Service with a purpose: LifeCare Alliance shows excellence in senior-citizen care
Dedicated to serving the community, the 126-year-old nonprofit LifeCare Alliance does more for senior citizens than the basics.
“We serve basically seniors and medically challenged individuals through nutrition and health care,” said Charles Gehring, president and CEO of LifeCare Alliance. “We're probably one of the largest Meals on Wheels providers and charity agencies in the country.”
This service transports healthy meals to seniors in their own homes, but LifeCare wants to ease loneliness, not just promote healthy eating habits.
“It's great to have Meals on Wheels, but when you deliver the meal, and they volunteer and that paid driver leaves, they're still eating a meal by themselves,” said Gehring.
To combat this, the nonprofit has 30 dining centers around the city, which seniors can frequent to make friends and eat alongside their peers. This is made accessible through LifeCare's three buses, equipped with lifts to accommodate those with walkers or wheelchairs.
On top of that, LifeCare provides a free cancer clinic and two diabetic service organizations for those in need, as well as a pet-care program.
Throughout all of this, LifeCare consistently hosts fun events for their guests. Holiday gatherings, concerts and even prom are all provided for the seniors, often through collaboration with bands or other nonprofit organizations.
While a few pay, most seniors qualify for LifeCare's programs based on need, usually meaning they are unable to cook for themselves anymore.
“A lot of these folks really tell us they see no other adults on a regular weekly basis other than our workers,” said Gehring. “They really don't have a lot of family around.”
More on LifeCare Alliance: Dancing and flowers fill senior citizens' prom night at LifeCare Alliance
Regardless of skill breakdown, wholistic wellness remains necessary, no matter someone’s age, so Gehring said he takes pride in LifeCare's ability to connect seniors with one another and cultivate joy.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: LifeCare Alliance helps senior citizens cultivate joy with one another
