||| FROM TOM EVERSOLE for ORCAS SENIOR CENTER |||
Loneliness and depression are not qualities most of us want to define our last years. Addiction and alcohol abuse are a real risk among seniors. Alternative therapies for pain management (versus opiates) are limited under Medicare. Island neighbors, churches, civic organizations, County Senior Services, and nonprofits like Orcas Senior Center (OSC) do what they can. However, the need currently outweighs our collective community capacity.
Some resources simply are not well known. For example, the library delivers books and audiobooks to people in their homes. OSC sponsors a Dementia Friendly Community effort called Dementia Friendly Orcas. The Area Health Education Center (AHEC) at Whatcom Community College provides the training, “Mental Health First Aid,” with a version specific to seniors and open to all community members. We can do so much more, especially using opportunities for inter-generational education, social, and service engagement.
OSC’s Buddy Check-In program was originally designed to help self-isolating seniors during COVID-19 cope with feelings of loneliness and anxiety. It has evolved into a program that helps seniors in many other ways, providing access to other needed services. To learn more about Dementia Friendly Orcas or Buddy Check-In, go to www.orcasseniors.org
Thank You, Tom, for doing a wonderful job of keeping the community updated on all the things that the Senior Center offers. It is good to be reminded of the resources we have here On Island and the options for other areas of service as we of the age of ‘not remembering’ everything , need :-)