Foundation provides practical help for seniors

Rick Monroe

Special to the Village News

What's the most enjoyable part of Patty Sargent's job as executive director of the Foundation for Senior Care?

"It's the phone calls and in-person visitors who say what a difference the center has made in their life, or the life of a loved one," she replied. "By far."

Sargent has held the position since December 2020. Her least favorite part of the job is "not enough hours."

The center, located at 135 S. Mission Road in an historic building – built in 1892 – is a busy place.

"We served 1,000 seniors and disabled adults last year," she said during a recent interview. "That's providing real services or answering questions and helping with issues, connecting seniors to resources."

Sargent said some of the biggest needs they see dealing with a growing senior population is help with housing, evictions, being at risk of homelessness, assisted living needs, and mental health concerns.

"Our case managers do a fantastic job," she said. "They have more than 450 referral resources, everything from the food pantry to counselors. The cooperation with different agencies is one of the things so special about Fallbrook."

Sargent said the impact of COVID-19 has been rough on seniors.

"You hear about the impact on school children being isolated last year, but I think it was even worse for seniors," she said. "With the fear of death and for their health, seniors have been drastically challenged. With the isolation it brought, their communication skills have been challenged, as well as missing the physical exercise and activities from our classes. There have also been more memory-loss issues."

Calls about dementia help are more common, the director said, with case managers having resources available.

The hours of operation are back to normal, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

One positive thing the pandemic brought was grocery deliveries. Senior who were afraid of going shopping needed food deliveries which the center provided – and continues to offer.

Sargent said that in the past year, the foundation has given 5,000 rides or deliveries. The organization's Care Vans provide safe and dependable local door-to-door transportation services for a modest $10 donation suggested for a round-trip. If the donation is difficult, Sargent said it's possible to be waived. A reservation is needed, at least 48 hours in advance, and medical appointments are prioritized.

The center also provides out-of-town rides for medical appointments for a fee. Wheelchair transportation is also available.

One of the most popular and needed services provided by the foundation is adult day care, also known as respite care.

"It's intended and designed to give care givers a break," Sargent said. "We get calls saying, 'I'm exhausted and don't know where to turn.'"

The director said staff and volunteers simply hang out with the senior friends, Monday through Friday from 9 in the morning to 4 in the afternoon, providing a safe and supportive environment for those who are older or who have special needs but still crave some socialization and stimulation.

The cost runs $85 per day and encompasses a wide range of activities – that may include cooking, games, crafts, discussions, snacks, exercise, entertainment, and more.

"People who say it's expensive have to realize that it breaks down to $12 per hour," Sargent noted. "This type of service isn't offered at other senior centers in North County or Southern Riverside County, so we have people coming from all over."

Volunteers are important and needed. Volunteering is a special opportunity, Sargent said, and identified several areas where they could use help:

• Care buddies to make phone checks weekly or monthly.

• Adult Day Care help in talking or playing games with seniors.

• Drivers to make our-of-town trips to take seniors to medical appointments.

• Technical coaches for tutoring with phones, computers, etc.

• Event and outreach helpers.

The foundation's computer learning center and classes are popular, especially the "Fix it Fridays" where seniors can bring in their own devices and receive help.

"This really helps seniors overcome any fear of technology," Sargent said.

"Our goal is to provide love and encouragement, connection, friendship, and cognitive engagement in a safe place," Sargent said.

Assisting seniors in being able to stay safely in their homes is another priority. The foundation has two sheds full of medical devices and other resources, including wheelchairs, available free.

The foundation was incorporated in 1979, originally founded as a non-profit to raise funds to help supply Fallbrook Hospital with its equipment needs.

"We're supported by donations and grants," Sargent said. "We're very thankful for the Fallbrook Regional Health District, Legacy Community Endowment Fund, Angel Society and others."

For more information, visit foundationforseniorcare.org or call 760-723-7570.