By Vicki Scott
While perusing Facebook recently, I noticed where the George Wallace Senior Center in Glencoe now has an alarm program for the senior community. The program seems to be geared toward the homebound.
When I had the opportunity to be a part of this senior center, there were several seniors who had fallen, and I do not want to imagine the thought of falling at home alone. Five days a week, the center delivers meals to the homebound, with the volunteers instructed to visibly see each homebound client. So for five days a week, these folks are visited and seen at least once a day. The weekend is a different story.
Some homebound seniors have been found on Mondays after having been on the floor all weekend! How these alarms would help in these type situations is a huge step toward a solution, if the seniors will use them.
Not one senior I’ve ever met wanted to lose his or her independence. I get it. I feel the same way. Some only wear their alarm bracelet at certain times. My mother never understood how the system worked. She was at the point she could not live by herself, anyway. It broke my heart for her to lose her independence.
We are doing the best we can to come up with a solution for the senior community at George Wallace Senior Center and down here in Reeltown. We want our seniors to be as independent as possible and keep them out of a nursing care facility.
I’m just starting out helping the senior community in Reeltown, and I’ve not even scratched the surface of what I want to achieve. God has led me, and I know that He will be with me, but it gets overwhelming sometimes.
I try to keep updated about the programs at George Wallace Senior Center for some guidance. The alarm program is an exciting step, and I’m looking forward to seeing the results. Set the bar high, George Wallace Senior Center; I will be watching you!
Congratulations on your new project. I’m praying for y’all and all the seniors.
Vicki Scott may be contacted at lily200383@yahoo.com.