The Franklin News-Post
P. O. Box 250
310 Main Street, SW
Rocky Mount, Virginia 24151
540-483-5113
Fax: 540-483-8013
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Wednesday, November 25, 2009
By KEN BRADLEY - Staff Writer
The number of senior citizens in Franklin County will approach 10,000 by 2010, increasing demand for services from the county's department of aging.
That was a projection presented to the board of supervisors in a report from the Franklin County Department of Aging Services.
"Government will be asked to fulfill much greater levels of needs and wants from the older population", the report said.
Older, more frail, less healthy seniors will need more transportation services to medical appointments, more nutrition services and more assistance from caregivers, while the younger, healthier seniors will want increased services from government, especially in recreation, the report said.
Because of a growing senior population, the department of aging services is struggling to meet demand with limited resources.
Issues include increasing demand for transportation services, recreation and socialization demands for the elderly and a need for an improved facility.
The report recommends that the county create an aging services master plan to address the growing needs of senior citizens.
Currently, the department of aging services has 10 buses and 9 part-time drivers, providing transport services six days a week for seniors.
The department also offers activities, such as bingo, music and four congregate meals each month. It also offers health-related educational opportunities and hosts health screenings.
The department is currently housed in rented space in the American Legion Building on Tanyard Road in RockyﾠMount.
A breakdown of the department's revenues shows that 55 percent in federal funds makes up the largest portion of funding. County funds make up 29 percent and state funds constitute 9 percent of the budget. Another 7 percent comes from non-county local funds. |
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