Jackie Ayres
As the population ages, it becomes important for seniors to stay active and engage in activities to maintain cognitive and physical functioning.
The Raleigh County Commission on Aging has partnered with the New River Health Association to create Living Well Elder Care, a program that will provide services to seniors and caregivers in Raleigh County.
Seniors will be able to visit Living Well Elder Care and receive multiple services such as health education and social model adult day care under one roof.
“We’re hoping to reach the frail and vulnerable senior population, the ones that are in danger of losing their independence,” said Sherry Lucero, program director for Living Well Elder Care.
Approximately 12,000 seniors (age 60 and over) in Raleigh County are eligible to participate in the program, according to Lucero.
The goal is to “transform the aging population” and focus on “whole person wellness through education, non-emergent health care services, and physical and cognitive activities designed to maintain independent functioning to the fullest extent possible.”
Dave Sotak, executive director of the New River Health Association, said the program is important because it will help offer services to seniors who don’t currently have a physician in their lives.
Providers will be on site to aid patients with issues such as chronic disease in a cost-effective manner, by keeping them out of the hospital.
It will also offer tele-health education and educational services for people who may not be able to travel the distance or who live in a rural area where senior services may not be available.
The day care program is considered to be a safe, engaging atmosphere where seniors will have an opportunity to participate in hands-on activities and engage in peer interaction in an accommodating environment to prevent depression or isolation.
“This center has been a blessing to me. I have been able to meet new friends and get back in touch with friends I have not seen for years. I like coming here because it gives me something to look forward to in getting out and being with others. I really enjoy the lunch and the fellowship,” senior participant Rosemary Plumley said.
The collaboration has been funded by a federal grant from the Department of Health and Human Services’ Health Resources and Services Administration, and support from the Rural Health Systems Program Collaboration and the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation.
Living Well Elder Care is located inside the Raleigh County Senior Center at 1614 S. Kanawha St. in Beckley.
The center will provide round-trip transportation for those who are unable to travel on their own.
Living Well Elder Care will have a grand opening celebration Oct. 30 at the center.
A special presentation will be made by Rep. Nick Rahall at 11 a.m., followed by a lunch at noon and a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house at 1 p.m.
For more information, contact Lucero at 304-255-1397.
— E-mail:
jayres@register-herald.com
