Aging Well
The mission of nonprofit Boone County Senior Services Inc. (BCSSI) is to provide events and activities for older adults, as well as resources and programs that allow them to age well.
Located at 515 CrownPointe Drive in Lebanon, with a satellite office at Zionsville Town Hall, BCSSI is open to every senior in Boone County, not just those with a low income. In addition, BCSSI oversees the Boone Area Transport System (BATS), providing transportation to appointments and activities for people of all ages.
“Our founder was Margot Corson. She was a visionary and identified needs that continue to be critical components as people age,” says Anita Bowen, executive director. “Currently, we have a strategic plan, and we ask people what they want. We create new activities to make sure there are opportunities to gain new friends. Our Personal Services program helps seniors live independently. We don’t do anything medically, but we compile a list of organizations and can point people in the right direction.”
The Personal Services program supports seniors who wish to age in place by assisting them in their own homes. Light housekeeping and laundry are offered, along with grocery shopping, meal preparation and errand running. Staff members are highly trained and can also help with personal grooming, such as bathing.
“The program provides caregivers with a break; caring for someone can be overwhelming,” Bowen says. “The staff can watch TV with them, do a puzzle, talk or listen to music. A care plan is developed for each individual, and fees are based on income.”
Both BCSSI locations offer a variety of activities and workshops, with some events including day trips to points of interest outside the county. Educational classes cover topics such as navigating technology, insurance and legal issues. Exercise opportunities include chair yoga and line dancing. Those who enjoy hands-on activities can participate in a variety of crafts, and art classes are available for $10 per class. Meals are free for individuals who register for monthly Brunch and Learn and Lunch and Learn gatherings. If needed, seniors can use BATS for transportation to activities.
“BATS is the public transportation for this county. Without transportation, people feel stuck. We don’t want a lack of transportation to be a barrier,” Bowen says. “We are highly scrutinized by the Indiana Department of Transportation; all our drivers are vetted, trained and kept up to date.”
Some riders use BATS regularly after giving up driving due to age or health concerns, while others use the service when their vehicle is in the shop. Parents who cannot leave work may also rely on BATS to transport their teens to activities.
Reservations must be made in advance to use BATS. For anyone over 60, donations are accepted. Riders under 60 pay $4 each way within their area, while students pay $2 each way.
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, BCSSI is funded by the United Way of Central Indiana, grants, support from area business partners and individual donations. The Boone County Senior Services Foundation was established to build a fund to ensure services for older adults continue in the future. In addition, three major fundraisers are held each year.
Information about events can be found on the BCSSI website and on Facebook, Instagram and X. The 11th annual BCSSI Olympics will be held Aug. 24–27 and will feature euchre, bocce ball, cornhole, track and field, water aerobics, basketball shoot, nature and fitness walks, line dancing, golf, bowling, pickleball and table tennis. The 18th annual Boone County Senior Health and Wellness Expo is scheduled for Oct. 3. This year’s Holiday Silent Auction will take place Nov. 13–19.
“Volunteers are needed for special events, but our drivers and in-home service providers are on staff and paid team members,” Bowen says. “As people live longer, we are getting more calls. People are on a waiting list, and we are hiring more staff. It’s hands-on work, so we need workers who are comfortable with that.”
Bowen adds that many staff members are retirees who work part time at least two days a week, allowing them to give back while staying active themselves.
“Our BATS riders get to know their drivers, and it becomes like a family,” Bowen says. “The atmosphere is great; every team member wants to be here.”
“We want people to continue to feel that they are living full, meaningful lives,” Bowen says. “Helping older adults stay happy leads to healthy individuals. If you feel isolated, we are the place.”
For more information about hiring, volunteering, donating or registering for events, visit booneseniors.org or follow Boone County Senior Services on Facebook, Instagram and X.
Phone numbers are 765-482-5220 and 317-873-8939. Locations include 515 CrownPointe Drive in Lebanon and Zionsville Town Hall, Room 206.
