Although aging can take a toll on the physical body, a health threat just as serious to local seniors is isolation. As some elderly give up driving, they may end up at home alone or face long solitary stretches in the house while caretakers work. The isolation brings feeling of sadness and depression that can severely impact their quality of life, according to the Rochester Council on Aging.
To address this issue, the Rochester COA is in the beginning stages of helping the many seniors stranded in their homes to reconnect with people in the community through a new Senior Supportive Day program. The center is pursuing funding to install an addition to the Rochester Senior Center on Dexter Lane to house the program, which would run from 8:30 am to 3:00 daily and include breakfast, lunch and an afternoon snack.
“We’ve been wanting to do this for quite some time,” said Sharon Lally, Director, Rochester COA. The idea looked out of reach until a “totally unexpected” gift of $50,000 from Ed and Louise Wheeler, a couple who recently passed away, was left to the COA in their will, Lally said.
“They often spoke of stuff we do here, they knew what we did,” she said. To honor their contribution, she said the day program would be named the “Wheeler Club.”
“A lot of senior centers that run these programs, they are very successful. It keeps people at home, and out of assisted living and nursing homes prematurely,” added Lally.
COA President Pay Ryan said that particularly in Rochester, where homes are surrounded by significant acreage, seniors need a place to socialize.
She said the day program would give 10 to 15 Rochester seniors (and others from adjoining towns if space permits) a place to play games, engage in activities like group exercise and art, and be safe. Transportation would be provided for Rochester residents.
“We have many seniors in town that are in their 90s… They live alone. They have falls, but they are stubborn and independent,” said Ryan, who added that the program would not be for those with serious health issues, but for socialization for seniors – including those who with mild Alzheimer’s.
Also, both Lally and Ryan said the program would give caretakers some respite and peace of mind.
“It’s not a medical model. It’s a socialization, supervision type-thing to monitor them for the bulk of the day, and to keep them nourished, stimulated. And to keep them from getting depressed,” said Ryan.
The service would cost $30 per day, which is reasonable compared to the typical $20 an hour for homecare or $300 per day for a nursing home stay, Lally said. “I’m really sincere this is the most cost effective way in keeping people engaged in their own community.”
She envisions the day programming evolving into a true club of friends.
“Once they start to come, it will become like a club. The good thing is that everybody already knows everybody. They are already lifelong acquaintances. It is only a matter of rekindling them,” said Lally.
At this point in time, the COA has raised $78,000 towards the $150,000 necessary to launch the day program.
To reach the $150,000, the Friends of the Rochester Senior Center, the Rochester Lions Club, and the COA are putting on two events:
• A Wine-Tasting Event on Saturday, May 19, 5:30-8:00 pm at a large home currently for sale on Vaughn Hill Road in Rochester. Tickets are $30 each
• A Baked Fish Dinner on Friday, May 11, with two seatings at 4:30 and 6:30 pm, at the Rochester Senior Center. Tickets are $20 each, and $10 for children 10 years old and under.
Lally said fundraising through these events would spur “larger buy-in from the community.”
“It’s good community participation and every little bit helps,” she said.
In addition, the COA is selling engraved bricks to raise money for the day program. For more information on the events and brick fundraiser, contact the COA at 508-763-8723.
By Laura Fedak Pedulli