When it comes to COVID-19, older people are especially vulnerable to getting this severe illness. Research is showing that adults 60 and older, especially those with preexisting medical conditions, especially heart disease, lung disease, diabetes or cancer are more likely to experience a more severe coronavirus infection than other age groups. Cobb County senior citizens, like seniors, all across the country are also battling loneliness and isolation due to the mandated COVID quarantine. Here are some local resources and organizations helping Cobb County senior citizens manage the COVID crisis.

Cobb Senior Services (CSS) is operating in a very limited capacity. “The senior centers are closed but we are still delivering Meals on Wheels to our homebound clients on a staggered schedule and we are also taking seniors to their scheduled medical appointments,” says Kathy Lathem, Strategic Partnerships Manager, Cobb Senior Services. Through the Meals on Wheels program, Cobb County provides a nutritionally balanced meal to qualifying home-bound older adults within the county. Meals are delivered five days per week by our dedicated and trained volunteers to the client’s door. Menus are planned and prepared under the supervision of a registered dietitian and are designed to provide one-third of an adult’s daily nutritional requirements. Clients who have difficulty adequately feeding their cat or dog may receive supplemental pet food at no charge.

In order to be eligible for Meals on Wheels a person must reside in Cobb County, be at least 60 years of age and have a physical or mental disability that prevents him or her from preparing meals on a daily basis. All clients are assessed through Cobb Senior Services’ Care Management team and cost is determined by household income on a sliding scale. No client is denied services due to inability to pay.

  • For more information on receiving meals, contact (770) 528-5364
  • For more information on volunteering, contact (770) 528-5381

Cobb Senior Services (CSS) staff members are also packing non-perishable food and toiletries for seniors in need. “We are so very thankful for donations from the community to help us be able to meet these needs,” says Ms. Lathem. Those who are interested in making donations may find the details at this link: https://www.cobbcounty.org/public-services/news/donate-food-toiletries-seniors or call 770-528-5355.

Cobb Senior Services will hold another drive-up service to provide pantry food items this Thursday, May 14 from Noon until 1pm or while supplies last. You must present an ID with your age and Cobb County home address upon arrival. No appointment needed. The address is 1150 Powder Springs Street in Marietta.

Any older adult living in Cobb County in need of services may call CSS Information & Referral line at 770-528-5364.

The Senior Citizen Council of Cobb County is participating in May is Older Americans Month #MakeYourMark and continuing their 47 year history of advancing and promoting the health and welfare of Cobb’s senior citizens. There are over 100,000 senior citizens living in Cobb County and some are in difficult circumstances due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Senior Citizen Council is seeking financial contributions from the community to address coronavirus related issues of older residents. Contributions will be used to fulfill pressing living condition needs of afflicted seniors and also to provide funding for a planned Senior Job Fair which will assist individuals who are unemployed or underemployed because of COVID-19.

The Senior Citizen Council developed a Coronavirus Care survey that it is distributing to the Cobb senior community which will be used as a guide in their advocacy efforts. All persons age 55 and older are invited to complete the very brief survey and add their voice to the more than 200 Cobb seniors who have already expressed their concerns and needs in this survey.

Please click here to complete the Coronavirus Care Survey https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/B3HZC7T

All donations are greatly appreciated and will be used solely for the benefit of Cobb senior citizens in this difficult time. Click here to donate https://seniorcitizencouncilofcobb.org/donate/