Take steps to protect elderly

With cooler temperatures upon us and the winter months not too far away, the elderly could face many critical health issues.

“Today’s elderly were raised during the Depression, which means they were taught to save,” said Sherrie Nowell, director of Azalea Court Assisted Living Facility and Dogwood Manor Assisted Living Facility. “A lot of the way they cut back is by not eating properly and not using their heat like they should. Yes, it may save them mo-ney, but this is a very dangerous thing for the elderly to do.”

Several elderly Henry County residents who qualify for assisted living have chosen to take a step to help protect the rest of their life.

“An assisted living facility is great for the elderly who need assistance,” said Nowell. “We eliminate the problems associated with living alone, such as home and yard maintenance and other chores that come with living alone. We do that for them. Plus, our residents know they have a setting here that is warm and cozy. They have several activities to keep them busy. They also have a hair dresser that comes to fix hair, and we also offer worship services here.

“Our residents give up their home. But, we offer a solution and try to make it as close to their home as possible. An elderly person living by themselves can face several risks throughout the year, but, during the winter months, this can increase if they are not taking care of themselves.”

A fall or stroke is a major problem faced by the elderly. If no medical alert system is installed, this can mean the difference be-tween life and death.

Although an assisted living facility is the answer to many, it is not the answer to all.

Several senior citizens suffer from being alone. Many face the task of doing what they can to survive on a fixed income.
Many Henry County residents take advantage of the programs offered through local senior citizen centers.

“Our motto here at the center is ‘Get up, dress up and show up,’” said Gail DeFee, director of the Burdeshaw-Solomon Senior Center. “If it were not for our members either coming here or going to church, they would not even get out of the bed in the mornings. I have heard that many times.

“We have several homebound residents who are members as well. The only individual they see many times is our bus driver who delivers their meals. They look forward to seeing her, because it gives them a little conversation time with someone.”

There are quite a few programs available throughout the county to help the senior citizens and the elderly of the county. The Henry County HRDC offers a program that helps qualified families receive assistance with their electric bills. Other programs are available throughout the county to assist.

“We have several programs established to help our older citizens,” said Lawton Ed Armstrong, CEO of the Henry County Health and Rehabilitation Center. “However, many of our elderly in Henry County do not want to leave their home. That is why it is very important for community members to check on their elderly neighbors - throughout the year, not just during the winter months. However, the winter months can be a very dangerous time for the elderly.”

The Henry County Health and Rehabilitation Center residents are at the stage in their lives where they can no longer stay by themselves and their health conditions are such that they can not be a resident of an assisted living facility.

“Many of our residents do not have any family left or their family members do not come and visit them,” Armstrong said. “Our facility does everything we can to make the rest of their life enjoyable. So many of our elderly suffer from not taking care of themselves due to financial needs, and they should not have to suffer. Whether that elderly individual is a resident of a facility or not, they all want love and conversation. That is why I encourage everyone to take a few moments just to check on your elderly neighbors.”

Individuals who are interesting in finding out what services are available for senior citizens or the elderly, contact the Henry County Department of Human Resources at 585-4100.