Shelby County RSVP

Retire to InspireSeptember 2011

205-669-3837 or www.shelbycountyrsvp.com

Rehab Opportunity May Be Lost

It is not often that an opportunity comes where a new facility can have a major effect on a community and the health/wealth fair of its citizens, especially its seniors.

According to Alabama State Senator Cam Ward, HealthSouth Lakeshore Rehabilitation Hospital is proposing a 34 bed rehabilitation hospital in Shelby County. The inpatient hospital will be built somewhere in Shelby County with the blessing of Shelby Baptist Medical Center. The hospital will provide vital rehabilitation services for patients recovering from strokes, fractures, brain injuries, cardiac conditions, and other medical problems. This new facility will help alleviate the current and future waiting list of more than 60 patients at its Lakeshore facility.

The project faces substantial obstacles from more than 25 nursing homes outside Shelby County which contend that this hospital will deprive them patients. There is little evidence to support this position. Many patients desire to stay near their home and/or family thus would not use these nursing homes.

How can you help? Senator Ward states that letters to the SHCC Chairman, Mary Holcomb, from residents supporting the project will send a clear message that this hospital is needed in Shelby County. You are encouraged to visit the State Health Planning and Development Agency’s website (Shpada.alabama.gov) for more information. Letters to the SHCC can be sent to P.O. Box 303025, Montgomery, AL 36104.

Job Fair

Local employers sing the praises of older workers because they possess a desired well-honed work ethic and disregard the negative myths associated with hiring older workers. AWARE (Aging Workers Are Reliable Employees) Employment Service is a nonprofit program of Positive Maturity Inc., a United Way Partner helps individuals age 50 and over find employment is holding a Senior Job Fair at the Pelham First Baptist Church Annex (Across the street from the church), 2867 Pelham Parkway on October 18 from 8 am to 1:30 pm. The job fair is a joint venture with the Pelham First Baptist Church.

Businesses who hire older workers over 50 years of age will be available. These companies will have information and employment applications available on site during the Senior Job Fair.

AWARE is encouraging candidates who are seeking employment to attend the Senior Job Fair. These may be individuals who have taken early retirement, employed by companies who have gone out of business or have downsized, or desire get back into the workforce. Unfortunately in this day and age, people are not able to live on their Social Security, retirement benefits, savings, severance, or pensions. Most people must supplement their income due to high cost of living and need for healthcare. These are individuals eager to work, dependable, and have a wonderful work ethic.

Please telephone Harold Deason for more information at 205-670-6570. Aware is helping fill the need for matching qualified workers and employers.

Electronic Mailing

RSVP Shelby County will be sending station timesheets electronically to some locations beginning in October. Please print the timesheets, fill in the hours for the volunteers, SIGN as station manager, and return by mail or fax (669-2035).

Yellow Dot Enrollment

A schedule of Yellow Dot events and locations will appear weekly in the Community Calendar, Lifestyle section of the Shelby County Reporter weekly. Add a new location to enroll in the Yellow Dot program: Edward Jones, 5510 Highway 280, Suite 112, Birmingham 35242, telephone 437-2866

Fall into Home Efficiency

This program is help seniors cut costs and become more efficient. Agencies will be available to help in developing planning home efficiencies. Agencies include electrical, heating, winterization, nutrition, etc. The event will be held at the Columbiana United Methodist Church, September 15, 10 am to 2 pm.

Volunteer Opportunities

American Hospice – This is our newest volunteer station with opportunities in working with families and patients on special projects and needs. They are located in Sylacauga servicing Shelby County hospice needs.Harrison Regional Library – needs help in loading/unloading the van that services the other county libraries.Volunteer Drivers – persons willing to transport seniors for medical, doctor appointments, and other needs.Yellow Dot - volunteers are needed to help with enrolling citizens of Shelby County at events, churches, senior centers, and other organizations and functions.RSVP/AWARE Office – the RSVP and AWARE programs have received budget cuts; therefore, the RSVP and AWARE offices are seeking volunteers to help fill the void. If interested in volunteering in the RSVP/AWARE offices please contact Marvin Copes, 669-3837 or Harold Deason, 670-6570.

VISIT - Shelby County RSVP’s website – www.shelbycountyrsvp.com