Who among us wants to be forgotten, left alone and uninvolved when we have much to offer?
For too long, too many seniors in Northeast Louisiana have been forgotten, left alone and not involved with the communities they served for years. Some of us say their time has come and gone. We believe the prime of their lives has passed. We say they are used up.
At Northeast Delta Human Services Authority we have a different vision.
We see our seniors. We value our seniors. We’re here to help our seniors.
In December 2018, we launched Operation Golden Years, an agency initiative which provides increased awareness, support and services for those 60 and above in our 12-parish region. Operation Golden Years enables often overlooked seniors to survive and thrive in the “golden years.”
We honor our community’s seniors, and we understand that our accomplishments today are built on their shoulders and the foundations they built. Their stories are not yet finished. They can help us write additional chapters.
We aim to enrich the lives of seniors in our region with three specific approaches:
First, EDUCATION. We provide education in the proper use and disposal of prescription medication.
An alarming number of doctor and emergency room visits are due to adverse drug events, many of them involving prescription drugs originally prescribed to seniors. Our prevention and wellness team facilitates community forums educating seniors on the proper use and disposal of their prescriptions to safeguard against their misuse and abuse.
We are partnering with local law enforcement agencies and community partners providing permanent Prescription Take Back boxes in Monroe and Grambling, and in the Tallulah Police Department, Lake Providence Sherriff’s Office and the Tensas Sherriff’s Office. By providing education and accessibility to safe disposal of medications, we are working together to have a safer northeastern Louisiana.
Second, SPECIAL SERVICES. We provide specialized services for elderly dealing with Addictive and Mental Health Disorders.
Addiction and mental health issues know no expiration date. Addictions among people 60 and up are often underestimated and under-diagnosed, preventing many seniors from getting the help they need. Drug and alcohol abuse can often mimic the symptoms of other medical or mental health disorders, such as diabetes, dementia, or depression. These are key issues for anyone, but especially seniors.
Our integrated behavioral health and primary care integration model enables our licensed clinicians to provide holistic care for our clients’ specific needs. If seniors are struggling with issues of mental health or addiction, know that we are here to help.
Third, MAKING A DIFFERENCE. We provide opportunities for seniors to make a difference in the community.
Seniors possess a wealth of experience, wisdom and gifts to contribute toward the greater good of our society. In line with this greater vision, we provide opportunities for seniors to join with us to make an impact in the lives of younger generations by joining coalitions, volunteering and mentoring in schools, and engaging in prevention-based outreach work for our various initiatives. We need the senior generation to help us chart a new path forward in northeastern Louisiana.
We not only value seniors, but we also need seniors as we pursue a better tomorrow. We are leveraging our services in support of enabling our seniors to live longer, more active lives. Please join us as we work together to write additional chapters and achieve a brighter future.
