Promoting Senior Independence

Promoting Senior Independence

SENIORS
The Issues:

 

According to the US Census, individuals 60 years and older accounted for 21% of the Roanoke population in 2000, and the number continues to grow.

This change increases the number of frail and elderly who need assistance with personal care, home management, meal preparation, counseling and case management, even mobility.  For instance, over 20% of people over 55 experience mental problem such as depression, anxiety, and dementia. One out of four households is involved in caring for a relative or a friend who is at this age.  Institutionalization can be a very expensive option, averaging $125 to $145 a day – something that families may need time to save for. 

UWRV’s Response:

We believe in supporting our senior adults with services that provide for the greatest quality of life and allow them to age with dignity in their own communities.

  • Prevent the premature institutionalization of older adults by providing in-home and community-based nutrition, health care and personal care services, housing assistance and transportation, with an emphasis on, but not limited to lower-income older adults.
  • Increase caregiver’s ability to care for aging family members in the home and decrease caregivers’ emotional stress and anxiety in providing care, through counseling, adult day care, and respite care services, with an emphasis on, but not limited to lower-income older adults.
  • Encourage providers to work with community partners to obtain more information on the level of unmet needs for adult day care and respite care and if substantiated, support the expansion of such programs.

Total UWRV Investment:       $220,313

Outcomes:

  • UWRV invests in 5 programs directly benefiting seniors that served 1,677 individuals in 2005.
  • 1,056 homebound seniors in the Roanoke Valley received a total of 174,275 hot meals served by volunteers.  Meal delivery is not only a means to meet nutritional requirements but also is a significant source of companionship and social interaction for the elderly, according to the caregivers of those receiving assistance.
  • 240 individuals were able to receive adult day services either from a center or at their home, taking care of personal care and housekeeping needs.
  • Of the 1,432 elderly individuals receiving some form of support (adult day care, home care aides, transportation services or meals) 95% were able to stay in their homes and forego institutionalization for at least a year as a result of this assistance.
  • For those who sought counseling services, 100% reported improvements in their depression and 94% were able to deal with their problems better.
  • 94% of seniors receiving services agreed that it improved their quality of life, allowing them to continue to live with dignity and independence. Knowing that the elderly in their family are receiving the care that they need has, in turn, reduced stress levels for 99% of loved ones overseeing their care and even allowed 90% of caregivers to seek employment or stay employed.