Services for Older Adults
Case Management
Counseling
Prime Time Clubs
Linkages
to other services In
1950, only around 3,000 Americans were centenarians. By
2050, there could be nearly 1 million.* Among
all people in the United States who
are 55 to 64 years old, 20.7%
have limitations in activity
caused by chronic health conditions.**
*Institute on Aging
**US Dept. of Health and
Human Services That
is reality.
This is Catholic Charities. According
to the latest Census, around a quarter of America's population will be 65 years
and older in the year 2030. In the local context, almost half the population in
this age group have some form of disability induced by aging.
While we cannot
reverse the debilitating effects of old age, we can begin to prepare to meet the
physical, mental and emotional demands of the country's aging population.
Catholic Charities Services for Older Adults helps respond to those demands through
assistance and referrals to a network of community partners. Purpose
of the program Catholic
Charities Services for Older Adults is designed to assist the elderly who are
in need of social services that will enhance the quality of their lives, and support
both their physical and emotional independence.
Service delivery-provided
by a professional social work staff trained in gerontology-is flexible and mobile
in order to respond to various needs of senior adults.
Funding for the program
is provided by a substantial allocation from the Strengthening Our Future in Faith
(SOFF) campaign of the Diocese-an acknowledgement of the importance placed by
the church on the needs of the elderly. Program
objectives, activities and anticipated outcomes
The
program is driven by objectives developed from identified needs of clients. These
objectives focus on assisting the elderly to live to their fullest potential,
and as independently as feasible. Program activities include, but are not limited
to:
- Individual case
management
- Intake and assessment of individual
needs
- Professional counseling
-
Assistance in completing required forms
- Compassionate
listening
- Linkages to other social service
organizations
Case
management interventions are designed to meet the physical, social, emotional
and material needs of each individual. Services will be provided for older adults
in their own homes, in office settings, parishes, and other identified locations.
Anticipated outcomes are evaluated based on each individual client's ability
to make progress toward their stated personal goals:
- Clients will become familiar with state
and
county-funded adult and aging programs. - They
will be supported and guided in
accessing these programs, including the range
of benefits for senior adults of which they
or their family care - givers
may not be aware. - They will experience a
more secure
sense of safety and well - being.
Through referrals, Services for Older Adults relates closely
to Catholic Charities other programs in Berks, Carbon, Lehigh, Northampton and
Schuylkill Counties. It works cooperatively with volunteer initiatives of Parish
Outreach. Prime
Time Clubs Based in parishes,
Prime Time Clubs benefit the senior citizens of the Diocese. The clubs provide
a place where members can meet regularly to share friendship and common concerns.
Its focus includes the spiritual, intellectual, and social needs of its members. Community
linkages Catholic Charities
Services for Older Adults welcomes opportunities to collaborate and coordinate
with other related community organizations.
Partnerships with similar social
service programs are also encouraged through the sharing of information and resources,
as well as concerted efforts to fully implement the purposes of the program
. Our mission is to provide compassionate human services with
respect for the sanctity of all human life.
We provide opportunities for
volunteering. Contact the Catholic Charities office nearest you.
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Charities is a private non-profit social service agency operating under the auspices
of the Diocese of Allentown. Its services are available to any person residing
within Berks, Carbon, Lehigh, Northampton or Schuylkill County regardless of race,
ethnic origin, religion, gender, age, color, political affiliation, creed, disability
and Limited English Proficiency. Catholic
Charities is financially supported by the Bishop's Annual Appeal, Holiday Appeal,
grants, fees, donations and federal, state and county governments. Its
programs are approved for funding by the PA Departments of Education, Community
Affairs and Public Welfare, and County Departments of Human Services including
Children and Youth, Mental Health/Mental Retardation and Aging.
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BERKS COUNTY
Madison Bldg, 400
Washington St., Suite 100
Reading, PA 19601-3966
Tel. 610-376-7144 Fax
610-376-7145
E-Mail: chulver@allentowndiocese.org
LEHIGH-NORTHAMPTON
COUNTIES
530 Union Blvd, Allentown, PA 18109-3230
Tel. 610-435-1541 Fax
610-435-4367 SCHUYLKILL-CARBON
COUNTIES
1720 W. Market St, Pottsville, PA 17901
Tel. 570-628-0466 Fax
570-628-3343
E-Mail: jwassell@allentowndiocese.org
Post Office Box F • Allentown,
PA • 18105-1538 |
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