Commissioners Declare May Older Americans Month

Every year since 1963, the month of May is proclaimed Older Americans Month throughout the Nation. The Douglas County Board of Commissioners annually issues a local proclamation to show the County’s commitment to honoring the value and service that our older residents contribute to our community.

Douglas County is the only provider of Older Americans Act-funded services in the County, and has been doing so since 1979. In 2009, the County lost almost a half-million dollars in State funding for its Senior Services Program, including the Meals on Wheels program. The County assumed responsibility for almost all of this amount, and services were continued without any reductions whatsoever. The Meals on Wheels program delivered almost 36,000 meals to homebound seniors in 2012, and served 16,000 meals at the Fairburn Road center.

The Fairburn Road and the Woodie Fite Center are the only senior centers in Douglas County, and are a part of the County’s Senior Services Department.  The Woodie Fite Center registered almost 32,000 visits in 2012. More than 24,000 passenger trips were provided by the Department, as well as more than 1,600 hours of respite care and almost 2,500 hours of inhome support.

Douglas County feels that it is important that our seniors continue to receive life-sustaining food and other services that they need, as well as providing activities for active seniors. Older adults who use their talents, skills, time and energy to get involved, foster social interactions, and create meaningful experiences are more likely to have better mental and physical health as they grow older.