West Marin Senior Services has been helping older adults and those who care for them for over 40 years. Not everyone in our geographic area knows about our agency and the many services we provide to help our neighbors grow older with dignity in their own homes. If that’s no longer possible, Stockstill House, our assisted living residential facility in Point Reyes Station, is a long-term or recovery option.
In an informal survey, we discovered that most newcomers to West Marin haven’t heard or read about us, and many long-time residents are not aware of how much we offer, whatever their age or needs. They believe we are only here for frail elderly who need caregivers, or to borrow medical equipment from our loan program.
West Marin Senior Services is certainly the one to turn to for those needs, but we also offer far more services to seniors of every health status and those who care for them. As Boomers enter the ranks of “seniors,” they may not think of themselves in this category based only on numerical age. Not surprising, considering the negative stereotypes associated with growing older. Rather than catastrophic predictions about the “silver tsunami” overwhelming social services and Medicare, we see the silver lining in their new prime of life. We’re excited about the ingenuity and resources that older adults can bring to our communities, with innovative solutions to support a region well ahead of the curve in our aging society.
Optimism is a healthy trait, but only one aspect of an entire array of healthy habits that promote aging gracefully and remaining independent. West Marin Senior Services is committed to providing individual and community support for healthy aging, community lunches and home delivered meals, exercise classes and volunteer drivers to help home-bound neighbors get to their medical appointments or shopping needs. Our volunteer program is an amazing avenue for people who want to be involved in helping others, which, in turn, helps them gain a friendly network and feel a sense of purpose. Volunteer activities have proven health benefits, and they are essential to our goals and operations.
When Boomers call us for help, it’s often about providing support for a parent living in rural isolation, sometimes falling, or struggling financially or physically, yet stubbornly resisting help because they value their independence. Some are sandwiched between caring for an elderly parent and their own children or grandchildren, and feel completely overwhelmed.
Our care managers guide adult children through these difficult conversations, suggest strategies to encourage cooperation, conduct in-home assessments to identify hazards and work with families to take some of the burden off the primary caregiver. We make referrals and provide resources for answering financial and medical insurance questions, help families navigate the medical maze, prevent crises and provide information about available options to ensure their aging parent is a blessing, not a burden.
We see this as a community responsibility that shapes a more just and inclusive society, and we believe that our work helps create better conditions for all ages. We are committed—with your help—to continuing our longstanding services and developing innovative policies and practices. With the combined wisdom and energy of our community, we can ensure that older adults are a vibrant resource, not a hidden shame.
Stephen Simac is the care manager for West Marin Senior Services’ southern region. He lives in Stinson Beach.