Orange County NC Website
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Work Plan /Performance Measures <br />Summary <br />M <br />�.. _ _m .. ..... .... ..... ..... , , <br />Today's mobile society breaks down the support formerly available to seniors when a nuclear family <br />unit resided nearby. In addition, life spans are steadily increasing; therefore the need for senior <br />support services and programs is growing at an increasing rate. Using volunteers provides <br />opportunities for seniors to serve and stay active while providing community services for the elderly <br />that would otherwise be unavailable because of limited staff and funding. <br />The Orange County Department on Aging, through its 3 senior centers, provides citizens access to a <br />wide variety of services, activities and opportunities. They include information, intellectual <br />stimulation, social activities, health and wellness programs and groups, transportation, volunteer <br />opportunities, and counseling regarding age- related or care giving issues and the coordination of <br />individual services. In addition, the Department identifies needs and plans future programs. Their <br />goal is to "add years to life and life to years." <br />In the absence of these centers and the volunteer support they mobilize, the seniors' need for many <br />services would likely be unmet and the need for extended care could be accelerated. Keeping seniors <br />actively involved in the community as long as possible contributes to their improved physical, social <br />and mental well -being as stated in the Orange County Master Aging Plan. For example, volunteers <br />are mobilized for class instructors, event assistants, administrative /clerical support, and <br />board /committee members. Orange County has 16,000+ older adults, and the Centers serve approx. <br />Page 51 <br />