome. Call 715-627-6250.

Alzheimer’s Association now offers telephone and video conferencing support groups. Call 800-272-3900 to get more information and connected to a support group.

Other

Antigo Public Library offers curbside pick-up Mon & Wed 10a-1p and 2-6p. Call to order 715-623-3724. Staff will contact you to schedule pick-up day/time.