Retirement News : Seniors : Senior fair informs

Senior fair informs

Date Added: 24-05-2005

Local senior citizens learned about talking calculators and clocks, health agencies and recreational opportunities as they snacked on chocolates at the Spring Services Fair on Friday.
The Loveland Good Samaritan Village hosted its second annual senior services fair for its residents and the general public. About 120 people attended.

“We started the fair last year to give residents the opportunity to see what we have to offer them and for them to be able to see the people involved with the services,” said Holly Haubald, marketing resource development director.

This year’s fair featured services offered within the facility and, for the first time, 10 local agencies that cater specifically to seniors’ needs. This was also the first time the fair was open to the public.

The 32-year-old facility provides senior housing and a wide range of services for more than 300 residents over 55 years old. The facility in south Loveland offers independent living, assisted living and skilled nursing care.

“We’re a one-stop shop for senior housing,” said Marlyn Tande, executive director of the facility. “The only thing we don’t provide is a golf course.”

Some of the amenities offered within the center include an ice cream parlor, spiritual ministries, a low-vision support group, physical, occupational and speech therapies, a pool, folk-dancing classes and a library that has 1,200 large-print books.

The local agencies visiting the fair included Mobility and More, which offers equipment such as wheelchairs and walkers.

McKee Medical Center had a representative explaining the hospital’s service to help seniors make health care decisions. McKee has education, recreation and health promotion opportunities.

“(Thursday) we took a group of seniors to the Rockies game,” said Christine O’Hanlon, McKee’s senior service coordinator.

Visitors to the fair had the chance to learn about the Larimer County Parkinson’s Support Group, which provides support and information for patients, families, caregivers, health professionals and anyone else interested in learning more about Parkinson’s disease.

A representative from Ensight Skills Center Inc., a Fort Collins-based nonprofit organization, attended the fair to offer information about its visual rehabilitation services.

First Call 211, another agency at the event, is an information and referral center for health and human services. This nonprofit organization doesn’t provide help, but it directs people where to go to receive the non-emergency help they are looking for.

Family Links is a local agency that organizes peer-to-peer visits for seniors who might not often see family members.

Anna and Jim Worden, both 76, said they found the fair interesting and helpful.

“We’ve never been here before, so it was a good opportunity to see what it is all about,” Anna said.

For More Information: http://www.lovelandfyi.com/Top-Story.asp?ID=624