NARFE members hear about CHEER services for Sussex seniors

Federal retirees learned that senior citizens in Sussex County can remain healthy and active by participating in programs at seven CHEER activity Centers throughout the county, including Georgetown, Greenwood, Lewes, Long Neck, Milton, Ocean View and Roxana. Anthony Del Franco, CHEER director of marketing, told the members at a recent meeting of National Active and Retired Federal Employees, “It’s important for seniors to get out and socialize.”

Del Franco was the luncheon speaker at the October meeting of Coastal Sussex Chapter 1690 of NARFE, held at 1776 Steakhouse, Rehoboth Beach. The local Coastal Sussex Chapter 1690 is part of NARFE, a national organization that represents federal employees, retirees and annuitants, promotes their general welfare, and provides advice and advocacy services with respect to their rights and benefits under federal and state retirement laws and regulations. For more information, email Ron or Carol Weber at rjw98@mchsi.com.

Del Franco said, “We welcome and utilize volunteers like yourself for our numerous programs,” and he urged the retirees to consider joining those efforts. He said the organization also runs a number of programs offering in-home services to seniors. He said, “A major goal of CHEER is to allow seniors to age in their own homes, rather than having to move to institutional care.”

He said CHEER also offers transportation services to help seniors maintain their independence and have access to their community. In addition to providing transportation to and from the CHEER activity centers, the organization is available to provide transportation for weekly shopping trips, medical visits, and recreational and educational activities, he said.

He said they prepare food and serve meals to hundreds of seniors a day, both at the CHEER activity centers and through the Meals on Wheels program, and also offer home health services directed by registered nurses including nursing oversight, personal care, and housekeeping services. They also are expanding an adult daycare program, to offer a stimulating environment for participating members based on their individual needs and functional ability.

Del Franco said they are particularly proud of CHEER's programs they have developed to help caregivers of seniors. “We understand that caregivers have a difficult job and often need a break, so through our caregiver respite service we can send in a trained staff member to take over the duties for a few hours a day or up to full 24/7 coverage.” He said they also have partnered with the Alzheimer’s Association to offer a family support group for caregivers.