The full story
Through this partnership, AGEing in Georgetown, the nonprofits will help families and caregivers of low-income aging family members navigate challenges they are facing, and connect them to vetted community services in one-on-one consultations.
Jayden Beatty, chief development and communications officer of AGE of Central Texas, said the partnership will allow for one-on-one consultations made by appointment with program director Bonnie How.
Beatty said the partnership will also help connect folks in need of services to the organization's health equipment lending program, and provide free incontinence supplies upon request.
The latter, she said, can become a large expense and are typically not covered by Medicare. Supplies will be available for pickup at The Caring Place, 2001 Railroad Ave., Georgetown.
"The only limitation is we run off of donations," she said. "It's donations from the community that allows us to provide this work. We strive to keep an inventory of adult pull-ups available so we can meet the need, but it sometimes just depends on what we have in stock. So we ask that those who are in need of incontinence items call ahead and let us know what you're needing so we can make sure we have it in stock. Then we will bring it to the Caring Place so you can easily pick it up from that site. Our goal would be to provide a month's supply at a time."
Beatty said that the average Social Security recipient spends around 23% of their monthly income on incontinence supplies.
Some context
AGE of Central Texas is an Austin-based nonprofit working to educate and support people of all ages about growing older, serving more than 3,000 adults and caregivers each year.
Funded through its thrift stores—The Shops at The Caring Place and Second Helping—as well as donations, The Caring Place provides assistance to community members needing help with food, utilities, rent, transportation and medical assistance.
What's next?
Beatty said the partnership is set to run through the end of the year, and could be extended if the program demonstrates that it is meeting area needs.
