To address a growing need for services for older adults, the Southern Maine Agency on Aging opened a new service location at the Anderson Learning Center at 21 Bradeen St. in Springvale.
The Sanford Chamber of Commerce joined the agency’s staff at the site for a recent ribbon-cutting ceremony.
“At Southern Maine Agency on Aging, we focus on serving individuals and families with the highest social and economic need,” said Megan Walton, the agency’s CEO.
“Through our continuous attention to needs assessments and other data as well as conversations with fellow service providers, it became clear that the Sanford/Springvale area would really benefit from an increase of services for the older adult population.”
The expansion of services for older adults and caregivers in western York County includes an adult day program for individuals with Alzheimer’s and other dementias, falls prevention exercise classes, nutrition services including Meals on Wheels and Community Cafés and Medicare counseling.
Resource specialists can also available via appointment to help older adults and caregivers navigate issues with housing, health care, benefits and other components of the complex network of services available in southern Maine.
“As our population ages, the need for comprehensive services for older adults becomes increasingly critical,” said Diane Small, executive director at Sanford Housing Authority.
The programming and resources “greatly addresses the needs of older adults within the region,” said Steven Buck, Sanford’s city manager.
The location will make services more accessible to people living in Acton, Alfred, Lebanon, Newfield, North Berwick, Sanford, Springvale, Shapleigh and Waterboro.
The agency is planning to open another service location in Cumberland County in 2025.
Southern Maine Agency on Aging is a resource for older adults in York and Cumberland counties. It provides meals, family caregiver support, advice on insurance and drug benefits, classes to help folks age well and information on community resources. The services help individuals remain securely housed and participants in their communities at a fraction of the cost of nursing home or institutional care alternatives.
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