Connecting Seniors to Resources & Support
As individuals age, they are often faced with new challenges and concerns. Fortunately, the senior population of Louisville and surrounding areas has a source to provide needed answers to questions that arise. Aging Services, a division of the Office for Aging and Disabled Citizens (OADC), which is within the Office of Social Services in Louisville Metro Government, provides information on resources, educates the community and participates in initiatives that improve funding and programs.
The OADC maintains a free, printable 80-page PDF document on its website that is an extensive compilation of resources available in the Louisville and Jefferson County area. Known as the OADC Resource Guide, it is updated twice a year to include new services or edits to existing ones. Although it is lengthy, the guide is easy to navigate. It begins with an alphabetical directory, directing readers to page numbers of the topics listed.
Just a few examples of agencies and programs included are those that address clothing needs, driving assessments, financial matters such as estate planning, home-delivered meals, housing, social activities and voting. Each listing gives the name of the organization and a brief description, as well as the address, website and phone number.
“Our office takes phone calls,” says Alli Woosley, Aging Services coordinator. “Concerned neighbors, caregivers or children have questions. They might be worried about an individual who lives alone and is having trouble maintaining their home. Or someone might call who is on a fixed income and their landlord told them the rent is going up. People who don’t drive worry about food insecurity. We can tell them about programs, services and resources for affordable housing, meal delivery, cleaning or laundry services.
“Part of Aging Services is community outreach,” Woosley adds. “We do free presentations at places such as libraries, senior apartments, care communities or church groups. Our five main topics are fall prevention, community resources, disaster preparation, scams and fraud, and healthy living as people age. We will go talk to senior groups anywhere in the city if there is a request at a certain location.”
The fall prevention presentation, Balance Basics, is a one-hour interactive class led by Woosley. The first 30 minutes is a learning discussion on what causes falls and tips to avoid them. The last half hour is an instructor-led activity. Stable chairs without wheels and a wide-open space that has a blank wall or a projection screen are required. Participants receive a packet of materials and resources.
Another example of community outreach is TRIAD, a free monthly lunch and informational meetup for seniors. Based on a national model, it began when three organizations — the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), the International Association of Chiefs of Police and the National Sheriffs’ Association — decided to work together with the purpose of keeping the aging population safe from crime. TRIAD in Louisville is facilitated by Aging Services and focuses on prevention of elder abuse, updates on scams and fraud, public safety and other similar topics. To RSVP, anyone interested can call the Office of Aging Services or visit its website.
“The TRIAD meeting is held on the second Tuesday of each month from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Our Mother of Sorrows Cafeteria, located at 70 Eastern Parkway,” Woosley says. “There is always a speaker scheduled, such as a fire department representative, and besides a free lunch, participants get a chance to network and interact. A portion of the meeting is set aside for attendees to share what they have going on in the community.”
Each month, OADC offers a monthly e-newsletter. It includes upcoming event information, breaking news about resources, tips for what to do if needs arise such as how to shelter in place, recent scams and even recipes. To subscribe to the newsletter, visit the OADC website. Past editions can also be accessed on the website.
Each year, at the start of the warm weather season, the OADC holds a major event. Anyone over the age of 60 can receive an electric box fan during the annual Fan Fair. The giveaway began in 2016 when the OADC and the Kentuckiana Regional Planning and Development Agency responded to the many calls they received from seniors needing heat relief. This year, 700 fans were handed out, and attendees could visit informational booths staffed by representatives from CenterWell Senior Primary Care, PACE Senior Community Care of Kentucky, JenCare Senior Medical, University of Louisville Brown Cancer Center, AARP Kentucky, DAIL Office of Dementia Services, Wellcare and more.
“As Aging Services coordinator, I serve as the city representative on several local councils, commissions and advisory boards,” Woosley says. “It’s important that I have a good pulse on the struggles aging citizens face. Also, our office needs to know the goals of current initiatives and programs.
“Aging Services is important to seniors because it can direct them to services and resources,” she adds. “Sandwiched in with the resources are different levels of care and cost, plus information on how to pay for them. People can face gaps. They may not be able to qualify for one program, but they might for another. We can direct them to how they can piece together different ways to make decisions or meet goals such as staying in their own home.”
The website for OADC is louisvilleky.gov/government/office-social-services/office-aging-disabled-citizens.
For more information on free presentations, contact Alli Woosley, Aging Services coordinator, by email at Allison.Woosley@louisvilleky.gov or by phone at 502-574-5092.
