Indianapolis, Indiana – Numerous Indianapolis based non-profit organizations are working together to help the elderly locals in need.
“All of these organizations have really pulled together to make an impact on lives,” Tauhric Brown, President and CEO of CICOA Aging & In Home Solutions said.
CICOA is now a part of the INdependence At Home Network along with Servants at Work, Inc. This also includes NeighborLink Indianapolis, Greater Indy Habitat for Humanity, The Shepherds Center of Hamilton County, Easterseals Crossroads, and Crooked Creek Community Development Corporation and Koreman, LLC.
“I can’t tell people enough. If you need help reach out, it’s there,” Debby Jones said.
Jones says she really loves working in the yard, an activity that she has been doing for more than 25 years, a period which she lived in her home on the west side. However, in the last year she decided to work in the yard only when that was necessary in fear of that her knees will give out and she might fall when she goes up and down the stairs.
“All I have is that handrail there,” Jones said. “I know it’s just a few steps but when your knees don’t work and every step is pain. I told my doctor, I said if that handrail ever gives out because that’s where most of my weight went, I was going to be seriously hurt.”
CICOA funded her wheelchair ramp that she couldn’t afford, but she really needed.
“Oh, catch me if you can,” she said “If I can get to my car, I can go, and I can get to my car.”
A recent data shows that even after their 60es, majority of the elderly people still prefer to live in their homes, but everything in their daily lives becomes more and more problematic as they struggle with home maintenance and need modifications to get around safely.
INdependence At Home Network manage to complete more than 1,000 homes last year and they believe now partnering can by far increase that number.
“Having a collaborative like this stood up here in central Indiana really does allow each call that comes in to truly have a chance to add ramps or grab bars and handrails placed to help enhance safety and accessibility in and around the home,” Brown said.
“Many, many of these people are shut in, they can’t get out, they are disabled, they need help. You just listen to the joy that she now has and we have provided, it humbles you,” Bob Richmond, SAWS Executive Director added.
What is important to point out is the fact that as people age they need more help especially as the possibility of fall risk begins to appear and seniors need additional help getting up and down from the toilet or out of their home.
“So having great partners to really come together and say, here’s the common goal; let’s really work towards strengthening safety and accessibility in and around the homes of our older adults and people with disabilities,” he said.
Although they usually manage to fund their projects, with the rising demand they need additional funding and extra help is always welcome.
“We would hope as people see the story they go, you know what I’m thinking about my grandma, I’m thinking about my aging aunt who just began using a walker and they’ve got cement stairs on the front of their home and it might inspire them to give up their time, talent, or treasure to help us continue to move forward,” Brown said.
