Press release from Buncombe County
On the coattails of Older Americans Month in May, comes World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD), occurring annually on June 15. The purpose of this international day of recognition is to provide communities the chance to promote a better understanding of abuse and neglect of older adults by raising awareness of the cultural, social, economic, and demographic processes affecting elder abuse and neglect. On June 15th, Buncombe County Health and Human Services (BCHHS) and local community partners will host a WEAAD event at Carrier Park featuring opportunities for our community to learn about older adult services available in Buncombe County and to connect with local service providers. Events like this are essential to educating our community as our population of residents over 60, continues to grow.
Currently, 75,000 residents in Buncombe County are 60 years old or older; making up nearly 30% of our overall population. The older adult population in Buncombe County is one of the fastest growing in the state and is projected to grow long into the future. As the number of older adults in our community rises, it is essential that we have an infrastructure in place to meet their unique needs. Jennifer Teague, Program Manager of Adult and Aging Services says, “We are fortunate to be able to learn from older adults in our community, to hear from them about their needs, and to be able to plan for our current population as well as develop innovative services to support them in the future. We hope the community is also interested in building a future that we can all safely age into.” Below is a list of community partners, each offering essential services to older adults in Buncombe County. Click the links to learn more.
Land of Sky Regional Council is a multi-county, local government, planning and development organization. We reach county and municipal borders providing technical assistance to local governments and administer projects and programs which benefit our region’s citizens. Our mission is to provide creative regional solutions to relevant and emerging issues in Buncombe, Henderson, Madison and Transylvania counties while providing a standard of excellence in the delivery of federal, state, and regional services for our member communities.
Council on Aging of Buncombe County
At the Council on Aging of Buncombe County you will find referrals and help. Whether you are learning the Medicare system, looking for services to help you stay healthy and independent at home, or need support in taking care of others, the Council on Aging of Buncombe County can help you to make the right connections.
The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at UNC Asheville is an award-winning, internationally-acclaimed learning community dedicated to promoting lifelong learning, leadership, community service, and research. Their goal is to enable members to thrive in life’s second half.
Mountain Mobility, Buncombe County’s Community Transportation System, was established to increase the level of transportation services available to Buncombe County citizens. Mountain Mobility works with about 30 human service agencies and organizations in Asheville and Buncombe County to coordinate transportation efforts for those residents in need of services.
For a comprehensive list of Aging Service Providers please review the Aging Services Directory.
Buncombe County is committed to increasing the scope and range of services and resources available to older adults. Teague says, “As we look toward the future, we are excited about the Active Aging Center project and the vision to create a centralized building for community members to seek services for older adults and their families.” To learn more about the Active Aging Center concept please visit our website. Innovative strategies in programs and service delivery will make our community a hub for inclusivity, a place where all residents, regardless of age, have the ability to be safe, well, and engaged.
Join Buncombe County in showing support for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day by attending the event on June 15 at Carrier Park between 5-7 p.m. Many adult service providers will be on site to connect with you and your loved ones, to hear your stories, to share about their agencies and to support older adult services in Buncombe County. See you there!
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