Campaign for Philanthropy

The aging of our population is one of the most important demographic trends affecting Travis County. By 2040, the percentage of older adults is expected to increase from 7 percent to 20 percent of the county’s population. The “care gap” between those needing services and those available to care for them continues to widen.

Austin area non-profits report that rising food and transportation costs are making it increasingly difficult for seniors living on fixed incomes to make ends meet, especially for the nearly 5,000 older adults living below the poverty level.

Providing resources to help older individuals saves taxpayer dollars while enabling them to live dignified, independent lives. Seniors who live in their own homes save approximately $25,000 per year over assisted living care.

A hot, nutritious meal can make all the difference in keeping many elderly individuals out of nursing homes. Meals on Wheels and More serves 3,100 elderly and disabled individuals each year, providing 1 million meals in 2008. Eighty percent of the agency’s clients live in poverty. For many, this visit from a volunteer is the only human contact they will have all day. To combat the isolation experienced by many seniors, Meals on Wheels and More also provides “phone friends” to simply visit with clients by phone twice a week. Another program offers free pet food to help seniors keep their pets, a powerful therapy for depression and isolation.

Austin Groups for the Elderly (AGE) helps seniors live vibrant, connected lives by operating two licensed adult day care centers, as well as offering a SeniorNet Computer learning program to help elders stay engaged and active while socializing. AGE’s Caregiver Resource Center provides resource and guidance and free medical equipment.

Transportation is a major barrier to independence for many seniors. Volunteers with Meals on Wheels and More provide transportation to regular doctor appointments and grocery delivery services. Faith in Action Caregivers (FAIC)enlists volunteers to transport senior neighbors to medical appointments, errands and grocery shopping. FAIC also provides rides to the beauty shop, library, volunteer jobs and other destinations adding to one’s quality of life. The Assistance League of Austin offers stimulating day trips for elderly citizens through its Bus With Us outings.

H.A.N.D. – Helping the Aging, Needy and Disabled, enhances the dignity and independence of the elderly by offering affordable in-home personal care services, such as bathing and light housekeeping, tailored to each client’s specific needs. H.A.N.D.’s services are offered through the Primary Home Care Program, for people financially eligible and who have a disability, and the Independent Care Program available on a sliding scale.

Manos de Cristo provides low-cost dental care to seniors. The Hands on Housing program of Austin Area Interreligious Ministries provides volunteer home repair services that help elderly residents stay in their homes. Greater Austin Life Changing Ministries offers personal visits, warmth and hugs to hundreds of senior citizens who do live in nursing home and assisted living facilities.

Family Eldercare’s mission is to prolong independent living and prevent abuse, neglect and financial exploitation of elders and adults with disabilities. The organization offers In-Home Care and Respite Services, court-appointed Guardianship Services, Bill Pay and Money Management assistance, and service coordination. Family Eldercare also operates the Lyons Gardens low-income senior housing community. Family Eldercare’s annual Summer Fan Drive provides relief from the heat for hundreds of elderly residents.

Providing Compassion in Action

Imagine if your own elderly mother and father had no one to assist them in their daily lives. Senior services providers rely heavily on the dedication of thousands of volunteers to deliver compassionate care and companionship to the silent population of elders with no one to care for them. Meals on Wheels and More alone depends on a cadre of more than 3,000 volunteers to deliver 2,000 meals each day. Last year, Faith in Action Caregivers provided 25,800 rides to 2,226 older adults.

There is much that you can do to improve the lives of seniors in our community. Volunteer your time and talents. Contribute financially to senior services providers, who need your donations to help prolong the independence of our most vulnerable senior neighbors.

For more information about our community’s senior citizens, CLICK HERE.

To find out more about how you can be part of the solution, check out the service providers LISTED HERE.