SACO – Retaining independence is a priority for seniors everywhere, and Age Friendly Saco is pioneering two new programs to help them along.

Age Friendly Saco is a volunteer committee established in 2016 to ensure that Saco remains a community that respects residents and allows everyone to live comfortably, regardless of age. The committee spearheads events throughout the year, and strives to lessen the burden seniors face.

Age Friendly Saco has participated in surveys in correlation with the Maine Department of Transportation that aim to address needs and habits of seniors getting to and from the places they need to go. Through those studies it became apparent that for more seniors, transportation is a formidable hurdle.

“It was heart wrenching,” said Age Friendly Saco Coordinator Jean Saunders. “When the time comes, we expect our seniors to hand over their keys, but there is very little available to them as far as public transportation.”

One particularly troubling problem that comes from lack of transportation is the inability to buy groceries, with some seniors saying that by the end of the month, they have empty pantries and often go without.

“I had a woman tell me that when she goes grocery shopping, she is limited to two bags because she takes her walker and can only balance one bag on each side,” Saunders said. “Even in weather like we’re having now, seniors are having to take a walker out to get food.”

Age Friendly Saco discovered the Commodity Surplus Food Program through the USDA. The program is open to those aged 60 and older, and will provide a 30-pound box of nutritious food for those in need, free of charge. Once a month, the program delivers food to United Baptist Church in Saco, but because some seniors may have trouble getting to the parking lot, volunteers from Age Friendly Saco will serve as a proxy to deliver the food.

The box includes essentials and nonperishables to help sustain seniors in need, including a 2-pound block of cheese, powdered milk and canned vegetables.

“We have plenty of volunteers who are more than happy to drop off boxes of food,” Saunders said. “Now we just need more people to know about it.”

Another project implemented by Age Friendly Saco as part of its quest to help seniors is HandyNeighbor. The HandyNeighbor program, headed by Age Friendly Saco member Donna Beveridge, uses volunteers in need of assistance with tasks around the house.

One such volunteer is Saco resident Dick Hilton, who has been called up to do tasks such as installing grab bars in showers and checking fire extinguishers.

“I evaluate what the person wants, and if I can do it, I will,” Hilton said. “If I can’t we have a list of electricians, plumbers, and carpenters that have already been vetted by us to ensure our clients get a good estimate and the job done well.”

The volunteers are capable of performing simple household chores, such as changing light bulbs, taking out air conditioners and installing knox boxes, an outdoor box with a key inside to allow emergency services access to the house.

“The real pleasure is to go in and see them frowning and nervous, and by the time you leave they’re smiling again,” Hilton said. “Sometimes one little thing can make a lot of difference.”

Calling the HandyNeighbor service allows seniors to stay safe within their homes and gives them an option rather than to put themselves in a dangerous situation to complete a banal task.

“A lot of times, seniors just don’t know who to call,” Sauders said. “This is a safe service with trusted people. The last thing seniors need to be doing is getting on a ladder to try and change a bulb. Our volunteers can help with any household job that doesn’t require a licensed contractor.”

As with the Commodity Surplus Food Program, Age Friendly Saco has many more volunteers than they have requests right now, and are encouraging seniors to take advantage of these programs.

“Our volunteers are extremely enthusiastic about this program and are ready to help however they can,” Saunders said. “We want to help people stay in their homes.”

“A lot of seniors are afraid to ask, and they’re worried they’re going to be taken,” Hilton said. “But we’re here to help, and there’s no charge for Saco residents to use this service.”

For more information for how seniors can use these programs, Age Friendly Saco can be reached by phone at 710-5029 or by email at agefriendlysaco@gmail.com.

Contact Staff Writer Abigail Worthing at news@inthecourier.com.