“Sandwiched”
As I mentioned in last week’s column, you don’t have to do everything alone if you are caring for an elderly parent, especially in Hamilton County. Even if you’re an only child, we’re blessed with many resources to help make life easier.
To get a jumpstart on information, mark your calendar now to attend the 2018 Senior Summit from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 1 at Grace Church in Noblesville. With topics such as Planning for Aging, Housing Options, and Caregiver Resources, you’re sure to walk away with many ideas and tools. Visit sheperdscenterofhamiltoncounty.org for more info.
If you’re like me and can’t get away for the summit, you can talk to Shepherd’s Center of Hamilton County directly to discover what they offer for seniors and their caregivers. Their mission is: “Promoting and supporting independent lifestyles for senior adults.”
With their Community Caring, Reaching Resources, Together Today, and other programs, they’re excellent at helping you navigate aging issues or pointing you in the right direction to other organizations that can help.
Did you know we have an outstanding senior center in Noblesville? The Senior Citizens Organization serves those 55 and over in Hamilton County and beyond with numerous programs and resources. I’ve had the pleasure of working with them through my consulting business this year and have been astonished at what this all-volunteer non-profit accomplishes! Visit seniorcitizensorg.org to learn more.
Hamilton County Council on Aging, one of the eight councils under the umbrella of the Central Indiana Council on Aging, is dedicated to enhancing the lives of Hamilton County senior residents by advocating, communicating, and promoting solutions. Their caregiver support and resources are excellent. Check them out at cicoa.org.
One national group that helps families in Hamilton County is A Place for Mom. When we had to find an assisted living facility quickly for my mom two years ago, this organization made the process simple and less overwhelming. My brother and his wife contacted them the Friday after Thanksgiving and they were touring facilities the next day. We were able to narrow our selections quickly and showed Mom two places the following Monday. She picked out her facility that evening. Learn more at aplaceformom.com.
And I can’t forget Meals on Wheels of Hamilton County, where I volunteered years ago. This organization offers meal delivery to the elderly in all eight communities in the county. The non-profit has locations throughout the country and they help homebound seniors get the proper nutrition they need. To visit our local Meals on Wheels, go to mealsonwheelshc.org.
Not many people know about one last resource I’ll mention today – the Riverview Health Transportation Service. Patients with appointments at any of the 29 Riverview Health locations can use this service for just $5. I haven’t had to call them yet for Mom, but it’s good to know we can use it in a pinch. Individuals with medical appointments at a Riverview Health location who wish to schedule a ride can call 317-473-2323.
I know I’m missing other great resources, but I’ll be sure to highlight them in future columns. Caregiving can be challenging without help. If you’re going at it alone, I urge you to contact one or more of these places today. Both you and your parent(s) will be much happier!