In the Lehigh Valley, 28,000 seniors have difficulty meeting at least one daily need at home. This includes bathing, toileting, dressing, getting in and out of bed, grooming and eating. Seniors also need assistance with needs that connect them to the community such as grocery shopping, preparing meals, using the telephone, obtaining transportation for vital appointments or social activities, handling home finances and housekeeping.



seniors in the Lehigh Valley report that they need home and community-based services to stay in their homes and are currently receiving no help from friends, family or government services.



of seniors are receiving support from family or friends who may be stressed and unable to provide the level of support needed to delay placement in a nursing home.

Age-Friendly Lehigh Valley focuses on connecting these 28,000 seniors in the Lehigh Valley to a network of community-based supportive services, keeping them in their homes and communities. Age-Friendly Lehigh Valley works to identify gaps in the network of services and ensure needed and adequate services are available.

Strategies

 

• Gatekeepers – Identify at-risk seniors and connect them to services
• Resource Guide for Seniors – Provide a printed guide of services for seniors
• No Wrong Door – Ensure seniors get the same service and information regardless of age, income, ability or program eligibility including all payers; federal, state, local and private.
• Door-through-door transportation – Provide escorted transportation for seniors who have disabilities too severe to use LANTA or LANTAVan services.
• Grocery Shopping – Assist seniors with grocery shopping and errands.