Nonprofits Help Maintain Independence
One of the most emotionally-laden issues an aging senior might face is the realization they can no longer successfully manage their day-to-day affairs, nor live on their own without assistance. For some, receiving help from a trusted friend or family member is a logical and viable solution. By allowing others to help with various tasks that have become problematic, many seniors are able to maintain a goodly portion of their independence and continue to enjoy their quality of life. For others, however, asking family or friends for help can be an embarrassing or painful reminder of their loss of independence. Other times, a senior might readily welcome help, yet have no friends or family available.
Fortunately, there are nonprofit organizations that provide assistance to seniors who need it, with most of the services available for free. Offering volunteer caregiving assistance, these agencies help elderly, disabled, chronically ill or homebound adults maintain their independence as long as possible, allowing them to continue living safely in their homes. The majority of clients face challenges due to age-related or physical conditions, or are recovering from a recent illness or surgery. The nonprofit organization’s volunteers offer a lifeline to those in need of help, while at the same time provide peace of mind and respite relief for family caregivers. Non-medical assistance includes transportation to essential appointments, grocery shopping with or for a senior, filling out paperwork, writing letters, minor household repairs, friendly visiting, reassurance phone calls, and respite sitting. Some also provide personal emergency alert units to limited-income adults who are at risk of being unable to summon help in case of a disabling circumstance or medical emergency.
These nonprofit agencies can be found throughout the country. In the extended Prescott area, two agencies provide these services. People Who Care has offices in Prescott and Chino Valley. In addition to providing all of the services mentioned above, they also conduct free home safety visits to identify potential hazards that could cause fires, falls or accidents that might impact a person’s ability to continue living independently. Additionally, they host a free 8-week “Confident Living with Low Vision” class.
Neighbor to Neighbor serves people in Prescott Valley and along the Highway 69 corridor to Cordes Junction. They also provide the services mentioned above, with transportation to medical appointments and emergency response pendants topping their list of requests. With a strong emphasis on health and personal well-being, Neighbor to Neighbor partners with other local organizations to offer a variety of free seminars to the community. Recent topics have included Winterizing your Feet, and Nutritional Tips for those with Diabetes. Many of the seminars take place in their satellite location at the Dewey-Humboldt Community Center.
If you are, or know of, an elderly, disabled, or chronically ill senior in need of help, call the agency that serves your community. For more information about People Who Care, call (928) 445-2480 in Prescott or (928) 636-3295 in Chino Valley, visit the agency’s website at www.peoplewhocareaz.com or drop by their office in the Prescott United Methodist Church, 505 W Gurley or their office in the Chino Valley Community Church, 1969 North Highway 89. For information about Neighbor to Neighbor, call (928) 775-6145 or visit www.ntnaz.org or visit their office at 8501 East Yavapai Road in Prescott Valley.
The above article was written by Debbie Stewart, www.SeniorConnection.us