GIBSON CENTER FOR SENIOR SERVICES INC
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Mission Statement
The mission of the Gibson Center for Senior Services is to offer programs that enable seniors in New Hampshire’s Northern Carroll County to live independently and actively, with purpose and dignity.
About This Cause
NUTRITION PROGRAM While we are have a steady number of seniors coming in for congregate meals, the largest increase is the home delivered meals, particularly to those qualifying for Title XX and Home/Community Based Care, the most at-risk groups. Our raw food cost-per-meal continues to be one of the lowest in the state of any senior meal facility. Besides serving one hot nutritionally balanced meal, our Home Delivered Meal program provides a daily safety check on the well being of some very fragile persons. Volunteers have been confronted with participants who have fallen, who are unable to get out of bed and who have literally collapsed in their arms. Fortunately, with such intervention the chances of recovery are greatly enhanced. Volunteers also go beyond their assigned duties and do such things as change light bulbs, pick up mail, check on smoke alarms and offer an ear to listen. Our volunteers are on the front lines to protect those who are disenfranchised. The typical recipient is generally immobile and/or isolated; recovering from illness or operation; suffering from malnutrition; lacking transportation for medical trips, food shopping and personal needs. If there is family, they are often living some distance away, or uninvolved. The participant is most likely to be a woman, average age of 80-89, living alone on an income of less than $11,000, with 30% living on less than $9,000 a year. Nutrition services are a major factor in enabling this group to lead independent quality lives in home surroundings. In many cases independence can be maintained for months, or even years before nursing home care is needed. The savings in nursing home care for this group is at least $300,000, more than double the state funds allocated for home delivered meals. Our weekend and “emergency packs”, frozen, dry or canned, function as a major defense in the prevention of malnutrition, staving off other illnesses and, sometimes even premature death. With limited incomes, multiple health problems, and isolated living conditions; planning and budgeting meals, shopping and cooking present significant challenges to seniors. The increased need for these emergency meals is indicative of the “graying of America” and the role of nutrition on health, independence and quality of life issues. At the congregate meal site, we notice changes often before family members do. We enter into people’s lives, become part of their problem solving team, refer them to proper resources, support them and when warranted, contact family members. Our goal is to maintain senior wellness, primarily through proper nutrition but also to offer a support system enhancing quality of life, extending independence and alleviating loneliness. The typical recipient is a woman; age 70-79 years, generally more mobile and in better health than the home-delivered meal recipient, generally living on a monthly income under $1049. We serve as a safe environment where they can receive a well-balanced meal, socialize and participate in programs. In many cases this is the highlight of their day, giving structure and meaning to their lives. It serves as a real "community center" for seniors. TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM Our vans provide a vital transportation link for seniors and the disabled so they can participate in congregate meals, get to medical appointments and shop for groceries and other essentials. For some, this is the only way that they can get out. We continue to network with agencies to improve availability and expand the program We have two bus style vans (seating 10 and 13 passengers, one with a wheelchair lift). These vans have been paid for through private foundation grants and (historically) the generosity of the North Conway Rotary Club. We provide on-demand, curb-to-curb rides servicing Conway daily, and Bartlett, Chatham, Jackson, Albany, Eaton, and Madison as the daily schedule permits. The van generally operates Monday-Friday (except holidays or in inclement weather), from 7:00 am – till approximately 2 pm. The typical recipient is a woman, over age 75, living alone on an income under $11,400 annually. She is very dependent on the transportation service to provide access to the community on a regular basis. Medical trips generally account for 17%, employment for 1%, nutrition for 55% and daily living needs for 29%. SOCIAL AND EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS This is the fastest growing area of services at the Gibson Center. We are constantly changing and developing new programs and excursions and taking suggestions from our participants. While we charge a fee for many of our in-house programs, they are available to anyone regardless of ability to pay. Some of the activities we offer are of great physical and emotional benefit to the individual and we feel it would be contrary to our mission to exclude anyone for financial reasons.