Coronavirus Information and Resources

Palisades Village is sorting through all of the information and trying to provide an up-to-date source of local information from reliable sources.  Please visit this page regularly as the information will continually be updated.  With things changing so quickly, we recommend checking with providers for the most accurate status.

• Maintain social distance (that’s 6-10 feet from others), wash your hands frequently, and avoid touching your face.
• PLEASE let our many volunteers go out and get groceries or prescriptions for you.  It is safer for YOU not to be out and about.
• Palisades Village is temporarily suspending services that involve a member driving with a volunteer.  Most doctors are offering tele-medicine for their patients to limit their exposure.
• Questions or concerns and how the coronavirus impacts our daily life? For answers, please email the Department of Aging and Community Living: DACL.coronavirus@dc.gov with any questions, comments, recommendations, etc.
• Please call or reach out to your neighbor (again, at a safe distance please).  You might also mention Palisades Village and our work to those that don’t know of us yet.  We want to be here especially for those seniors in need, including those that may be in need of a welcoming voice. 

• Our emergency team captains have been contacting you. Please reach out to them or the Palisades Village office is you have any needs or suggestions for virtual or phone-in events. It takes a Village to make our Village!

Current Office Operation Status:

Our Palisades Village logo is an open fence. This is a friendly reminder that you are welcome to “virtually come inside” to call us at 202-244-3310. Even though we are working remotely, a friendly voice will call you back quickly.

Current Policy on Programs and Services:

Palisades Village Gradual Reopening Based on Volunteer Availability

Recently we completed surveys of our members and volunteers.  47 full and associate members responded to 13 questions ranging from their well-being to handling the COVID-related challenges including transportation, technical assistance, home repairs, social isolation, and engagement.

Generally, our members are doing well. Some mentioned that they are experiencing a bit of anxiety about staying healthy and wearing a mask, miss the social connections, need some motivation to walk outside, have some transportation and/or technical challenges, need a haircut, are a bit bored, and/or are in need of home repair assistance.  Many are enjoying the virtual social programs that the Village offers in addition to the outreach we have been providing through our volunteers.

After we assessed the members, Palisades Village created a volunteer survey to see how we could best address our members’ needs with our volunteer workforce. 31 volunteers responded to the survey. We asked how comfortable volunteers would be during the DC Reopening Phases. During Phase One and Phase Two, the majority of volunteers were very comfortable providing contactless services. Palisades Village is offering grocery shopping and delivery, free masks and running errands. The Village also has emergency contact captains for each neighborhood who check in with our members. We have also set up phone buddies. In addition, some members have been receiving regular meals from our volunteers. Palisades Village volunteers have also provided special deliveries to the Village community.  We are so appreciative of all that our volunteers have been doing to help our members and help Palisades Village.

Many of our volunteers felt comfortable during this Phase to walk and or visit outside with a member. Other volunteers offered to do simple home repairs for our members. We also have technical support available.  If you would like to walk or visit outside with a Village volunteer, need technical support to connect to a virtual program or computer help, or need a simple home repair completed like changing a light bulb, moving a plant, changing a screen, etc., please call the Village office at 202-244-3310. These services are based on volunteer availability.

Palisades Village is taking a very cautious approach because of our senior at-risk population. During all phases, until a vaccine is developed, Palisades Village will:

• Question members and volunteers about health symptoms (see questions below).
• Continue to wear masks to protect members and volunteers.  Masks are available through the office.
• Sanitize hands and use disinfectant wipes on any surface members might touch before and after visits/programs.
• Increase air circulation as much as possible by opening windows.
• Maintain six feet of distance when possible. If you are walking with a member who may need an arm, please know there are additional risks and concerns. Please take the necessary precautions.

In order to ensure the safety of all, Palisades Village has a series of questions that it will ask the member and the volunteer to make sure they are feeling healthy to minimize risks. The office will be noting your responses. These questions include:

• Have you had a fever or chills in the past 48 hours?
• Do you have a cough?
• Do you have shortness of breath?
• Are you feeling unusually tired, or have you felt unusually tired in the past few days?
• Have you experienced body aches, in the past 48 hours?
• Have you experienced a headache in the past few days?
• Have you been in crowded situations in the past 48 hours?
• Have you been exposed to anyone who has tested positive for the virus?

Palisades Village is also continuing to promote a free (up to $20) DC transportation service Taxi2Rail.  Book online at Taxi2Rail.com or call 202-727-3827 to access a ride to medical appointments, the grocery store, pharmacy, etc. 

We understand that some of our volunteers are not comfortable volunteering until there is a vaccine.  The Village will be conducting a follow-up volunteer survey at a later date as we cautiously reintroduce services. We will be holding a training session for volunteers on Thursday, July 16 at 10:30 a.m.  In addition to reviewing the current procedures, we will introduce our new Helpful Village software system.  Please join us.

Palisades Village is concerned about the health and well-being of our members, volunteers, and staff. We are following the evolution of the coronavirus in our area very closely and are coordinating our response with other villages, with DC health authorities, and with national centers including the CDC. Our mission — to help older adults live comfortably and safely in their own homes — will not change. We will, however, adapt the services we provide and the events we sponsor to changing circumstances, following recommended best practices and follow recommendations from the CDC.

Facts on COVID-19:

Sibley Memorial Hospital: In partnership with Palisades Village, Northwest Neighbors Village, and Cleveland & Woodley Park Village, Sibley Memorial Hospital is committed to supporting seniors in Wards 3 and 4 during the COVID-19 pandemic.  

DC Department of Health: Everything DC residents need to know about the Coronavirus, updated around the clock

World Health Organization: Read the latest information

CDC: The latest information on prevention, symptoms, and resources

KNOW THE SYMPTOMS

DC Government:

Free testing is available on a walk-in basis at some DC Fire Stations.  The closest in Ward 3 is:

Food Assistance:

Need help getting groceries?  Palisades Village members can have volunteers do their shopping for them.  Contact the PV office at (202) 244-3310 to arrange all requests.

The Department of Aging and Community Living’s hotline is operational, and seniors who need information or assistance should call (202) 724-5626. The call center will conduct a quick assessment and connect you to the appropriate service.

Establish a Pet Plan During COVID-19:

Guidance from the Humane Rescue Alliance - The Humane Rescue Alliance (HRA) is urging community members to have a plan in place for their pet during the COVID-19 outbreak. Residents may experience a hospital stay or severe sickness, potentially leaving untold numbers of companion animals in need of care. Below is the HRA's guidance for a pet preparedness plan:

1. Find a temporary caregiver to take on your pets if you are hospitalized.The best place for your pet, even if you are sick, is with you in your home. However, you may become too ill to care for your pet. It’s important to identify two potential caregivers and confirm that they’re prepared to care for your pet should they be called to action.
2. Prepare a pet supply kit. It may not seem necessary today, but having proper supplies and information in place in advance is critical. Your kit should include:

• Name and contact information for a person who can care for your pets
• Name and contact information for your back-up in case your go-to is no longer able to help
• Food, treats, a leash, toys and any other supplies necessary to care for your pet for at least two weeks
• A crate or carrier to transport your pet
• Vaccination records
• Collar with ID tags (don’t forget to make sure their microchip information is up to date)
• Medications and prescriptions, along with instructions
• Daily care instructions
• Your veterinarian's contact information

3. Know the facts. According to the Centers for Disease Control, there is no evidence that people can get COVID-19 from pets. The best place for your animal is inside the home they know and love. If you aren’t feeling well but are still able to provide care for your pet, please keep them at home with you where they’re most comfortable.

For more, please see the Humane Rescue Alliance./