AIR DATE AUGUST 17, 2023
Title: Supporting Seniors in Orange County: Efforts by Senior Resource Alliance & Seniors First
Explore the dedicated efforts of Senior Resource Alliance and Seniors First in supporting seniors in Orange County. This comprehensive look, featuring insights from ‘Emily Tells All,’ delves into collaboration, essential services, community wellness, and volunteer opportunities, shedding light on the lifeline these organizations provide for seniors and caregivers in Central Florida.
Guests
Senior Resource Alliance, President & CEO – Karla Radka
Seniors First, Inc., CEO & Chief Development Officer – Marsha Lorenz & Wendy Jackson
A Comprehensive Look at Senior Resource Alliance: Supporting Seniors in Orange County
In a recent episode of “Emily Tells All,” hosted by Orange County’s District 5 Commissioner Emily Bonilla, the president and CEO of Senior Resource Alliance, Karla Radka, provided in-depth insights into the invaluable services offered to seniors and caregivers in Orange County. This conversation illuminated the collaboration, services, and community support integral to improving the quality of life for seniors in Central Florida.
Collaborating for a Cause
Collaboration lies at the heart of Senior Resource Alliance’s mission, as Radka emphasized: “The work of Senior Resource Alliance in our community definitely cannot be done alone, so we relied on a large network of providers on the aging care community.” They work closely with organizations like Seniors First and Share the Care in Orange County and other providers to ensure comprehensive support.
Services for Seniors and Caregivers
The variety of services provided by the Senior Resource Alliance goes beyond simple assistance. Radka enthusiastically shared, “Senior Resource Alliance is a wonderful organization that serves as a safety net for seniors and caregivers in Orange County,” offering Meals on Wheels programs, daycare services for individuals living with dementia or Alzheimer’s, wellness workshops, Tai Chi classes, and many other services. These programs not only support seniors but provide essential respite to caregivers, creating a positive community impact.
Meals and Wellness for a Better Life
Focused on quality of life, Senior Resource Alliance offers “wellness workshops as prevention to live a better quality of life for seniors on how to manage disease, how to be able to prevent falls.” Nutrition plays a critical role, with programs like Meals on Wheels being a cornerstone of their service. In Radka’s words, the most common reasons for contact are “housing or assistance with nutrition. Those are for the seniors that are at the most vulnerable areas in our community, so housing, and nutrition, and meals.”
A Safety Net and Point of Entry
Senior Resource Alliance’s Elder Helpline is a vital entry point into their system of care, described as “the heartbeat of our organization” by Radka. Acting as both a 211 for information and a 911 for emergencies, it’s a lifeline for families and seniors in crisis. The helpline guides individuals through “how to best care for seniors” and provides them the necessary information and referrals, making it a comprehensive safety net.
A Collaborative Community Effort
The support provided by Senior Resource Alliance has far-reaching implications, with collaboration and partnership with Orange County playing a significant role, “especially during the pandemic, to provide meals and education for seniors on how to be safe and healthy.” It’s a testament to how a community can come together to support those in need and create a more resilient network of care.
Conclusion
The interview on “Emily Tells All” with Karla Radka offered a glimpse into the multifaceted approach Senior Resource Alliance takes to serve the senior residents of Orange County. Their collaborative spirit, extensive services, and dedication to enhancing seniors’ lives have made them a beacon of hope and support in the community. In Radka’s own words, “It is a safety net. It is a point of entry. It is the to-go place,” and indeed, Senior Resource Alliance stands as a strong testament to the positive power of community collaboration and compassionate care.
An Inside Look at Helping Seniors in Central Florida
Seniors First is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for seniors in Orange County, Florida. “We make a difference every day,” said Marcia Lorenz, CEO of Seniors First. During a ride-along with their Meals on Wheels program, Lorenz provided insight into their services.
“Meals on Wheels works by referral from hospitals, doctors and more for seniors that are homebound or have medical issues making cooking difficult,” Lorenz explained. Seniors on the program receive nutritious meals delivered daily by volunteers. “We deliver between 800 and 1000 meals a day using 350 volunteers,” Lorenz noted. The meals are prepared off-site by vendor GA Foods to meet dietary guidelines.
When asked about other Seniors First programs, Lorenz said “We do a lot of in-home services, like homemaker, personal care, and respite companion. We also have a medical equipment bank, food pantry, and neighborhood lunch sites.” The lunch sites provide a social setting for mobile seniors to dine. Lorenz remarked that “The socialization is sometimes more important than the meal. They love getting together.”
Wendy Jackson, Chief Development Officer, discussed the primary needs of Central Florida seniors. “Food insecurity is a big issue – 16,000 seniors don’t know where their next meal is coming from,” Jackson stated. Other challenges include isolation, lack of transportation, and mobility issues. Seniors First strives to meet these needs through services keeping seniors independent at home.
To get involved, Lorenz advised callers to contact volunteer coordinator Maureen Sullivan. “Volunteers are the lifeblood of what we do. We couldn’t do it without them,” Lorenz expressed. From delivering meals to assisting at sites, there are myriad ways for community members to support local seniors in need.
