Hotline Created During Pandemic For Riverhead Senior Citizens

RIVERHEAD, NY — With the coronavirus pandemic hitting seniors hard, Riverhead officials have created a new hotline to ensure the elderly stay safe while still receiving vital services.

Riverhead Town Supervisor Yvette Aguiar's office has created a senior citizen assistance hotline, which will be a permanent addition. Former councilman Jim Wooten teamed up with Aguiar to provide assistance to seniors such as meal and grocery delivery, transportation, facilitation of other town services and identification of local COVID-19 testing sites.

The goal is to allow senior citizens to remain at home and protect them from potential exposure to the coronavirus, officials said.

Seniors will also receive help with referrals for income eligible heating and electric bill assistance to the Home Energy Assistance Program, or HEAP), PSEG and National Grid.

Aguiar said the aim was to "ease feelings of isolation and helplessness" among the most vulnerable.

Residents can access the hotline beginning on Dec. 8 by calling 631-727-3200, ext. 653, on Tuesdays and Thursdays between the hours of 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Messages may be left at all other times and all calls will be returned within one business day.