Letter to Editor: Resources Available for “Aging in Place”

— from Janie Reboulet —

Increasingly discussions about “aging in place” have been happening on Orcas Island. At an Orcas Town Hall meeting last October it was pointed out that San Juan County has the second oldest median age of any county in the state, just under 60, with 45% of the population over the age of 65.

Within our unique community many different options have evolved to help people stay in their homes safely and comfortably. The Orcas Senior Center serves as a resource and information center providing many services including exercise classes, hot lunches twice weekly and some aid with transportation. Hearts and Hands, whose office is located within the Orcas Senior Center, pairs up volunteers with adults to help them maintain independence and improve their quality of life. Orcas Cares is a partnership with the emergency response service and local agencies to help with some unexpected situations when they may arise. Lahari is an organization whose mission statement is “to support aged or infirm people up to and including provisions of hospice care.” They provide educational courses for caregivers taught by Sally Coffin. They also run the Orcas Safe Homes project which provides free, in home safety evaluations and advice on how to implement any recommendations that are made.

Another resource available when needed is private individuals  who work as home health care aids. They can come into your home to assist with short or long term needs. To give people greater ease in choosing a caregiver, a directory of local people is being created. This directory is available in two locations, the Orcas Library and the office of Hearts and Hands. If you are a caregiver and wish to submit information about yourself  blank forms are provided within the binder. If you are considering hiring a caregiver  you will find basic information about the local providers. The binder at the library can be accessed during regular library hours. To see the binder at the Hearts and Hands office call Didier Gincig to make an appt. at 376-7723.

Family, friends, neighbors and places of worship all play a part in creating a community that is dedicated to helping people stay in the homes they love. If you feel you are needing help in any way with the issues that arise as you are getting older, please reach out to one of the resources mentioned. They are here to help.