Impact

Retired life has not been a walk in the park for Nicholas P. In spite of this, he continues to push on with the help of Aging Ahead.

Nicholas P, a diabetic, experienced major health issues a few years ago, resulting in the inability to work. Without the means of reliable transportation, Mr. P found himself home-bound at the age of 65. He was referred to Aging Ahead and began receiving Meals on Wheels and enrolled in our Commodity Box program, a program in which he receives a monthly supply of non-perishable food. Throughout this time, Mr. P continued to suffer financially with cost of living, medical bills, and necessary home repairs he was unable to complete.

During a routine home assessment, Kathy Craig, an Aging Ahead Community Options Specialist, listened to Mr. P’s story, and informed him about qualifying programs like Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). 

Kathy also referred Nicholas to other resources for free home repairs. Mr. P plans to use Aging Ahead’s short-term care to assist him around his home after an upcoming foot surgery.  As Kathy left, Mr. P exclaimed, “you can’t know how much I appreciate what you all do. The word that’s missing so much in the world right now is compassion, and you all have so much of it. Thank you.”

Support Highlights: Meals on Wheels, Community Options Services, SNAP, LIHEAP, and Short-Term Care.

Life has been a little easier for Evelyn since she started receiving meal deliveries last year from Aging Ahead.

Evelyn is legally blind and lives alone. With her disability, she is unable to drive and has a difficult time preparing food for herself. Last year, a neighbor suggested that Evelyn call Aging Ahead in order to receive Meals on Wheels, and she hasn’t looked back since. “Aging Ahead is the best thing that’s happened to me. Without the meals, it would be so much harder to get good nutrition.”

Evelyn will celebrate her 90th birthday in December, and more than anything, she wishes to remain living at home for as long as possible. After being asked how Aging Ahead has impacted her life, Evelyn said, “I’m scared to death of losing my independence here. Because of the meals, I’m able to care for myself better.” Living independently is something that Evelyn is passionate about.  

As someone who supported and raised two children alone, Evelyn knows hard work and struggle intimately, however, she says she’s living a lucky life, “I don’t have much, but I have love and I have hope.” She explained that love and hope have driven her in all of her years, and she’s grateful for life’s “little breaks.” She expressed that Aging Ahead provides one of those breaks in a massive way by reinforcing her independence.

Support Highlights: Meals on Wheels, Wellness Checks, and Annual Assessment.

After John suffered a stroke, he was admitted into a skilled nursing facility. His caregiver team did not believe he would thrive outside of the facility. Feeling overwhelmed and suffering from severe depression, John didn’t know where to turn to reclaim his life and finances as his own until a friend referred him to Aging Ahead as a trusted resource to help. Susan Richmeyer, an Aging Ahead Community Options Specialist, became John’s case manager. For almost two years, Susan and John worked closely together on getting John moved back into the community with a space of his own to call home.

John utilized the Money Follows the Person (MFP) program, which supports an individual’s transition from a skilled nursing facility back into the community. Throughout the process, John credited Susan for being his advocate. “Susan listened to me and came up with a plan on how to pull myself out of the facility. I was ready, but I needed guidance,” said John.

When asked what his life would be like if he had not been referred to Aging Ahead for support, John confidently exclaimed, “I would be living on the street. Susan and [Aging Ahead] saved me. I truly believe that. Now, I literally have a new lease on life!” With the support of Susan and Aging Ahead, John was able to move into an apartment, and in doing so, he has fully immersed himself into his community!

John identifies as a gay man, which he says has presented its own isolation challenges, but through everything, he has been able to persevere and create his own supportive community. John has become extremely involved within his parish, and volunteers his time as a lector, a choir member, and works their food pantry twice a week. John also dedicates his time to education by teaching weekly GED classes.

John’s hardships have yet to stop him from succeeding. “John is one of the bravest people I know, and he worked so hard to be where he is today. He is a very special person, and he deserves so much happiness in life,” Susan imparted when discussing John’s inspiring story.

Support Highlights: Money Follows the Person (Nursing Home Transition) and Options Consulting (including 12-Month Post-Transition Support).

Aging Ahead is committed to identifying and addressing the challenges facing many local older adults. We are thankful for community support, including many dedicated volunteers, through which we are able to implement programs and services designed to help ensure all have opportunities to age well.

Nearly 20 years ago, Anne learned of our Christmas meals program in which volunteers deliver meals to vulnerable adults on Christmas Day. She wanted to help by preparing gift bags to accompany meal deliveries. Because of their dedication and generosity, Anne and her family have granted hundreds of seniors the gift of community on Christmas Day! 

After her children and grandchildren where grown, Anne felt that their holiday money would be better spent helping those in need. She encouraged each family member to spend $50 on hygienic products, non-perishable food, and winter clothing for the gift bags, and she introduced their tradition of assembling the gift bags together, as a family. As the years went on, their operation has grown immensely and now includes her great-grandchildren, coworkers, and bridge team! Anne and her team are responsible for assembling over 250 gift bags each holiday season, totaling over 4,500 bags in 20 years!

Mary, an assisted living resident, describes the impact of the meal and gift bag she received on Christmas in a letter to Aging Ahead,  “It meant so much to me to have a family that didn’t even know me take the time to deliver a meal and gift to me. They were the only visitors and gift I received this Christmas, and it will always be so special to me.”

Aging Ahead would like to express a warm thank you to Anne and her rock-star team for their generosity and dedication in making this program successful.

Support Highlights: Christmas Meals Program Case Management, Individual Assessments, and Volunteer Support.

Not only is Jackie the primary caretaker for her 60-year-old disabled son, but she also has many ailments of her own, including a terminal lung condition. Through this, she remains positive, largely due to the help of Aging Ahead’s Meals on Wheels and caregiver assistance programs.

Jackie was introduced to Aging Ahead when her husband became ill and a neighbor suggested she sign up for Meals on Wheels. When her husband passed, she was diagnosed with a terminal condition while also becoming the primary caretaker of her disabled son, “I count my blessings every day. I’ve lived a full life but Aging Ahead has made such a difference to us.”

Jackie says that Aging Ahead has taken some pressure off her by making sure she and her son have enough to eat throughout the week. Jackie also receives weekly caregiver assistance which assists her, and her son remain independent in their home.

“I’ve really come to depend on the help. Going to the grocery store has become a painful challenge recently with my health failing. Shopping is one less thing I need to worry about during the week.”

Support Highlights: Meals on Wheels, Case Management, Family Caregiver Support Program, and Community Options & Services.

Ralph has held many volunteer roles over the last 20 years with Aging Ahead. Although the roles varied, Ralph’s underlying purpose never wavered: “Do what needs done to help others.” Whether that meant delivering meals to homebound older adults, advocating as a Silver Haired Legislator, serving on support and advisory committees or bringing a smile to someone who needed one, Aging Ahead could count on Ralph! His friendly, welcoming personality made him an easy person to go to for assistance. 

With his immediate family living out of town, Ralph struggled to find purpose after retirement, “I was at a place in my life where I needed connections and a purpose.” Ralph began delivering Meals on Wheels to homebound older adults. Ralph felt that by volunteering, he was impacting his community while gaining the benefits of forming long lasting social connections, by immersing himself within the Aging Ahead community. 

Ralph felt he could do even more and became a member of Silver Haired Legislature, advocating positive change for Missouri older adults. Once, Ralph infamously announced to a large crowd at a SHL conference that he was “a man of the people” – we couldn’t agree more.  

Thank you, Ralph and good luck in New York. We will miss you and are so lucky to have been aging ahead with you for so many years.

Support Highlights: Meals on Wheels Volunteer, Silver Haired Legislature, Aging Ahead Advisory Committee, and Location Support Committee.

Though we are all experiencing these uncertain times, one thing that remains certain is people wanting to help. In a time of isolation, connection is more important than ever, and members of our community have stepped up to continue supporting older adults.  

Gail has been volunteering and supporting the Aging Ahead Bridgeton location for almost 6 years. During her tenure, she has left her mark by joining the Support Committee and by making birthdays extra special by composing sweet poems using candy puns.  

While social distancing, Gail wanted to continue brightening the lives of our participants. She created silk flower arrangements and ‘planted’ them around the mailboxes of individuals receiving home-delivered meals. As the daughter of a florist, Gail strongly believes that, “flowers bring smiles to faces—even for just a moment. Every time they look outside, they will smile.”

Thanks to Gail, nearly 60 homes have been adorned with flower arrangements in the Bridgeton area!  Thank you, Gail, and to all our staff and volunteers that ensure older adults continue to smile and age well—even at a distance.  

Support Highlights: Volunteer Support, Support Committee, and Meals on Wheels.

Aging Ahead is lucky enough to work with incredibly dedicated volunteers. Glen has been volunteering with Aging Ahead at the House Springs location for about 4 years and delivers two Meals on Wheels routes per week to homebound older adults. Glen has even continued delivering meals this past year while undergoing dialysis treatment. His dedication to help and bring joy to others has never wavered. 

Delivering meals twice a week is not enough for Glen. Whether it’s ExerStart, CyberSeniors, wrapping holiday gifts for homebound seniors, stuffing backpacks for the Northwest Early Childhood students, joining the Support Committee as a Chairperson, Glen is always ready to help with a smile on his face, and has become an integral part of the House Springs location community.   

We thank Glen for his warm smile and unwavering generosity of time spent helping Aging Ahead support others through the journey of aging. We are so glad and privileged to be Aging Ahead with you, Glen!

Support Highlights: Volunteer Support, Location Support Committee, Meals on Wheels, CyberSeniors, and Christmas Meals Program.

Aging Ahead is lucky enough to employ devoted and essential staff that have shown enthusiasm to better adapt and serve older adults while navigating through a global pandemic. In the past several months, Aging Ahead staff has created various programs and taken various steps to ensure the safety and well-being of our participants. We reinstated the Telephone Reassurance Program, sent toilet paper to households that requested the need, and began delivering meals and commodity boxes in a way that allows zero physical contact. 

Staff conducted and recorded data through our Telephone Reassurance Program, making over 10,000 calls to quarantined and homebound households in an effort to assess needs and provide relief. Data was recorded by staff so Aging Ahead could better understand the changing needs of those we serve. Below are comments received through the Telephone Reassurance Program.

“It’s very comforting to know that you guys are there. You’re doing wonderful work.”

“Thank you so much for the toilet paper! My daughter can’t find it anywhere and I was out.”

“I look forward to my weekly call just to hear someone’s voice. Thank you.”

Aging Ahead has continued to prioritize the needs of older adults in our area, and our staff is essential in creating that success. We are so grateful to be Aging Ahead with all of you, together. 

Support Highlights: Telephone Reassurance Program, Meals on Wheels, Solving the Tissue Issue, and Community Options & Services.

Looking back five months, did anyone even know what Zoom was, or that it existed? Now, it’s everywhere…including Aging Ahead’s CHOICE Program. Just another way we are Aging Ahead with you! A large variety of topics are offered and sure to pique many interests like Balance Barre, the 2020 Census, writing classes, Medicare Bootcamp, chair yoga, and much more

Through stay-at-home recommendations, Donald, an avid learner and CHOICE enthusiast has stayed busy and kept his mind active by joining 2-3 CHOICE presentations each week! “The virtual meetings are a true godsend! Contact with people is so critical to staying healthy and well!” Donald, a high-risk older adult, expressed that sheltering in place does not have to mean isolation, “Without CHOICE, I would only have daily contact with my wife. Now, I feel like I am still a part of the community.” Donald says that virtual CHOICE provides “exciting, educational, and social opportunities that keep my brain stimulated.”

If you are interested in joining the Aging Ahead CHOICE program, please visit agingmissouri.org to sign up and register for classes that interest you.

Support Highlights: CHOICE Program, Healthy Living Programs, Socialization, and Education & Learning Programs.

Dorothy has been an active participant of the Union Senior Center for over five years. Before the pandemic, she looked forward to meeting her friends and sharing a meal, “I really counted on having my meal every day! But when the center closed due to COVID-19, I was worried about how I would safely get my food every day.”

Dorothy has decided use our curbside service and pick up her meals once a week from the Union Senior Center. She is glad to have this option so that she can get out of the house and take a nice drive to the center, “I’m so grateful I’m able to still receive my weekly meals. This way I can visit for a few minutes, and I don’t have to risk my health by going to the store.” 

Dorothy is a retired nurse who has lived through the polio crisis and used to manually pump lungs when there were power outages. She reflected on her past experiences, “My past training has taught me to take all of this in stride, taking one day at a time. Thank you for allowing me and so many others to stay safe and healthy.”

Support Highlights: COVID-19 Emergency Response, Senior Center, and Nutrition Support.

Ina sought the help of Aging Ahead in 2002 when she became the caretaker of her late husband, Hershel, who suffered from Alzheimer’s Disease. Hershel was a lifelong artist, and Ina would often bring him to the West County Senior Center for art classes. “It was wonderful taking him to those classes. The teacher was so nice and welcoming, and it made him feel good that his art was hung up with the rest of the class.”  

Around this time, Ina also sought the help of the Community Options & Services team. A Community Options Specialist came to Ina’s house to assess the living space, ultimately making it more comfortable for Hershel’s needs. “They provided the essential items Hershel and our house needed. I cannot describe how much this helped me!”

Years later in 2019, Ina joined and participated in the Y’s CHOICE program, receiving a prepared boxed lunch through Aging Ahead after her morning classes at the YMCA. “By the time I was finished with my morning routine, I was hungry and ready to eat. The chicken salad was always my favorite.” 

Later in 2019, Ina endured health ailments that rendered her unable to drive to the Y. Soon thereafter, Ina enrolled in Aging Ahead’s Meals on Wheels program. Ina began receiving meals right before the Pandemic hit and she continues to receive meals every week. “Oh my goodness, what can I say about it? Nothing bad! I’m so thankful I don’t have to worry about cooking or shopping, especially now with everything going on. It makes me feel safe. It’s just wonderful!”

Support Highlights: Community Options & Services, Family Caregiver Support Program, Senior Centers, Y’s CHOICE Program, Meals on Wheels, and COVID-19 Emergency Response.

Sometimes we encounter special people in our lives that continue to stay with us even after they’re gone. David, a Community Options & Services Specialist, remembers Bob this way.

Bob was legally blind, living alone, and had no familial support of any kind. He began receiving Meals on Wheels when he was 80, and the volunteers who delivered his meals also began to assist him with grocery shopping, yard work, and taking him to the bank. Bob shared that he was without a regular income and only living off the limited monthly interest that a few CDs generated. Cindy, a fellow COS Specialist, completed an application for the Blind Pension Fund which Bob was eligible to receive. The application was approved, and Bob began receiving a monthly income! Bob became less stressed about financial struggles and began to see improvements in his quality of life.

Bob continued to count on Aging Ahead for assistance. When he needed someone to repair his furnace, he called the Agency to have them contact someone for repairs. When he got sick, it was through daily wellness checks from the meal delivery team to call and get him the medical attention he needed. After a hospital stay, he was back home thriving once again.

David notes that Bob had a great sense of humor, and always had a “joke of the day” ready to go. During a visit, David remembers Bob saying, “You know. You don’t always get to pick your family, but sometimes they
seem to find you anyway.” Aging Ahead is honored to have been a part of Bob’s family for 8 years until he passed.

David says he thinks of Bob often, and always finds himself smiling at the memories.

If you would like to donate or volunteer to support Aging Ahead and critical programs like Meals on Wheels, please visit us at agingahead.org. Thank you!

Support Highlights

• Community Options & Services
• Case Management
• Meals on Wheels
• Daily Wellness Checks
• Blind Pension Fund program
• Volunteer Support

Mrs. R reached out to Aging Ahead for caregiver assistance for her husband whose health was in rapid decline. She was connected to Sue, a Community Options & Services Specialist (COS). “I felt desperate and didn’t know where to turn for help.” 

Mrs. R’s husband is suffering from congestive heart failure and diabetes. Due to a complications from the diabetes, part of his heel was amputated, and he is no longer able to walk. For Mrs. R, help couldn’t have arrived more swiftly.

The couple’s home was assessed by COS to determine the necessary equipment needed for independent living. Sue worked with the couple and helped them receive Meal on Wheels, a chair lift, and a ramp for their home. The couple also now receives telephone reassurance calls during the COVID-19 pandemic. “I can’t even describe how grateful we are for the help Aging Ahead has provided us! Life is hard right now, but it could be much worse. I feel less anxious now that I know help is only a phone call away.”

Support Highlights: Community Options & Services, Case Management, Meals on Wheels, Home Assessments, Family Caregiver Support, Telephone Reassurance, and COVID-19 Emergency Response.

The year 2020 was a “ruff” year for everyone, but something that made the year a little easier for Joanne was choosing to enroll in Aging Ahead’s pilot program, Whiskers on Wheels! Aging Ahead partnered with local nonprofit, The Wet Nose Project, to provide older adults with pet food to help alleviate the cost burden of caring for a pet. 

Joanne, the proud fur mom of Clara and Mollie, says she finds so much joy in the companionship of her two rescue pups. Before enrolling in the Whiskers on Wheels program, Joanne found it sometimes difficult to afford dog food for Clara and Mollie, and that it noticeably stretched her budget. “This program,” Joanne said, “makes it easier to truly enjoy my time with Clara and Mollie. The cost is one less thing I have to worry about right now.” Joanne is currently undergoing cancer treatments, and said, “I feel so comforted by Clara and Mollie with me, and I really feel like their love is healing.” Joanne later said that she is very grateful for the Whiskers on Wheels program, and that it’s helped keep her spirits high. 

Support Highlights: Whiskers on Wheels, Meals on Wheels, Case Management, and Telephone Reassurance.

The past year has been anything but business-as-usual here at Aging Ahead, but luckily, we have an amazing staff that continually rises above and beyond challenges, creating inventive solutions to stay connected to those we serve.  

Angela has been a Resource Center Assistant (RCA) at the Affton center for the past four years, and throughout her time with the Agency, older adults who regularly attended the Affton center always raved that the activities and programs provided were engaging and thoughtfully planned. When the pandemic hit last March, centers shut down to the public, and many seniors felt they had lost their social connections. It was a devastating time for many. Aging Ahead staff adapted and took critical action. 

Angela discussed the plan to incorporate socially distant programming for her participants. “Within two months of shutting down, we realized we had to reach out to clients in a different way. We were calling clients weekly, but it wasn’t enough to keep their engagement. We decided to try virtual activities.” Throughout the year, Angela has helped many of her clients join the online world to discuss art and culture as a group by virtually visiting museums all over the world including, London, Paris, Seoul, Amsterdam, and St. Petersburg! For many, this has literally opened a new world of experiences to those who thought their traveling days were long gone, “I look forward to this every week. We get to go to places I would never have the chance to otherwise, and we get to do it together!”

Angela has even started her own art program, Watercolor Wednesdays, in which she paints a watercolor over Zoom, and attendees are entered in a raffle to win that week’s masterpiece! Those without a computer or internet access are able to join in over the phone so that all can participate. 

Many folks have expressed their gratitude for these adaptive and interactive programs:

• “It’s so great to hear such a happy, strong voice. This is a breath of fresh air.”
• “This is the only way I get to talk to people and visit. I’m immunocompromised and haven’t left my house in a year. I need this.”
• “This helps me not go crazy in my apartment.”

We know from numerous studies that social isolation is as harmful to one’s health as smoking a pack of cigarettes every day. Angela stated that, “this year has been devastating for our clientele. We can’t provide hugs from their grandchildren but what we can do is make sure they know they aren’t alone.” Angela, and Aging Ahead staff like her, have been working tirelessly throughout the pandemic so that those we serve continue to feel connected to their communities and to each other. 

Support Highlights: Resource Center Support, Education & Learning Programs, and Telephone Reassurance Program.

No one likes the idea of losing control. According to the National Association for Incontinence, urinary incontinence is the second leading cause of institutionalization for senior living residents, and 53% of homebound individuals aged 65 and older suffer from incontinence. Financial burden on a fixed income and the loss of independence are major consequences of incontinence but Aging Ahead is here to help. 

Incontinence products are a rapidly growingcritical need for many of the individuals we serve, and the cost of these products prohibits many from using them, resulting in physical, social, and emotional distress. Earlier this year, Aging Ahead appealed to hospice and homecare centers in the area seeking product donations, and they are delivering in a big way!

In Washington, Debbie (Senior Center Administrator), has been coordinating product donation efforts with Laura Conners, Aging Ahead’s Volunteer Coordinator. Debbie reached out to clients in need and began delivering two packages of incontinence products each month to 12 recipients. The products are delivered in discrete bags along with their Meals on Wheels delivery. Laura has been fielding donations through Central Office and has coordinated volunteers to deliver donations to Debbie in Washington. Debbie’s recipient list has grown to 16 individuals, and the Washington center has delivered 70 units to clients since February!

A month’s worth of incontinence products can easily exceed $100, and for individuals on a fixed income, the cost is debilitating. Along with the extreme financial burden comes an emotional toll for those who suffer from incontinence. Individuals feel they cannot safely leave their houses and become more isolated due to the fear of an accident. This program is simply helping folks age with dignity—a mission cornerstone of Aging Ahead. Debbie recently received a tearful call from an individual receiving help who said, “I am very appreciative. This help is such a blessing to me. I had a hard time paying for products and I had to stay at home. Thank you so very much!”

Special thanks to several individual and community donors including: Heartland Hospice Care, Caritas Connections, Inc., Vistas Healthcare, Visiting Nurse Association!

If you would like to donate incontinence products, or start a donation drive for your organization’s participation, please email Laura Conners at Lconners@agingahead.org.

More than a year has gone by since the lives we were accustomed to living changed dramatically. New phrases emerged like, “social distancing” and “the new normal,” and we were quickly pushed into a virtual world as a main way to stay connected!   We were left wondering about those who were unable to join this new, virtual world. Those without access to the benefits of technology were at risk of being isolated from a world which quickly switched to virtual platforms.

Aging Ahead designed a pilot program, Connections Ahead, to address the technology barriers facing seniors by providing social connections, technical support & education, and the ability to join the online community. Funded by the St. Louis County CARES Humanitarian Response Program, Aging Ahead was able to provide participants with a tablet equipped with internet data and a Candoo Tech membership.  Candoo Tech, a Public Benefit Corp., provided ongoing technical support, two individualized classes, and bimonthly group classes on several topics like Zoom, Telehealth, Facebook, and YouTube—all virtually over Zoom! “I didn’t even know what Zoom was before this program, now I use it all the time!” (Virginia).

Aging Ahead identified 24 seniors who were eager, and maybe a little nervous, to learn more about what the world of technology has to offer.  We were there every step of the way to support participants with weekly one-on-one calls. We listened as the confidence of our participants grew each week. “This program has been a valuable asset. I’ve learned not to shy away from technology, but to embrace it and keep moving and growing with it,” (Renee).

Not only did our participants learn and grow their knowledge of technical skills, they were also able to grow their social circles—at home, during a pandemic. The bimonthly group lessons became a sacred time to socialize with peers while learning new skills. In fact, 91% of participants said they feel more connected to others since the start of the program!  “Thank you for making this old lady feel so good. You have been such a blessing to me. I was able to connect with my church and family,” exclaimed Barbara.

We are so proud of our 24 Connections Ahead graduates and are looking forward to their email updates and their participation in Zoom into CHOICE programs! Moving forward, Aging Ahead plans to take the lessons WE have learned from this pilot program and use them to further identify the best ways to support the technology needs of our participants.

Tom was suffering severe headaches and migraines after falling victim to an assault incident resulting in brain contusions. His neurologist recommended he sign up for a Missouri medical marijuana card to help treat the headache pain. Tom, willing to try anything to help ease the pain, attempted to register for a medical marijuana card, but instead found himself experiencing another headache.

The process to apply for a medical card is exclusively online, meaning individuals without internet access, a computer, and computer knowledge are left in the dark. “I don’t have a computer. I only use a smartphone, and the website was very confusing,” Tom tried tirelessly to access the site, which is maintained by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, through his phone and was unable to complete the process on his own. He called Aging Ahead for help. Alex, a Community Options Specialist, assisted Tom throughout the process. “I really could not have done it without Alex’s help. She was so calm and helpful. I’m so grateful for the time she spent making sure everything was done correctly!” exclaimed Tom.

Paper forms for this process were eliminated entirely, directly impacting the senior, low-income, and persons with disabilities populations. These populations are less likely to have access to the internet, a computer, and a scanner. Even with access, individuals must have at least an intermediate understanding of technology to complete the process. Aging Ahead’s Silver Haired Legislature (SHL) has recently proposed a bill to create non-computer alternatives (phone, mail, etc.) for seniors in Missouri E-Government. SHL advocates that these measures would ease anxiety for many seniors, support their confidence to perform necessary tasks, and avoid oversights or mistakes that could require the labor of many persons (including some in government) to remedy.

If you are having trouble registering online for the COVID-19 vaccine, a doctor-recommended medical marijuana card, or voter registration information, Aging Ahead can help!

Support Highlights

• Community Options and Services
• Silver Haired Legislature

It is undeniable that Aging Ahead creates a ripple effect of support throughout its community. Living on the east coast, Lindsey and her husband Patrick felt helpless when their immobile mother and cognitively impaired sister and niece were suddenly without food assistance. A family member, living in the area, contracted COVID-19 and was unable to safely enter the house, leaving the vulnerable adults without a consistent way to get prepared meals and a daily wellness check. Lindsey called Aging Ahead for help. 

Beth, the House Springs Kitchen Manager, enrolled the family in our Meals on Wheels program, and communicated frequently to Lindsey about meal deliveries. Beth called Lindsey prior to each meal delivery so that Lindsey could Facetime with her niece, walking her through the steps of opening the door and preparing the meals for the rest of the family. 

Lindsey and Patrick were so grateful to Beth and Aging Ahead for their assistance, that they wanted to find a way give back and raise awareness. “We really don’t know what we would have done without Aging Ahead! We were so touched by the constant help and patience from Beth and the organization. She made a stressful situation as manageable as possible.” Patrick is a music producer, and they decided to create an online fundraiser featuring his music. All proceeds were donated to Aging Ahead’s Meals on Wheels program! “[Aging Ahead] helped save my family’s life when the situation was at its most dire. We wanted to return the favor in a big way.” Lindsey and Patrick’s online fundraiser raised $250 for the Aging Ahead Meals on Wheels program, providing 30 meals to vulnerable seniors in need. Donations to Aging Ahead help ensure that we continue to provide essential services to older adults in our area. If you would like to donate to Aging Ahead, please visit agingahead.org/donate/. 

Support Highlights·        

• Meals on Wheels       
• Wellness checks

Aging Ahead heavily relies on volunteers to help carry out our mission of supporting individuals through the journey of aging, and we feel lucky that our volunteers are extremely dedicated to doing just that. Jeanne is no exception. 

Jeanne connected with Laura Conners, Aging Ahead’s Volunteer Coordinator, after submitting her volunteer application. After Jeanne was familiarized with Aging Ahead and the many ways to help, Jeanne was all in. “Jeanne is a volunteer Rockstar! After learning about the Agency, she wanted to dive in head-first and help in as many ways as possible!” Jeanne began delivering a difference right away by making telephone reassurance calls, reaching out to at-risk older adults regularly. She asked Laura for additional opportunities and truly immersed her schedule in Aging Ahead volunteerism. 

Along with making telephone reassurance calls, Jeanne is a part of our Friendly Caller Program, making regular social calls to clients, helping clients remain connected, and, reducing feelings of isolation. When she’s not making calls, Jeanne supports Aging Ahead by packing Meals on Wheels boxes and provides clerical support. Could she get any more involved? Jeanne thought so. She is also an Essential Items Delivery Volunteer, delivering essential items for various programs like Whiskers on Wheels and incontinence and nutritional donations.  

“I find that there is so much freedom when it comes to volunteering. I like to stay busy, meet people, and help make a difference where I can. The impact and reach [Aging Ahead] has in the community is just stellar!” When asked if she had any advice for new volunteers, Jeanne emphatically responded, “Don’t even think two seconds about doing it! It’s so worth it, and there are so many opportunities to help…plus [Aging Ahead] makes it fun!”

Aging Ahead is incredibly grateful to Jeanne and all our volunteers that truly make an impact in our community and help to carry out our mission. If you are interested in volunteering with Aging Ahead, please visit our website, https://www.agingahead.org/get-involved/volunteer/. 

Support Highlights·        

• Telephone Reassurance Program·       
•  Friendly Caller Program·        
• Whiskers on Wheels Delivery Volunteer·        
• Essential Items Delivery Volunteer·        
• Meals on Wheels Packer

At Aging Ahead, we work hard on identifying needs throughout our service area to create a long-lasting and positive impact within our community. Our programs and services are not only aimed at serving older adults, but also their families and caregivers, making our community stronger for it. The Aging Ahead Relatives as Parents Program (RAPP) has become one of these full-spectrum impact programs, recognizing that families are not always traditional in nature. This program was designed to help older adults who care for children, providing energy assistance and meeting situational needs, coordinated by Anton Clark, an Aging Ahead Community Options Specialist. 

Aging Ahead was fortunate enough to receive a $10,000 donation from the Brookdale Foundation’s national RAPP program last summer. The funds made it possible to provide an at-home family fun night, back-to-school assistance, and a special gift for Relatives participating in the program. “I have limited mobility and also a compromised immune system, so heading outside is hard. The family game night we received was so much fun!” Back-to-school shopping is costly, so RAPP also provided children of Relatives with a $100 Kohl’s gift card in August. For Grandparents Day, Relatives were recognized with a $100 Kohl’s gift card to spend on themselves. A Relative called in to express his gratitude by saying, “This support is priceless. I wanted to thank you again, and really appreciate what you’re doing because a lot of grandparents are in my same situation! I was able to buy my grandkid new clothes for school.” 

Aging Ahead was able to purchase 80 Kohl’s gift cards and chose to distribute them to Title 1 schools within Jefferson, Franklin, St. Louis, and St. Charles counties, providing back-to-school assistance to around 20 students in each county! Shannon, a social worker in Jefferson County said, “So many grandparents have cried to me because they are so grateful for the gift cards. You have been a huge blessing to them. Thank you so much for blessing the families in our district!” Aging Ahead also partnered with Big Brother Big Sister to connect with Relatives living in St. Charles County, providing programs and assistance to 20 students who are being raised by a grandparent or older adult relative. Anton worked hard to coordinate efforts with Relatives, students, school social workers & administration, and Big Brother Big Sister, “It’s been so fulfilling to work with everyone involved in RAPP. It was amazing to see the smiles and impact of this program firsthand, and I hope we can continue to help families in this way.”

Aging Ahead is proud to have a Relatives as Parents Program to provide support to the many non-traditional families in need, with older adults raising children. If you’re interested in learning more about RAPP, please contact Anton Clark, 636-207-4215 or aclark@agingahead.org. To donate to this program, or other Aging Ahead programs that positively impact the community, please visit agingahead.org/donate. 

Support Highlights

• Relatives as Parents Program (RAPP)
• Community Options & Services (COS)
• Caregiver Assistance

Families are the primary source of support for older adults and people with disabilities in the U.S., and every November, National Family Caregivers Month is a time to recognize and honor family caregivers across the country.

Being a family member’s caregiver is work around the clock. Take Sarah, who takes care of her mother, Carolyn. Carolyn suffers from a moderate and advancing case of Alzheimer’s Disease. Sarah reached out to Aging Ahead for help and connected to Alex Burchardt, an Aging Ahead Community Options Specialist who set her and Carolyn up with in-home respite care assistance. “Our aide is great and takes my mom on walks. She really enjoys being outside, and it’s nice to have a break.”

Aging Ahead covers six hours of in-home respite care through a contracted agency for families that need the service. An aide goes to the home and provides supervision and companionship while the caregiver gets a chance to run errands, take a nap, or take time out of the house for themselves.

Being a family caregiver is a full-time job 24/7, and programs like the Family Caregiver Support Program help to provide the caregiver with an opportunity to rest. Alex commented, “The caregiver takes care of the family member, but who takes care of the caregiver?”

If you or someone you know takes care of a family member, you may qualify for help. Please call Aging Ahead 636-207-0847 for assistance.

Support Highlights

• Community Options Support
• Family Caregiver Support
• Program
• In-home Respite Care

Aging Ahead strives to create meaningful programs that meet critical needs for older adults in St. Louis, St. Charles, Franklin, and Jefferson County. The Friendly Caller Program was introduced last spring to address social isolation for vulnerable older adults in our area. Trained volunteers are connected to an older adult for regular friendly phone conversations, providing ongoing socialization, building a connection to others and providing an opportunity to meet new people. Meet Kevin, an Aging Ahead volunteer who fell in love with the Friendly Caller program…maybe as much as he loves golf!

Kevin cared for his mother during her declining health and noticed that nothing gave her more comfort and happiness than simply calling and checking in on her regularly. “It felt good making her day and letting her know that someone cared for her. She lived alone, and sometimes I was the only person she talked to in a day.” After Kevin’s mother passed away, he felt driven to make a difference in the lives of other older adults struggling with loneliness. He reached out to the Aging Ahead Union Senior Center to volunteer and connected with Laura Conners, Aging Ahead’s Volunteer Coordinator. Kevin was trained to become a Friendly Caller and took on three participants, calling each several times a week to catch up and check in! “I really enjoy making the calls and connecting with my folks. It’s not a job or chore for me, I genuinely care, and my folks know that. The loneliness can really get to a person, so I’m just happy to help.”

The Friendly Caller program has made a big impact in the lives of our participants like Christy, “It’s so good to hear a voice and it’s life affirming that I’m not forgotten. The Friendly Caller program really helps reduce my isolation. To know someone cares means just everything to me.” Studies have shown that social isolation is equivalent to smoking 14 cigarettes daily. Not only are these calls nice, but they also help to improve a person’s quality of life! If you are interested in making an impact with the Friendly Caller program like Kevin, please email or call Laura Conners. lconners@agingahead.org or (314) 413-4710.

For many like Virginia, Aging Ahead provides more than just senior services–we provide a sense of community. Virginia has taken it upon herself to give back to her community and Aging Ahead for the past two years by creating fabulous bows and wreaths for the holiday season. She sells her creations and donates it all to Aging Ahead to support our Meals on Wheels program!

Virginia, 90 years young and legally blind, has been receiving home-delivered meals for several years. She felt compelled to help other older adults in the area, just like her. “Aging Ahead organization is so good to me and to all of the seniors. They work so hard for all of us.”

Virginia started making wreaths and bows for the 2020 holidays season to provide some cheer after a hard year. She collected donations and sent them to Aging Ahead. For the 2021 season, she got back to work, determined to make a big impact. Virginia raised and donated $2,000 and is now known as “The Bow Lady!”

“It’s something I enjoy doing, and it’s my small way of saying thank you. This has given me a new purpose and a chance to get out of the house. I’m excited to see what next year brings!”

Aging Ahead is so profoundly grateful to Virginia for her hard work and determination. The amount donated helped provide 329 meals to homebound seniors and their caregivers.

Support Highlights:

• Meals on Wheels
• Resource Center Support

For nearly 20 years, the lives of Don and Betty have been intertwined with Aging Ahead and the West County center. It’s clear that their presence in the Aging Ahead community has touched countless lives along the way.

Seeking out a sense of community, Betty became involved with Aging Ahead’s West County center and wanted to share her dancing skills as a way to stay active. An avid dancer, Betty began teaching and leading a weekly line dancing class, and her peers liked it so much that she continued to teach for nearly 17 years! “I just love to dance, and it feels good to teach others. I’ve made so many great friends over the years through dancing at the center!” In 2019, Betty suffered a health ailment that resulted in leg surgery. She is in pain but is optimistic as ever that she will be back dancing again soon. “It’s never too late to do something if you’re determined, and I always feel supported in that group.”  

While Betty was an active dance leader, Don volunteered with Aging Ahead by delivering Meals on Wheels to older adults for over seven years. “It’s really come full circle. I delivered meals, and now we receive meal deliveries. Isn’t life funny like that? I love helping people, and when we needed help, and knew exactly who to call.” Don and Betty received help from our Community Options Specialist team and signed up for home-delivered meals after Betty’s surgery. Don continued by saying, “Aging Ahead is just a wonderful blessing. We’ve met great friends, and we feel taken care of, and that’s important. We feel we are looked after.”

Speaking of full circle, Denise, the volunteer that delivers meals to Don and Betty was a regular in Betty’s line dancing class! “I looked forward to Betty’s classes each week before the pandemic. I’m so glad I get a chance to pop in and say hi when I deliver their meals! They’re one of my favorite stops.”

Married for nearly 49 years, Don and Betty are a dynamic duo. They finish each other’s sentences and cheer on each other’s accomplishments—proud of what the other has done and faced throughout their lives. Don said, “For me, Aging Ahead is just that—we are doing it, and I’m only 91. We both have a lot of life in us still. On and up, I say!”

Support Highlights:

·        Meals on Wheels

·        Location Support

·        Volunteer Support

·        Case Management

·        Community Options & Services

Not only does June mark the beginning of summer, but it is also the time to celebrate, reflect, and amplify the diverse voices around us. In June, we celebrate Pride Month with the LGBTQ+ community, and we also recognize and celebrate Juneteenth, which marks the end of slavery in the United States.

Not only does June mark the beginning of summer, but it is also the time to celebrate, reflect, and amplify the diverse voices around us. In June, we celebrate Pride Month with the LGBTQ+ community, and we also recognize and celebrate Juneteenth, which marks the end of slavery in the United States.

SAGE is a national organization that works to achieve a high quality of life for LGBTQ+ older adults, supports and advocates for their rights, and fosters a greater understanding of aging in all communities. Sherrill Wayland, the Director of Special Initiatives at SAGE, helped Aging Ahead develop an LGBTQ+ survey for our website, where we can learn more about our aging population. When discussing her role at SAGE, Sherrill said, “Regarding our LGBTQ+ older adults—our neighbors, our friends, our family members—it’s important that we recognize to begin to understand what those unique needs are so that we can be responsive.” When asked what Sherrill finds most hopeful about “aging ahead,” she said, “As an LGBTQ+ person myself, I feel like I am visible today, and that my needs are going to be recognized as I age, and it’s due to organizations like Aging Ahead that provide that support.”

EyeSeeMe is a locally owned African American bookstore whose mission is to reflect and uplift diverse voices in literature. Jeffrey and Pamela Blair, owners of EyeSeeMe, have recently helped Aging Ahead in a very unique way by creating a list of books for a lending library that both Aging Ahead employees and participants have access to. All authors and titles reflect upon the African American experience, bringing light and focus to experiences different from many of our employees and participants. When asked about creating the curated reading list with his wife Pamela, Jeffrey said, “Learning from others’ experiences is how we grow together as a society. It’s how we empathize with others—that’s where hope comes from.” Aging Ahead thanks EyeSeeMe for their partnership and looks forward to working with Jeffrey and Pamela in future collaborations.

Diversity is what makes America shine. Aging Ahead believes in elevating and celebrating unique experiences, recognizing how far we’ve come, and understanding that there is always more to learn. We are so grateful to organizations like SAGE and EyeSeeMe that help guide the culture of Aging Ahead forward!  

Conversation is good for the soul! Throughout the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, shutdowns, and social distancing, Aging Ahead has sought to prioritize the needs of its participants by addressing social isolation, a major deterrent of mental and physical health. Within just three months of shutdowns, Aging Ahead made more than 10,000 telephone reassurance calls to older adults socially distanced at home. Through a period of social isolation came the idea for our Friendly Caller Program, which helps older adults remain connected to their community and to each other. Our Friendly Caller Program connects a trained volunteer with a homebound older adult for a weekly social call. Volunteers and participants alike say that the program is impactful and important, and something that both parties look forward to.

Here’s what people are saying:

Christy, participant, said, “The Friendly Caller Program makes me feel less alone. It’s good to hear a voice, and it’s life-affirming that I’m not forgotten. It’s nice to know someone is checking in on me.”

DeAnn, volunteer, said, “It makes me feel good that I can be a tiny ray of sunshine for someone isolated.”

Gary, participant, said, “I look forward to hearing from Michelle; she’s great! I recommend the program to anyone feeling alone. It’s great!

Kevin, volunteer, said, “I really enjoy making the calls and connecting with my folks. It’s not a job or chore for me, I genuinely care, and my folks know that. The loneliness can really get to a person, so I’m just happy to help—and it helps me feel more connected!

Ellie, participant, said, “Jenny is just such a delight! We are separated by a couple of generations and yet she brings such light into my life. I can’t thank you enough for this program!

We couldn’t be more pleased with the success of the Friendly Caller Program! If you are interested in either volunteering to make friendly calls, or you would like to receive friendly calls, please contact Laura Conners, lconners@agingahead.org, or call 636-207-0847 to get started.

Sometimes help comes to us in unexpected ways. That’s how Roy describes his experience with Aging Ahead. Earlier this year, Roy signed up to participate in the Friendly Caller program and was connected to our volunteer, Kevin. The Friendly Caller program connects a trained volunteer to a homebound older adult for weekly friendly calls. Kevin and Roy got on well from the start, but it was clear to Kevin that Roy needed a little more help than he was letting on.

It became clear that Roy’s oven stopped working and for the last several months, he had only been eating sandwiches and cereal. With Roy not being able to transport himself to the store, and while home-delivered Meals on Wheels had been on a temporary frozen delivery schedule due to the ongoing pandemic, Roy was unable to prepare hot food at his home. “I really missed making good, healthy meals like my best chicken and rice dish.”

Kevin encouraged Roy to reach out to Aging Ahead for help. There, he connected to a Community Options Specialist (COS), Stephanie Paul. Stephanie was able to determine that Roy was at a nutritional risk because of his lack of a functional oven.  Stephanie was able to work with Roy and meet his need by finding funds to procure a new oven. “I didn’t know how you all would be able to help me. It just didn’t seem possible. It really seemed like a shot in the dark, but now I have an oven that works and I’m making better food for myself and heat up my Meals on Wheels. It’s changed how I live. Thank you.”

Impact Highlights

• Friendly Caller Program
• Meals on Wheels
• Community Options & Services
• Meet-a-Need Program