Fayette County was second in

growth only to Gwinnett, which saw an increase of 100.1 percent.�Fayette's

55-and-over population is 18.5 percent of the county 2000 census and is

the largest component of that age grouping in the 11-county Altanta Regional

Commission's counties.

Fayette County, in 2000, was

home to over 16,895 persons 55 or older. Just under 13 percent in the

county are over the age of 60. In comparison, Gwinnett's over-60

population makes up 7.9 percent of the population.

While the senior population's

income as a whole in Fayette County is slightly higher than the average

in the Atlanta region, in 2000 close to 8 percent of those 75 and older,

and almost 5 percent of those 65 and older, were classified as living

below poverty.

Fayette seniors are generally

active and able to take advantage of many fun offerings in the county.

For those, The JOY Club, sponsored by Fayette Senior Services, a club

for the active senior, The Gathering Place in Peachtree City, local banks,

churches, libraries and county and city parks and recreation programs

offer numerous fun activities.

For seniors and their families

who need occasional or continuing assistance, Fayette Senior Services,

located in Fayetteville, serves as both an information resource and a

supplier of services. The agency provides services to all income levels.

Most are familiar with Meals

on Wheels, the program that delivers nutritious hot lunches to homebound

seniors throughout the county. FSS volunteers delivered 36,107 meals between

July 2002 and June 2003.

Other lesser-known programs

and services offered through FSS include:

- Information and referral.

Specialists connect seniors and their caregivers with community services

and resources. In some cases, the specialist contacts providers for the

individuals.

- Case management. An

assessment of needs is made, families are assisted in the planning of

care for seniors and referrals are made.

- Transportation. Transportation

is contracted to provide medical transportation services for those 60

and older who live in the county. The service is available Monday � Friday

between the hours of 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. to doctors, dentists, and to pickup

prescriptions. Rides are $20, however some individuals may qualify for

a discount based on income using a sliding scale.

- In-home services. Trained

personnel perform simple homemaker and/or personal care tasks to help

eligible recipients remain self-sufficient. Shopping, errands, light housekeeping,

laundry, meal preparation, bathing, grooming, dressing and other tasks

are performed.

- Friendly visitor. Homebound

seniors are matched with trained volunteers who visit the individual once

a week.

- Emergency response.

Subscribers pay a monthly monitoring fee for a small pendant or wristband

that can signal a friend, relative or emergency service if help is needed.

- Wellness program. An

educational program staffed by volunteer registered nurses. Blood pressure

checks and health screenings are provided throughout the year.

- Adult day services.

A daytime program to help families take care of loved ones. A customized

program of activities is developed for individuals. The programming can

include hot lunches and snacks, therapeutic services, bathing services,

beauty care and barbershop and motion exercises.

Other services include senior

employment referrals, van service to the senior center, and volunteer

opportunities. For more information on the services provided by Fayette

Senior Services, call 770-461-0813 or visit www.fayss.org.

- Janet McGregor

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