Historic Preservation? (Yes, But With Our People First!) The Fabulous Lakewood Senior Centers!
As our city begins to debate the relative merits and priorities regarding its architectural historic preservation, it's quite a comforting feather in Lakewood's cap to know that our city already has a vibrant array of senior services in place to assist the wonderful human resources who, indeed, have helped to create and maintain some of the historic wood, brick and mortar buildings that are currently being discussed in our community.
There's no doubt in my mind that Lakewood is one of those special places where all ages have some outstanding social support systems in place. The purpose of my column this week is to inform you of some of the great services available through Lakewood's Office on Aging. In addition, there are many opportunities available for people to volunteer with the services offered to our seniors.
A number of years ago, some wise community leaders determined that Lakewood's quality of life would be enhanced through an expansion of services to our city's senior population. Indeed, there arose a national movement in our country to establish ever greater avenues of public and private social assistance to America's growing senior population.
As our nation's health care services expanded, so too did America's life expectancy. With my own huge generation of post-WWII babies now hitting our retirement age, the need for expanded senior services in the future would also seem to be a given.
Lakewood's Division of Aging started in 1973 as a response to the "diverse needs and interests of older adults, by providing services and activities that enhance dignity, support independence and encourage involvement in the senior center and the community" (this is according to their website: http://onelakewood.com/HumanServices/Aging/).
Some of these activities and services incude providing a monthly calendar of events and the preparation of meals provided at both Senior Centers, as well as home-delivered meals. There are also social services, yard maintenance, and leaf and snow removal programs available. Health and wellness programs, as well as an eclectic array of recreational activities, are all planned for Lakewood's seniors to enjoy.
There are also transportation services available, including service to medical appointments, to and from the Senior Centers, and to grocery stores, all with beautiful community vehicles equipped with wheelchair lifts.
These services can begin for anyone starting at their 60th birthday.
Lakewood's two Senior Centers are the Kathleen & Robert Lawther Center (Senior Center West) located at 16024 Madison Avenue (216- 521-1515, Hours: 8:00 AM-5:00 PM M-F) and the Senior Center East, located at 12400 Madison Avenue, (216- 521-1515, Hours: 8:00 AM-5:00 PM M-F). The Division of Aging website is where downloads include monthly lunch menus, activity calendars, and a community resource guide.
As pointed out earlier, volunteer opportunities abound for people wanting to help seniors and others in our community. Indeed, the City of Lakewood has a remarkable tradition of civic community volunteerism. If you're interested in volunteering your time to assist, just give the City a call. The pulse of this city can always use your help.