ADULT DAY HEALTHCARE 10,438 Hours of service to clients Respite care for caregivers Therapeutic activities Meals Transportation Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) supervision/Medical screenings MEALS-ON-WHEELS 37,115 Home delivered meals Nutritionally balanced meals (heated or frozen) Nutrition education Supportive services & monitoring IN-HOME SERVICES 84,655 Hours of service to clients Housekeeping/home maintenance Respite Personal care Emergency Alert Response Systems Companionship Minor home repair SENIOR COMMUNITY CENTER 28,218 Hours of service to clients Socialization Educational programs Meals Medical Screenings Arts/Music/Crafts/Games |
TRANSPORTATION SERVICES 47,961 Client trips Medical appointments Errands/shopping Planned activities and events Seniors have access to transportation that allows them to move freely around their community providing transportation options that preserve dignity, maximize independence, and provide access to the full range of activities that contribute to quality of life. * The transportation program is designed to provide Medicaid Non-emergency Transportation and transportation to the transportation disadvantaged. Medicaid non-emergency transportation is for Medicaid recipients to travel to medical appointments. "Transportation disadvantaged" is defined as those persons who because of physical or mental disability, income status, or age are unable to transport themselves or to purchase transportation. |
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| THE GROWING NEED FOR SENIOR SERVICES TOM SILVERIO, BOARD PRESIDENT When people think about growth in our county, it's natural to picture the need for roads and schools and the treats to green space. But another aspect to consider is the growth in the number of seniors, and especially "super" seniors: those over eighty years old. According to data developed by the University of Florida Bureau of Economic and Business Research, the population of citizens in Nassau County over 65 will balloon from around 15% of the population today to almost 30% by the year 2030. And those over 80 years old will increase over 300% during that period to nearly 9,000 members of our community. These seniors of all economic backgrounds will need services but especially those who face the aging process in challenging circumstances. Those services must include: Senior Centers - that allow our seniors to socialize, stay connected, avoid loneliness and isolation while providing access to nutritional food by serving hot meals. These would ideally be flexible multi-purpose facilities which could meet other community needs for gathering space. In-Home Services - that allow this population to stay independent as long as possible. We cannot build enough nursing homes to house all the seniors, and most will be unable to afford assisted living. These services, provided by qualified CNA's and in-home workers, include housekeeping, bathing, home-delivered meals, errands, and respite for caregivers. Transportation - As we age we experience an increase number of trips to doctors, outpatient treatment centers, hospitals, etc. at a time when, especially for our oldest neighbors, we become less able to drive. So a system of affordable public transportation must be available. Adult Day Healthcare - As the number of caregivers grows, either a spouse caring for a spouse, or children caring for their parents, the need for respite becomes very important. For many the ability to leave a loved one in a safe and caring environment allows them to carry on other aspects of their lives, including going to work. This service also provides care for seniors suffering from various degrees of Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease. Of course there is more this population needs, like access to doctors and specialist who accept Medicare and Medicaid, recreational opportunities, affordable housing, and other things we haven't even thought of. So, as a community, we have a crucial challenge. At the COA of Nassau County we are committed to provide our seniors with the services they need and deserve. But this requires community support, in addition to the cooperation of our County Commission and City government. Together we can insure that our seniors have the services available to help them live independently and connected as long as possible. Please join with us to help meet this growing need. |
