Elderday Pausing In-Person Services as County’s COVID Infections Rise Post Holidays

Santa Cruz, CA – Elderday Adult Day Health Care, a program of Community Bridges, will temporarily halt its in-person services for two to three weeks in response to a rise in local COVID-19 infections following recent holiday gatherings. 

Located at 100 Pioneer St. in Santa Cruz, Elderday’s medical model outpatient day program provides care for older adults with complex medical conditions, dementia, and people with disabilities. Elderday serves about 150 of Santa Cruz County’s most vulnerable residents annually. 

The temporary pause in services, which will last for at least 10 days, will result in this essential program losing between $60,000 to $80,000 in average daily attendance funding, the single largest source of funding for Adult Day Health Care programs across the state. “The decision to pause services was necessary to put client health first and prevent further community spread amongst our vulnerable population” stated Community Bridges CEO Ray Cancino. 

Elderday will continue providing remote services during the closure to assure that our participants are not left without essential medical care and support they need to stay safely in their homes.  

Along with rising COVID-19 infections, hospitals locally are reporting an influx of patients with flu and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) this holiday season. The rise in cases underscores the importance of wearing a mask when and where necessary and getting vaccinated against the flu and being up to date with your COVID-19 booster. Vaccines remain your best defense to limit severe illness and death—and you can get both at the same time. 

For more information about the COVID-19 vaccine, visit the County of Santa Cruz Public Health website, www.santacruzhealth.org/coronavirus. For more information about the flu vaccine and RSV, visit the California Department of Public Health website, www.cdph.ca.gov 

About Elderday 

Elderday is an adult day health care center that allows older adults and people with disabilities to live at home with independence and dignity. At Elderday, participants benefit from nursing care, physical and occupational therapies, referral to resources, therapeutic activities, healthy meals and access to onsite mental health and nutrition services. Week-day hours make it possible for participants to stay independent and in their own homes for as long as possible, while offering family members and caregivers well-deserved respite. Elderday is free for those eligible for Medi-Cal. Costs can also be covered by the Veteran’s Administration, long-term care insurance, or private pay on a sliding scale. Transportation to the center is also provided. 

ABOUT COMMUNITY BRIDGES 

Community Bridges envisions a thriving community where every person has the opportunity to unleash their full potential. Together, our family of programs delivers essential services, provides equitable access to resources, and advocates for health and dignity across every stage of life. To learn more, please visit www.communitybridges.org. 

The Community Bridges family of programs includes the Child & Adult Care Food Program, Child Development Division, Women, Infants and Children (WIC), La Manzana Community Resources, Live Oak Community Resources, Mountain Community Resources, Nueva Vista Community Resources, Elderday Adult Day Health Care, Lift Line and Meals on Wheels for Santa Cruz County. 

👏A big round of applause to Melissa Serrano-Mejia for being our March employee of the month! 👏Melissa is our Contracts and Facilities Coordinator who goes above and beyond in what is expected of her and is highly knowledgeable in her role here at Community Bridges. She is also ready to tackle on any tasks her team may need help with. Thank You Melissa for being part of the Community Bridges Family! ... See MoreSee Less
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💝Our hearts are full of gratitude!💝Thank you to:Jack DillesRamon Gomez, from Santa Cruz County Supervisor Felipe Hernandez's officeZach FriendManu KoenigYvette BrooksDonna LindCasey Clarkfor being our Community Champions!We are deeply thankful to our community leaders for joining us last week and helping in delivering meals to seniors, as well as supporting senior dining sites across Santa Cruz County. By participating in this initiative, they have helped bring forward the importance of programs such as Meals on Wheels, and the need of nutrition and human connection in older adults.We want to further extend our gratitude to our strong group of 80 volunteers who dedicate their time assisting thousands of seniors across Santa Cruz County remain healthy, safe, and independent in their own homes#CommunityChampionsp#MealsOnWheelsh#santacruzcountyounty ... See MoreSee Less
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🧶Thank You Apple Piercers!🧶We want to give a big shout-out to The Apple Piercers of the Pajaro Valley Quilt Association for donating some lovely quilts for our Elderday St. Patrick's Day event! Participants played games, got into some Shamrock Shenanigans, went on a leprechaun hunt, and participated in a raffle. Our winners went home with a BIG smile on their face, and their new, wonderfully crafted, gift#CommunityBridgesi#ElderDaye#thankyounkYou ... See MoreSee Less
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Update your contact information with Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) to ensure you get important energy service information when needed. Log into your account on pge.com < Click on the EDIT PROFILE AND ALERTS BUTTON < UPDATE CONTACT INFORMATION. Click the SAVE CHANGES button at the bottom of the screen. #pgecommunityadvocate ... See MoreSee Less
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REMINDER! TOMORROW: Learn about Encouraging Cooperation and Respect. Learn effective strategies for fostering positive communication and handling disrespectful behavior with your child or teenager. Gain insights into maintaining calm, consistency, and fairness in your parenting approach. Register Here to join us: bit.ly/TripleP-PVUSD-2023-24 ... See MoreSee Less
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