Community conversation covers aging issues
By Alexandra Bogdanovic
While caring for his wife for 17 years, Frank Fuerst, the author of "Alzheimer's Care With Dignity," said he used "just about every resource" available to him.On June 19, Fuerst, who was the keynote speaker at a Fauquier Community Conversation on Aging, urged his peers to do the same.
Held at the Warrenton Community Center, the conference gave local seniors an opportunity to learn more about the resources and services available to them.
In all, representatives from 16 different organizations were on hand to provide information about issues of concern to older residents.
The exhibitors included representatives from the AARP, the Fauquier Department of Social Services, the Social Security Administration, Virginia Department for the Aging and VolTran, a local volunteer-based transportation network.
At the outset, Chris Miller from Aging Together, and Phyllis McBride, of the Fauquier Senior Care Network, gave their individual reports. Cathy Zielinksi also provided a regional transportation planning update.
In addition to listening to those presentations, the audience got a chance to speak amongst themselves in smaller groups. Specifically, they talked about the contributions senior citizens can make to the community.
The forum wrapped up with further discussions about crime prevention, transportation issues and prescription consultations.
The Fauquier County Sheriff's Office/Virginia TRIAD and Aging Together Partnership sponsored the event.