Carolyn True says the county has one of the fastest growing senior populations in Maryland.
Carolyn True, Director, Division of Aging and Independence.
Frederick, Md (KM). The mission of the Frederick County Division of Aging and Independence is to help older adults live their best lives for as long as they possibly can by providing services and support that will enable them to be independent, to enjoy all that the county has to offer, and offer referrals and information to community resources that will help them do that. Those comments come from Carolyn True, who was appointed Director of the Division last week by the County Council.
She says this mission is carried out through the Division’s six senior centers, one of which is virtual. It also runs Meals on Wheels, the Scott Key Center, and the Service Coordination for Seniors program.
The Division has as $10 million operating budget.
“We also offer nutrition programs, respite services, caregiver support. We offer information and assistance to older adults, families, veterans and caregivers,” says True. “We also serve as an advocate for individuals who are living in long term care, and we provide case management services for individuals who are in need.”
But True say today’s older adults deal with many challenges. “Frederick County has one of the fastest growing older adult populations in the state. So there are a number of challenges, and we are working with community partners and stakeholders, to talk about and try to address things like affordable housing, transportation needs, mental health concerns.”
Among the organizations the Division of Aging and Independence are working with are the County’s Division of Housing, the local Health Department, Department of Social Services and Frederick Health Hospital.
“We all have a stake in trying to make things easier for older adults and their families so they can navigate what sometimes be a very complex system,” she says.
Seniors or their families who have concerns and don’t know where to turn can call the Division of Aging and Independence at 301-600-1234. “Making that call will help people get pointed in the right direction, and hopefully we can address needs that are out there so that people can continue to live as well as possible in Frederick County,” True says.
Another challenge facing the senior citizen population in Frederick County and across the nation is social isolation, or loneliness. “We have senior centers that people can attend where they can meet other people who are enjoying some of the benefits and the programs and activities that the senor centers can offer. So hopefully, we can reduce social isolation in the county, and help people remain engaged,” says True.
By Kevin McManus