Utah's senior population is rising...so much so state and county resources are having a hard time keeping up.
As a result, many seniors have been placed on waiting lists for the aging services programs. And, others don't qualify for the help.
News Specialist Jill Atwood joins us now with a program hoping to bridge that gap between formal and informal services.
In light of the numbers...The University of Utah's School of Social Work is taking on an ambitious project and it needs your help.
It's called Neighbors helping Neighbors...a volunteer based project aimed at keeping an eye on our area seniors.
Natalie Harris arrives bright and early to keep 88 year old Alice Van Talge company.
She lives alone, and has no family to check in on her.
Natalie Harris/Graduate Student & Volunteer - THE PEOPLE THAT WE HELP CAN STAY IN THEIR HOMES LONGER AND THAT'S REALLY WHERE THEY WANT TO BE...
Alice can't get around very well anymore, and needs some help with her grocery shopping, light chores, and whatever else comes up. She can't afford assited living or a nursing home.
Alice Van Talge - I DONT KNOW I NEVER THOUGHT I'D BE IN THE PREDICAMENT WHEN I'D HAVE TO ASK PEOPLE TO HELP ME DO THINGS.
But the fact is many seniors are in this predicament, and have no where to turn.
With Americans living longer and the number of seniors rising..state services are overwhelmed and often underfunded. Waiting lists are long and at times the requirements strict....
The Neighbors helping Neighbors program hopes they can pick up the slack.
Nancy Kelley-Gillespie/Program Director - WE'RE TRYING TO BUILD COMMUNITIES WITHIN AND THE TERM NEIGHBORS JUST DOESN'T MEAN YOUR NEXT DOOR NEIGHBOR OR THE RESIDENTIAL ENTITIES IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD IT ALSO INCLUDES DIFFERENT GROUPS AND ORGANIZATIONS.
This visit Natalie is helping Alice write a letter that's long overdue.
The two chat about this and that...and seem to have become pretty good friends.
,p>THEY HAVE A LIFETIME OF GREAT EXPERIENCES THEY TEACH US A LOT ABOUT THE WORLD ABOUT HOW WE SHOULD TREAT PEOPLE ABOUT TRUE RESPECT...THEY'RE ALWAYS SO HAPPY TO SEE US THAT IT MAKES US FEEL GOOD.
Right now volunteers are mainly focusing on the Central City/Liberty Park area where there is a large concentration of seniors...1300 South to 2100 South, State Street to 900 East...
The program needs more individual volunteers, but it also needs businesses, churches, scout troops..whomever to step forward and donate money or time.
