{"id":484,"date":"2020-09-09T10:42:46","date_gmt":"2020-09-09T17:42:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.piercecountywa.gov\/humanservices\/?p=484"},"modified":"2020-09-09T10:42:46","modified_gmt":"2020-09-09T17:42:46","slug":"guest-blog-caring-for-our-seniors","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.piercecountywa.gov\/humanservices\/2020\/09\/09\/guest-blog-caring-for-our-seniors\/","title":{"rendered":"Guest blog: Caring for our seniors"},"content":{"rendered":"

Hello, from Aging and Disability Resources (ADR). I appreciate Heather giving me this opportunity to highlight the great work our team is doing.<\/p>\n

For some background, ADR is designated as the Area Agency on Aging (AAA) for Pierce County. We are responsible for local planning, coordination and administration of federal and state funds for programs and services that address the needs of older adults and people with disabilities. We manage the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC<\/a>), which provides unbiased information, community outreach, education and access to person-centered care planning to meet the individual needs of older adults, persons with disabilities and their caregivers.<\/p>\n

Did you know that August 21st<\/sup> was National Senior Citizens Awareness Day? It serves as a day to highlight and recognize the amazing contributions of older adults in our community. If you missed it, that’s okay because every day is a great day to appreciate seniors.<\/p>\n

If it seems like there are many seniors in your community or neighborhood \u2013 you\u2019re right. You’ve probably heard of the \u201cage wave\u201d or the \u201csilver tsunami,\u201d these are two terms used to describe the massive shift in demographics in our country as baby boomers age. Currently in Pierce County, one in five residents is over the age of 60. By the year 2030, that percentage is expected to increase to one in four.<\/p>\n

Seniors are a force to be reckoned with and in ADR we strongly believe in recognizing our aging demographic for the strength that they bring to our communities. Most seniors live full and vibrant lives, but occasionally need assistance to maintain their independence.<\/p>\n

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You are probably aware that seniors have been particularly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Early on, they were identified as a high-risk population and strongly encouraged to stay at home to remain safe from the spread of the virus. However, staying at home for months on end can lead to other issues, like social isolation and shortages of basic necessities. From the onset of the pandemic, it quickly became apparent that senior nutrition was a huge need and an area where ADR and our partners could get involved.<\/p>\n

Here are just a few things we are doing to help:<\/p>\n