Column: Live United, by Peg Shelton

This is the season of the year in which we recall our blessings. Homes are being decorated for the holidays ahead. Shoppers are out hunting for bargains. Schools are planning programs and businesses are planning employee parties. People are checking their budgets and making plans for the food that they want to serve at their gatherings.

With all that is going on around us, it is really easy to be overwhelmed. We need to remember those less fortunate and give thanks for all that we have. It is a good time to stop and count our blessings.

One of our biggest blessings in Freeborn County is the fact that we have Senior Resources of Freeborn County working behind the scenes on our behalf. It is amazing how many things are happening in the little office with the pretty blue awning on the south side of Skyline Plaza.

Rides are being scheduled, chore services are being arranged. The elderly are being assisted with their personal finances and questions are being answered about Medicare. Tax preparers are being trained with the newest tax guidelines for the upcoming tax season. Many seniors are requesting help in finding affordable housing and often need assistance in applying for Social Security or making the appropriate appeals, if necessary.

Our staff works with the Department of Public Health in obtaining home health care and making medical referrals. Often seniors require help in applying for food assistance and/or energy assistance. Many clients need help understanding insurance policies and what their coverage is.

One of the services we provide to the community is respite assistance. This service offers help to the caregiver who is at home 24/7 with someone who cannot be alone. There is no other job that demands so many hours without a break and often their commitment and dedication are overlooked and unrewarded.

Funding is continuously being sought to help us continue to do what we do, and volunteers are being recruited on an ongoing basis.

As you can see, our office is a bee hive of activity. We answer as many as 5,000 calls a year in order to serve the community’s needs.

If you have an elderly friend or relative who is in need of services, please remember to pass along this information. This year if you would like to start a very heart warming tradition, please make a tax-deductible donation as a family and perhaps commit to doing so every year. A donation of a few dollars for each family member will go a long way to helping our elders by helping our programs to continue.

We are located on the south side of Skyline Plaza. Telephone number is 377-7433. Office hours are Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call or stop in for further information.

 

Peg Shelton is a board member for Senior Resources of Freeborn County, an agency partnering with the United Way of Freeborn County.