The number of older adults is growing in Tarrant County. Many live alone, in fragile health, and have little opportunity to run errands and see other people.

The isolation of senior citizens can have serious consequences. Imagine living alone and being afraid you are going to fall when no one is around. Imagine not being able to get a prescription filled; not being able to fix yourself a nutritious meal; not having someone to talk to. The result can be emotional and physical decline.

Neighbor Helping Neighbor Program
United Way and its Area Agency on Aging are bringing together a variety of organizations to make life better for isolated older adults. Volunteers and professionals from neighborhood and church groups, government, businesses and human service organizations are all involved in providing a variety of services through this Neighbor Helping Neighbor program. Services include transportation, minor home repairs, shopping assistance, wheelchair ramps, safety equipment, yard maintenance, food bank pickup, household chores, visits by phone and in person, information and referral, and meals.

Neighbor Helping Neighbor currently operates in these areas that are home to a large number of older adults:

• Azle

• Haltom City

• Handley/Meadowbrook

• North Richland Hills

• Sansom Park/Western Hills/White Settlement

Central Arlington is being added in December 2007, and Fort Worth’s Southside/Polytechnic area will be added in spring 2008. Partnering with United Way and the Area Agency on Aging to offer the Neighbor Helping Neighbor program are Harris Northwest Hospital, the Isolated Senior Resources Group, Meals On Wheels of Tarrant County and Senior Citizen Services of Greater Tarrant County.

To see if you qualify for assistance, or to become a Neighbor Helping Neighbor volunteer, call
817-258-8081.

Diabetes Screening and Management
A new diabetes program developed and funded by United Way and its Area Agency on Aging identifies homebound seniors who are diabetic or at-risk for diabetes. The program provides information and services to delay diabetes or enable older adults to manage it themselves.

Of 83 program clients tested over time, 6 in 10 seniors successfully lowered their A1C test scores, an indication that their diabetes treatment efforts were working. The diabetes program is conducted by Meals On Wheels of Tarrant County and has been honored by the U.S. Administration on Aging.