Increasing numbers of western North Carolina’s senior citizens will now be safe at home thanks to Council on Aging of Buncombe County, Inc., or COA, and its newest community partners, Bank of America and Merrill Lynch.
The initiative, “Seniors Safe at Home,” results from the
integration of multiple COA programs. The result is designed to remove
impediments for Buncombe County’s aging adults who prefer to remain happily and
safely in their homes for as long as possible.
A monetary gift of $2,000 from Bank of America and
Merrill Lynch makes it possible to begin to extend these much-needed services
to those senior citizens currently waiting for assistance. The programs making
up the “Seniors Safe at Home” initiative include:
• “Heat relief” goes into effect during the summer months
for those aging individuals without air conditioning.
• “In home aide” assists senior citizens who need help to
remain at home, but who are not eligible for Medicaid services. This federally
funded program supports independent living by helping eligible adults with
tasks such as personal care, cleaning, and food preparation.
• “Call A Ride” matches individuals who are no longer
able to maintain their independence with volunteer drivers so they can make
appointments, go to the store, and leave the house for social engagements, or
take part in community events.
• “Minor Home Repairs” addresses the health and safety
needs for elders whose homes need minor repairs or adjustments so they can
remain safely in their homes.
• Additional services include Medicare counseling,
“Friendly Visiting,” 9-1-1 cell phones pre-set for emergency use, caregiver
support, and food delivery to homebound, low-income elders.
COA plans to apportion the Bank of America & Merrill
Lynch gift to expand services in Asheville and Buncombe County, while offering
assistance to other agencies lacking services for senior adults. “We want to
reach more people who need help,” says Eric Mills, director of development with
COA. “With this particular funding from our Bank of America and Merrill Lynch
partners, we hope to see an immediate increase in minor home repair outreach. “
For example, a COA worker can install a small ramp over
one or two steps if a person needs a wheelchair to get into her home, or add
safety bars in the bathroom, where the senior adult is at most risk for
falls. Do-able projects such as these
can go a long way toward insuring independence remains within reach as we age,
says Mills.
Successful Aging and Corporate Partners
“This type of commitment to make the community stronger
through the support of the ‘Seniors Safe at Home’ initiative is the mark of an
exemplary partner,” says Wendy Marsh, executive director of COA.
“When we make it possible for families to care for aging
loved ones, it increases economic stability for the entire family network,
which in turns benefits the community at large.”
As western North Carolinians age, with more individuals
aged 55 and older than 17 and under, community partners which understand the
positive impact of helping older adults age successfully and stay in their home
is vital to the future of vibrant, multi-generational communities, says Marsh.
“With the support of partners like these, COA proves able to pull together the
resources needed to increase quality of life and reduce costs associated with
aging.”
Support for Seniors Benefits Local Economies Basically,
supporting aging adults benefits families, which in turn benefits the local and
regional consumer base, says Marsh. “Family incomes may already be stretched
thin,” she says. “Initiatives like ‘Seniors Safe at Home’ make it possible for
working caregivers to assist aging loved ones while ensuring economic stability
for the whole family. We make it possible to increase choices for elder family
members without depleting the resources needed to care for the next
generation.”
Giving back to the community through organizations like
Council on Aging of Buncombe County, Inc., makes the entire community stronger,
she and Mills agree. That’s why now through the end of October, the agency’s
focus is on building relationships with corporate sponsors who recognize the
connection between economic viability and successful aging. “Generosity met
with gratitude and a sincere desire to be of service – those are the
relationships we value as we look to a future of successful aging,” says Marsh.
The Council on Aging of Buncombe County, Inc., is a 501C3
non-profit agency dedicated to assisting senior adults and their families with
information, opportunities, and services that promote and enhance quality of
life.
For more information, visit http://www.coabc.org,
or call (828) 277-8288 to request assistance, volunteer, make a donation, or
become a community partner.
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