LAGUNA BEACH SENIORS RESPONDS TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
UPDATED ON APRIL 29, 2020
Laguna Beach Seniors is open for business — and our business is you. Yes, the Susi Q remains closed until further notice. But our channels of communication are wide open and we are busier than ever helping our community weather this public health crisis. Here's what we recommend: 

If you have symptoms or think you may have been exposed to the coronavirus, your essential first step is to call your health care provider to be evaluated. Do not go to the emergency room unless you are having an emergency or are directed to do so.

To stay well and reduce your risk of getting the coronavirus, adopt  public health "best practices." This is critically important if you also have any chronic health conditions. So: Shelter at home, maintain social distancing, and when you must go out, wear a mask, and wash your hands before you leave and when you return. (If you have visitors, ask them to do the same.)

Social isolation has side effects. So use your phone and internet to stay connected with friends and loved ones -- and with us. Facebook, Next Door, Twitter, Skype, and other social media are great platforms. But be wary of scams, conspiracies, and bogus medical advice. Use this time to get closer to people you know and trust. And check out our new Zoom programs.

Stay in touch with us. You are the mission of Laguna Beach Seniors. So never hesitate to contact us. The best place to start is with our Care Manager Martha Hernandez (marthah@thesusiq.org, 949.715.8104 ). Martha is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and can connect you to all the resources of a caring community. If you are feeling anxious or depressed, she can assess your needs and connect you with one of our skilled, compassionate mental health staff supervised by Kay Wenger, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor

Another great resource is Lifelong Laguna, which is managed by John Fay (johnfay@thesusiq.org, 949.715.8107). Its mission—to help you age safely at home in the hometown we love— has never been more timely. Lifelong Laguna  volunteers are taking the same precautions we all are. But they are ready to run errands and lend a friendly ear. Our local partners are also working closely with Martha and John.

  • Until the center reopens, Age Well Senior Services is providing two new emergency nutrition programs: a "Grab-and-Go" lunch program, and a home delivered meal program. To sign up, leave a message with Rhonda at 949.715.5462. Include your name, phone number, age and address, and she will return your call. Get further details here.
  • Sally's Fund is continuing to transport seniors to medical appointments and is helping with errands like picking up prescriptions and grocery shopping. Call 949.499.4100 to make a request.
  • Laguna Food Pantry is serving shoppers in a drive-through distribution program set up in the Pantry’s parking lot in the Canyon. The Pantry is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 to 10:30 a.m. Click here for the website of call 949.497.7121.
  • The City of Laguna Beach has also issued a press release regarding City programs at the Center and its efforts to respond to and prevent the spread of COVID-19. Click here for the latest update.

Again: stay in touch! Email or call with any questions or concerns. (For a complete staff directory click here.) If you are not already receiving our "Living It Up" e-newsletter, sign up in the footer. In addition to regularly updating our website, FaceBook page, and Instagram, Program Director Jo Ann Ekblad (joekblad@thesusiq.org, 949.715.8103) will be publishing special editions of "Living It Up."

Because everything we do is driven by your needs and concerns, we welcome your thoughts during these challenging times!

Stay Well. Stay Safe. Stay in Touch.