By Joann Seltzer (Sponsored content)
CLEARFIELD – Home is where seniors want to be and one of the biggest fears many of them have is losing their independence.
Area organizations are helping to make this possible by providing services seniors need to maintain their lifestyles.
The number of seniors in the country is growing and is expected to continue to grow. Ninety-two percent of older adults surveyed by the American Advisors Group said they want to live out their golden years in their home, not a nursing home.
Many families may not be aware there are a variety of options right in their communities to help make that happen.
If cooking is an obstacle for a senior, they may be eligible to receive a meal delivered to them. Locally, the Center for Mature Resources Area Agency on Aging (MRAA), helps seniors to take advantage of this service.
The MRAA also provides Centers for Active Living provides a place for seniors to gather and spend time with friends to combat the isolation they may feel from living alone, as well as additional services for seniors.
The MRAA also provides advocacy, some in-home services and innovative housing solutions for seniors.
In some cases, obstacles in their homes may make it difficult for people who are losing some mobility as they age to go about their day-to-day lives.
Life and Independence for Today (LIFT) can help individuals and families access services, train seniors how to use assistive technology, and, in some cases, provide items needed to help a person overcome mobility issues.
LIFE-NWPA (Living Independence for the Elderly- Northwest Pennsylvania) offers a comprehensive program for people 55 plus. Seniors can find a one-stop shop for medical care, prescriptions, medical appointment coordination and transportation to medical appointments.
In addition to physical health, a LIFE-NWPA social worker meets regularly with participants to ensure their mental health is also being addressed if needed.
The LIFE-NWPA program offers an activity center where seniors can socialize and have a hot meal.
Some in-home care and light housekeeping are included with the program if needed. Seniors in the program are encouraged to keep active to keep up their strength so they can continue to live their best lives well into their golden years.
At LIFE-NWPA, staff are encouraged to think outside the box to develop solutions to obstacles seniors face in their homes on a case-by-case basis.
Today, it is becoming more and more possible for people to stay in their homes longer as they age, thanks to local programs and services as well as the support of family and friends.
*LIFE-NWPA helps seniors live at home as long as possible. It provides an alternative to institutional care for persons age 55 and older who require nursing facility level of care.