Winter Survival for Seniors: Local Resources You Don't Want to Miss
Did you know that if you leave your house only once or less a week, you are considered to be homebound? According to a study from researchers at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, the number of homebound seniors is on the rise. They are more likely to have poor health, experience symptoms of depression, and have a higher risk for dementia and mortality.
Although seniors isolated at home face challenges, there are local programs and resources aimed to help homebound seniors thrive. Many of these resources are free or offer services at a discounted rate. Some are even for all seniors, regardless of their ability to leave home. If you are a senior who struggles to leave home or are an adult child concerned about your aging parents, here are a few local resources you don’t want to miss.
Getting Around
Some seniors are homebound simply because they can no longer drive or feel comfortable driving. Fortunately, there are local transportation services to help seniors get around town. Ride Connection helps seniors get connected with rides throughout the county. Seniors who need a lift to their doctor's appointment or help with grocery shopping can reach out to the Shepherd’s Center of Richmond. Dependacare Transportation is another local transportation service that accepts pre-scheduled and on-demand trip requests.
Staying Engaged
Homebound seniors have a greater risk for depression and anxiety. JFS Richmond offers support to homebound seniors through their senior engagement program. Seniors can receive a weekly social visit from one of their volunteers. They can also receive a check-in telephone call each weekday so that they can start the day feeling connected and not forgotten. Senior Services of Southeastern Virginia offers similar services, free of charge. Richmond Public Library provides abundant online resources so that homebound seniors can stay engaged with a good book or other forms of entertainment.
Healthy Meals
Malnutrition is common among homebound seniors. Luckily, homebound seniors can receive healthy meals, delivered to their homes. Feed More’s Meals on Wheels Program provides home-cooked meals at an affordable cost. Seniors who need financial assistance may qualify for sponsorship, such as Senior Connections.
Other Helpful Resources
Families of homebound seniors can turn to the Office for Aging Services of the Division for Community Living for help. There are many programs and resources available to help family caregivers, including a respite care voucher program. Senior Connections offers other services and programs not previously mentioned and is a great resource for families.
At-Home Care
Another amazing resource for homebound seniors is Visiting Angels Richmond. We provide at-home care to seniors that are personalized to accommodate your needs. Our elderly companion care services are perfect for homebound seniors. More than just a social call or friendly visit, our compassionate caregivers provide a relationship of encouragement and support to seniors who may be feeling isolated or lonely at home. Whether you’re looking for temporary assistance to survive the winter months, or are ready for a more permanent solution to improve your quality of life, we can help. To learn more, please contact us today by calling 804-353-0000.