Serving Our Seniors Magazine: October - December 2026

Serving Our Seniors REPORT TO THE COMMUNITY 2,492 The number of calls to Serving Our Seniors asking for help. 1,185 Individual older adults who called for help with a question/problem/concern. 155 New older adults calling Serving Our Seniors for the first time. 8,307 The number of rural home delivered meals funded by Serving Our Seniors. 137 Older adults used weekday transportation funded by Serving Our Seniors. 1,981 1-way trips were taken by older adults who paid a bus fare of $1.50. 6 Older adults used weekday transportation at a reduced bus fare of 50¢ per ride. 74 Of the 2,055 1-way trips were provided to 6 older adults at a reduced bus fare of 50¢/1-way 37 Older adults who used out of town transportation to get to health care appointments. 47 Trips were driven to take the 32 older adults to their health care appointments. 0 Older adult received a gas voucher to afford travel out of town to their health care appointments, when we were short on volunteer drivers. 5 Older adults took 16 trips using our wheelchair transportation to out of town health care appointments. Affordable Transportation 6 The number of small home repairs. 6 New ramp installed. 107 The number of ramps in service throughout Erie County. 158 Medicare counseling sessions (group and individual). 22 Matter of Balance Participants (individuals) 2 Matter of Balance Courses Services to Support Independence Nutrition April – June 2026 From the Director Whoever said getting older is easy clearly wasn’t paying attention! The founders of Serving Our Seniors knew that 30 years ago. Judge Jane Lucal, her husband Dean, and Ray and Marian Koch believed older adults deserved a place to turn when life got complicated — and someone willing to stand beside them and help. On December 16, 2026, Serving Our Seniors turns 30! That date is special to me because it was also my first day on the job. I still remember opening the office and my first day of work. I was 35 years old. Time flies! Thirty years later, we’re still here — and still helping Erie County residents age 60+ live healthier, more independent lives. And yes, that includes our friends who live beyond Sandusky’s city limits. This issue is packed with ways we can help Erie County residents aged 60+. Wondering how you can afford the personal care (hygiene) and housekeeping, to support your independence? Turn to page 11 — we may have some answers for you. Looking for more fun and a way to meet more people who know how to have fun? Meet the folks behind Senior Fest! They know how to create a good time and they’d love to have you join them. Read all about it on pages 12 & 13. And then there’s technology. Check out our Calendar of Events for upcoming forums and read our tips for getting more comfortable with your smart devices. There is a lot waiting for you inside. Turn the pages and enjoy! Stay well, Sue Daugherty Serving Our Seniors is a proud member and supporter of The Ohio Coalition of Adult Protective Services (OCAPS). 3