Needs Assessments Interventions

More than a Meal: 

Facts, Stress, & Coping Information for Home Delivered 

Meal Volunteers (HDM) during COVID-19 

As a HDM volunteer, YOUR work with the older adult population is having a monumental impact on their lives. They are the demographic most heavily hit by this 

pandemic, and through your caring and giving nature, YOU are providing human 

connection and promoting life through home delivered meals. 

CREDIBLE 

RESOURCES 

Center for Disease 

Control & Prevention:

FACTS 1-800-CDC-INFO 

HOW IT SPREADS1

: (1-800-232-4636) 

Many older adults are canceling in-home services, and caregivers may be hesitant https://www.cdc.gov 

due to concerns about spreading COVID-19. However, caregivers can do concrete World Health things to support older adults in need. Here are some guidelines that may be helpful: Organization Office of 

Protect Your Health to Protect Your Loved Ones the Americas: 

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There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19. 202-974-3000 

The best way to prevent illness is to avoid exposure to this virus. http://www.who.int/en 

The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person: Substance Abuse and 

• Between people who are in close contact (within about 6 feet). Mental Health Services 

Administration : • Through respiratory droplets from a cough or sneeze by an infected person. 

These droplets can then be inhaled by others. 1-877-SAMHSA-7 

(1-877-726-4727) When caring for older adults, be sure to physically distance yourself adequately https://www.samhsa.gov/ 

STRESS 

WHAT SHOULD YOU KNOW 

Fear and anxiety about the COVID-19 pandemic can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions and 

reactions. Those who receive delivered meals ARE having stress reactions right now. With new restrictions in place for the services seniors rely on and for their visitors, it is highly likely they feel even further isolated than usual. This, combined with their increased risk when exposed to the disease, makes it 

more likely you will see increased mental health symptoms. 

Seniors you encounter may be feeling anxiety, worry, or fear related to2: 

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Their own health status. 

Monitoring themselves or being monitored by others for symptoms of the disease. 

The challenges of securing things they need such as groceries, medication, personal care items. 

Concern about being able to efectively care for themselves, pets, or others in their care. 

Uncertainty or frustration about how long they will need to remain in this situation, and uncertainty 

about the future. 

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Loneliness associated with feeling cut of from the world and from loved ones. 

Anger if they think they were exposed to the disease because of others’ negligence.
 

 

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routines and regular day-to-day activities. 

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Uncertainty or ambivalence about the situation. 

A desire to use alcohol or drugs to cope. 

WHAT TO EXPECT: SIGNS OF STRESS3 

Some of the normal stress reactions you will see in seniors during an infectious 

disease outbreak are: 

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Changes in energy level, sleep patterns, and eating habits. 

Increased irritability. 

Crying more frequently. 

Blaming others for everything. 

Difculty fnding pleasure or having fun. 

Headaches and digestive issues. 

Difculty concentrating; feeling confused. 

TIPS FOR COMMUNICATING WITH SENIORS 

As an HDM volunteer, YOU are in a unique position to notice a senior who is struggling at a moment where support is most needed. 

If possible, listen and allow extra time for them to express their feelings and 

thoughts. 

Validate their experience with simple, refective statements such as: “You feel 

afraid and that makes sense.” Or “You are feeling a lot of anxiety right now.” 

Or “This situation feels new and scary and out of your control.” 

Use a calm, even tone of voice. People often unconsciously imitate our level of 

energy and tone of voice. Your calm tone may help a senior stay calm. 

Ask them what they need and direct them to resources as appropriate. 

Encourage them to engage in the stress reduction and self-care tips listed here. 

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS OF INCREASED MENTAL HEALTH 

TROUBLE OR SUICIDE 

Don’t be afraid to connect with seniors about their mental health and suicide—asking 

directly is helpful and needed! Be on the lookout for: 

Symptoms of depression: feelings of hopelessness, changes in appetite or hygiene, 

sleeping too little or too much, and difculty concentrating that persist for 2-4 

weeks. 

Death of loved ones. 

Financial or legal hardship. 

Increased use of alcohol, tobacco, or medications. 

Worsening of chronic health symptoms. 

HOTLINES 

SAMHSA’s Disaster 

Distress Helpline TollFree: 

1-800-985-5990 

(English and español) 

SMS: 

Text TalkWithUs to 66746 

SMS (español): 

“Hablamos” al 66746 

TTY: 1-800-846-8517 

National Suicide 

Prevention Lifeline TollFree: 

(English): 

1-800-273-TALK (8255) 

(español): 

1-888-628-9454 

TTY: 

1-800-799-4TTY (4889) 

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Symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): intrusive distressing memories, fashbacks (reliving 

the event), nightmares, and being easily startled. 

Statements about wanting to die or harm themselves. For example: “My bags are packed ... I’m ready to 

go.” OR “I just wish it would end.” OR “It’s hard to go on.” OR “You shouldn’t be worrying about me when 

there is so much going on. I don’t matter as much.” 

If you notice a senior experiencing any of these reactions, encourage them to contact 

their health care provider or one of the hotline resources on this tip sheet.
SELF-CARE FOR HOME DELIVERED MEAL VOLUNTEERS 

Things you CAN control include your self-care and health practices2

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Move your body safely. One way to release stress and anxiety is through physical movement. 

Find ways to move, stretch, or exercise that are safe for you! 

Take deep breaths—deep breathing can help you manage anxious feelings. 

Stay hydrated, work on getting enough sleep, and do your best to eat nutritious food. 

Relax your body often by doing things that work for you—take deep breaths, stretch, meditate or pray, 

or engage in activities you enjoy. 

Maintain a sense of hope and positive thinking; consider keeping a journal where you write down things 

you are grateful for or that are going well.

Notes: 

1. “Prevention of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): How to Protect Yourself,” Centers for Disease 

Control and Prevention (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, March 18, 2020), https://www.cdc. 

gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/prevention.html) 

2. “Taking Care of Your Behavioral Health During an Infectious Disease Outbreak: Tips for Social Distancing, Quarantine, and Isolation.” Taking Care of Your Behavioral Health During an Infectious Disease Outbreak: Tips for Social Distancing, Quarantine, and Isolation. Rochville, MD: SAMHSA: Substance Abuse and 

Mental Health Services Administration, 2014. 

3. “Coping with Stress During Infectious Disease Outbreaks.” Coping with Stress During Infectious Disease 

Outbreaks. Rockville, MD: SAMHSA: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2014. 

Contributors: 

Hannah Carter, B.A. | Brittany Jones, M.S.W. | Madison Lord, B.S.

Laura Shannonhouse, Ph.D. | Mary Chase Mize, M.S. | Matthew Fullen, Ph.D., M.Div.