ON LOK CONTINUES TO HELP THE ELDERLY DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

“Families are very grateful. One day they applauded me on the street.”
Ms. Teresa Interiano. Photo Credit: On Lok Lifeways

Celina Rodríguez
Special to El Observador

On Lok Lifeways is an organization that cares about the health and well-being of our elders in the Bay Area. Even during the pandemic, On Lok Lifeways PACE professionals continue to offer their services in the homes of the elderly they help. This is the case of Teresa Interiano, caregiver of On Lok Lifeways, with more than 24 years of experience caring for the most fragile adults. She travels to their homes every day to take care of them personally.

“We have adapted to the circumstances. Now I go to the houses of the people I used to serve in our centers. Many have dementia and daily cleaning and hygiene are very important to them,” Teresa tells us.

If someone older needs medical attention, On Lok Lifeways picks them up at their home, takes them to the medical clinic to see the doctor, and then returns them home with their medications, meals. They are given all the care they need, customized for their case.

According to Teresa, “the families are very grateful for the help we provide them in these difficult times. Recently I was walking through the Mission to the house of one of the people I care for, and suddenly a car stopped to applaud and thank me. It was very exciting.”

On Lok Lifeways PACE offers a comprehensive health plan for adults over 55 with medical needs. It is recognized as a Medicare and Medi-Cal program. Contact On Lok by calling their Spanish phone line: 1-866-565-7223.

This story was broadcast on Celina Rodríguez’s radio program titled Buenas Tardes Con Celina, on KZSF 1370 AM La Kaliente.

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