agency on aging

Holy Trinity Health Ministry Launches New Project for Seniors

By Henrietta Gomes
HERALD Staff Writer
(From the Issue of 3/1/07)

Many senior citizens stop driving because of age or ailment, but whatever the reason there is a natural feeling of disconnect, especially for those who live in rural areas, said Barbara Happ, parish nurse of Holy Trinity Church in Gainesville.
With a growing number of seniors in the Prince William County area, Happ felt compelled to reach out to that community. “There’s a great need for service among the aging, and we wanted to focus on where we would meet the most needs,” said Happ, who initiated the Health and Wellness Ministry at the parish. The ministry recently received a small grant from the Operation Rice Bowl Fund, sponsored by Catholic Relief Services, and began working in collaboration with the Prince William Area Agency on Aging to reach more seniors and assist with their health care needs.
The collaborative project seeks to bring a greater awareness to seniors about heath services provided by the Agency on Aging or elsewhere. While the project itself does not administer the actual services, its mission is to get people connected to the services and educate them on how to attain them. The project assists seniors to find adult day health care, home delivered meals, senior centers, care management and other medical assistance.
“We want to get them to the right place,” said Happ emphasizing the importance of the existing services. This partnership, she added, is “magnifying what is already out there.”
One of the goals for the Area Agency on Aging is to reach those with the greatest social and economic need, said Courtney Tierney, agency director. “There are many who suffer from isolation, dementia or chronic illnesses, and we reach that population. That’s exactly who they’re trying to reach, so it’s only natural that we would work together,” she said.
Tierney has no qualms with the county agency partnering up with a faith-based project. On the contrary, she said it helps them to connect with area churches because of the constant need for volunteers. From their experience in the past with other area churches, Tierney said, “churches are always willing and their response [to volunteer] is tremendous.”
Flyers for the outreach program are not just found in the church bulletin, said Happ, but also barber shops, beauty salons, grocery stores, pharmacies and anywhere else that would allow them to tack them up.
Presently members of the Health and Wellness ministry meet monthly to educate themselves and host speakers to discuss health related topics. The diverse group includes mostly nurses, but also dental hygienists, emergency medical technicians and even a fitness buff, who spearheaded “Walking Wednesday,” to motivate and encourage seniors to exercise.
The nurses who serve in the health ministry are available to answer health questions and concerns and to visit homes. They also often pray with those who are sick and homebound. The ministry has received great support from their pastor Father Francis Peffley, said Happ. “As a nurse we are meant to take care of the whole person, mentally, spiritually and physically,” said Connie Scanlon, another parish nurse who has been assisting with the project.

For Happ, being able to participate in such a ministry is the “best of all worlds.” She is grateful for the opportunity to be able to volunteer and give of her knowledge and skills in a supportive atmosphere, and to develop programs that deal with both spiritual and physical health.
“We want people to have a quality of life … We can only offer our gifts and services,” Happ said. The collaboration with the agency to bring a greater awareness to services for seniors “is another dimension of our ministry that helps us bring people to better health. If we touch one life … that will be a success.”

For additional information call 703/792-6374 or go to www.pwcgov.org.