It was early August two years ago when I visited with Charles Tingley, who is the Chief Archivist at the St. Augustine Historical Society. I was new in town and I had been told that Charles had been around for a good long time and knew a lot about a lot of things, and a lot about a lot of people.
Anyway, I figured that Charles would be a good place to start if I was going to write this book; and I was not disappointed. After two hours of me listening and scribbling, Charles wound up by saying, “And the place to start is the St. Johns Council on Aging.”
A few days later I had the pleasure of sharing my concept for this Book with Becky Yanni, who is the Executive Director of the St. Johns Council on Aging. It was one of those meetings where you are both on the same page so much that you can practically finish each other’s sentences and your neck gets tired nodding “Yes” all of the time. Finally, Becky stopped me in mid-sentence and exclaimed, “It is pretty simple, we are on the same team!” And, so we are.
The day was August 10, 2022 and that is the day I started writing this book.
If you haven’t heard about the Council on Aging (COA) you are not alone. They operate under the radar because they are a non-profit and cannot advertise or take advertising money.
The COA has been around since 1974 and in that time has helped tens of thousands of Seniors, their families, and caregivers. COA’s services help older adults maintain their independence, remain in their own homes, and enjoy quality of life at every age. Their programs and services are available to anyone in St. Johns County. They can be paid for privately, or if you are over 60 and qualify, they may be subsidized.
Listed below are COA programs that make a better life for we Seniors:
Sustaining Nutrition
Every day, COA provides nutritious meals to 260 older adults in St. Johns County through their Meals on Wheels and Congregate Meals programs. The meals are freshly-prepared daily, approved by a registered dietician, and hand-delivered. If you visit the COA center in the morning you will smell the aroma of that day’s meal. In addition to daily meals, Meals on Wheels volunteers share friendly visits and nutrition education. These visits are a lifeline to the world and make worlds of difference. They also provide monthly pet food deliveries to Meals on Wheels recipients who own pets.
Fostering Independence
COA’s Independent Living Services program coordinates access to subsidized services that facilitate at-home, independent living for adults age 60+ (and adults 18+ with specific cognitive diagnoses). Subsidized services are accessible through a variety of federal, state, county, and community-based contracts and programs, contingent upon availability and eligibility.
COA’s Care Connection program helps older adults meet and manage the more challenging demands of everyday life and fills the gaps in providing services for which there are no government funding sources. Services include minor home repairs, basic lawn care, wheelchair ramp construction, providing assistive devices, food for pets, and help applying for outside assistance programs.
COA’s Prescription Assistance program helps eligible seniors apply and qualify for free or reduced medication costs through pharmaceutical company Patient Assistance Programs. If you are eligible, COA will help you navigate the application process.
Strengthening Memory
IMEP™, COA’s Integrative Memory Enhancement Program, is an original, research-based program designed to boost cognitive reserve and minimize the progression of memory loss and dementia. Presented by trained facilitators at three locations in St. Johns County, each class includes activities that support flexible thinking, problem solving, memory, reasoning, and other brain functions. IMEP™ is also available for at-home use.
Supporting Dementia
The Sunshine Center is COA’s adult day care center in St. Augustine. Designed as a therapeutic activity center for adults with special needs, the center offers nursing care and specialized activities for adults requiring guidance and personal assistance, including those dealing with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, or other brain disorders. Participants enjoy supportive services, social interaction, daily lunch, and cognitively stimulating activities in a safe and secured environment. The center also provides crucial respite time for caregivers.
Caring for Caregivers
COA’s Community Care-Giving program provides valuable tools that empower a positive and successful caregiving experience. Whether new to caregiving, new to the area, or in need of guidance, COA is here to help with free needs evaluations, education, support groups, community assistance information, and more.
Despite all of these wonderful programs the ultimate value of the St. Johns Council on Aging is that when you need Senior Advice or have a Senior Problem there will be someone on the other side of the line who will help. Simply call 904-209-3700.
