by Janet McGregor

If the recent boom in new assisted living facilities and service businesses geared toward seniors in Fayette County is any indication of the future, the area is fast becoming a senior Mecca. More banks and businesses are developing special "clubs" for those age 50 and older. Churches are focusing on reaching the senior population. Existing service and civic groups are incorporating special outreach programs for seniors. Overall, there is a burgeoning market of seniors and a growing need for services designed to reach that market.

People are living longer and healthier lives. Seniors are living independently longer. However, while many may be mentally capable and alert, physical problems may make it difficult for seniors to remain independent. Sometimes they are unable to do their own laundry, drive, fix their own meals or do take care of normal housekeeping chores for extended or short periods of time.

Recognizing the needs of this growing "in-between" group, a special niche business has blossomed which provides a wide variety of services designed to help them stay at home longer.

Fayette Senior Services, a private non-profit organization, has offered assistance to those living at home who need non-medical assistance for over 20 years. As they are non-profit, most of their programs are low cost or free. Their vision is "to help maintain the dignity, self-respect and independent living for Fayette residents age 60+." Some of the programs offered by Fayette Senior Services are Information and Referral, Case Management, In-Home Services, Friendly Visitor, a Wellness Program and the well-known, Meals on Wheels. In-Home Services provides "trained personnel who perform simple homemaker and/or personal care tasks." Some of the tasks they provide are shopping, errands, light housekeeping, laundry and personal care services such as bathing, grooming and dressing. Other local businesses such as Caregiver Referrals and Aging Matters have provided assistance with the non-medical needs of seniors for a number of years.

Caregiver Referral was started by Ina Wagner in 1987. She had personally experienced a need for assistance while her husband struggled with cancer for four years. She said, "Even with family and close friends around to help, I needed additional caregiver assistance." In addition to working with seniors, Caregiver provides other services such as child care, pet sitting and house sitting. Aging Matters offers case management and caregiver services. Their caregiver staff includes Certified Nursing Assistants, Licensed Practical Nurses, Registered Nurses and care companions. They assist with "all levels of care" from skilled care within a professional clinical setting to daily living activities.

Through their case management service, Aging Matters provides families with information about the options available to them. They assist with care planning, provide education, offer support, assist in completing the paperwork involved in making application to care facilities and provide crisis intervention.

Recently Home Instead Senior Care opened its' doors in Fayetteville. Home Instead Senior Care provides "a trusted source of affordable at-home companionship and domestic care for the elderly." "We provide an affordable solution for older individuals or couples capable of managing their physical needs, but who require non-medical assistance in order to remain at home," Iggy Gomes, local owner of Home Instead Senior Care said.

Home Instead lists over 75 things its Caregivers can do. Services can be arranged for a few hours, or as many as 24 hours. They also offer short term respite assistance.

Home Instead Senior Care is a franchise operation with over 169 offices throughout the United States. The company is based in Omaha, Nebraska and began franchising in 1995. Caregiver Referrals and Aging Matters are privately owned local companies. All of the companies have stringent requirements their caregivers must meet.

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