As I start a new chapter in my work life as the Executive Director of the Adams County Office for Aging, Inc. (ACOFA), it reminds me that as we age, we also start a new chapter. For most of us, aging has its obstacles, but also there are rewards.
When I started at the Office for Aging ten years ago, I was nervous when meeting with the aging members in our community. As I became more comfortable in my role as a Care Manager, I began to cherish those visits. I was able to form close bonds with many of our clients and their family members. I learned that most of our senior community are caring, intelligent and have a great sense of humor. I would love to share some of the jokes that I’ve heard during some of my visits, but they may not be appropriate for this article!
Sometimes, asking for a little extra help is a hard thing to do. The everyday activities that we take for granted: bathing, dressing, toileting and transferring can become a challenge as we age. Finding help in those areas and paying for those services can be difficult for our aging residents in our county and across the country. Imagine going weeks or months without being able to take a shower or a bath?
I am proud that ACOFA can assist in helping our seniors receive the care that they need. We receive Federal and State funding to help provide many of these services. We also heavily rely on donations so that we can serve more individuals across the community. Unfortunately, we do not have the means to help everyone who requests help. There are times when we must add clients to our waiting list. We currently have a waiting list for individuals who would like help with bathing, dressing and other services based on their needs.
You may now wonder what are the rewards to aging? Personally, I believe the wisdom that we can pass onto others, the friendships that we have made through the years, having more time for our family and being able to give back to our community financially or by volunteering are all benefits of aging.
As I finish writing this article about new chapters, I reflect on some of the quotes that I have heard through the years regarding aging. One of my favorites is from George Bernard Shaw. He once said, “We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.” On that note, go out and play!
Lynn Deardorff is the Executive Director at the Adams County Office for Aging, Inc. Lynn began her career at the agency as a Care Manager over ten years ago. In 2017 she started the Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group and has also presented numerous Dementia Information sessions throughout the County. She is a graduate of Peirce College with a degree in Legal Studies. Lynn lives in Cashtown with her husband, Kevin. Her proudest achievements are her daughters Mia and Madelaine who reside in Virginia and Pittsburgh.
Congratulations, Best Wishes and blessings for all you do for the Adams Seniors!
Thank-you, Susan!
Relative to the challenges and gifts of our aging mind, body and spirit……I have been enjoying a book recommended to me by a “fellow elder” It’s an easy read, short, topical sections. I highly recommend it. The Gift of Years, Growing Older Gracefully. by Joan Chittister.
Thank-you, Barbara. I am looking forward to reading Chittister’s book.
Please have a phone number seniors can actually use to find a person luve on the call. Not menus and referrals to other numbers. And let’s get a more positive image of seniors with the diversity of people, brains, pasts, present active involved people we are even those of us needing help later. Not just “old” but visibly vital. Today’s seniors are breaking barriers on all counts. Help them play and feel vital or acknowledge, be amazed and positive about all levels of aging. At the same time, find as much support as possible for seniors in need. Deserved for… Read more »
Agree, Angela!! Also, when you call our office- someone does answer! No buttons to push, I promise! We are open 8-4:30 & have an answering service for after hours. 717-334-9296.
That has not been my experience. And I never got a call back either.
Hi Rose,
Please give me a call at the above number so I can hear about your experience. We do not have any kind of button system.
I look forward to hearing from you!