When an older person starts to need help with daily activities, it tends to be close family members or neighbors that step in. A spouse, adult children, grandchildren or a caring friend are often the ones who find themselves having to take on a new role as caregiver.
Sometimes this support can be straightforward: a little help with transportation, preparing some meals, household chores or assisting with shopping.
But in other cases, these friends and family members find themselves having to take on quite a lot. This is often due to health issues affecting the older person’s ability to remain independent and manage various aspects of life.
The Council on Aging is proud to have served Mentor residents and greater Lake County since its founding in 1972. The nonprofit agency has become the most trusted resource for the caregivers and seniors who seek information and assistance on concerns involving aging in our community.
The experienced staff of the Council on Aging understand that trying to help an older parent tends to bring up lots of different issues that people aren’t always prepared to address.
And meanwhile, there are other responsibilities to attend to, children to care for and job duties to deal with, while balancing a new role as caregiver.
Although the agency’s main office on East Avenue in Mentor is currently closed to the public due to coronavirus, staff continue to provide support services and referrals for seniors, caregivers and family members by phone. If you have concerns about an aging loved one, the Council on Aging encourages you to take the first step and call the office at (440) 205-8111. Resource specialists are ready to assist you with your questions and if they can’t help you directly, they’ll connect you to other organizations that can.
The Council on Aging offers social work services, Meals on Wheels, homemaker service, benefits assistance and volunteer opportunities.
To learn more on how the agency can help you or your loved one, please visit the Lake County Council on Aging website at lccoa.org.