by Mari Radtke
Elderbridge on Aging, based in Carroll, Iowa provides guidance and services to 29 counties across Iowa. O’Brien is one of those counties.
On Tuesday October 8 Willoway hosted Taylor Hageman, a representative of Elderbridge to share service availability for individuals over 60 from Elderbridge. Nearly 20 area residents attended. The organization can provide or give direction for meals, raise awareness for long-term living options, tools to make informed decisions about aging in place, assist with connecting needs with services, services for staying at home longer such as home delivered meals, transportation, phone calls to assure medication availability, scheduling doctors appointments and transportation, make arrangements for home chores or personal care, improve in-home safety.
Elderbridge on aging can help with wellness programs and socialization. Wellness programs can address nutrition, exercise, relaxation methods and more. Elderbridge on Aging also gives assistance to family caregivers. Assistance can come as home chores, meals, adult daycare or other services. Elder abuse prevention is a big part of services provided by Elderbridge.
Transitional care for home medications, care coordination, home healthcare companions and safety assessments are provided through Elderbridge.
Elderbridge services are federal government programs. Costs are income based with a recommended, but never mandatory request. Donations are always accepted.