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About The nugget. (Sisters, Or.) 1994-current | View Entire Issue (May 2, 2018)
Wednesday, May 2, 2018 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon 5 Making Sisters into an age-friendly community By Sue Stafford Correspondent The need for affordable, convenient transportation and some type of community hub rose to the top of the wish list created by 130 people who gathered last week to discuss creating an age-friendly com- munity in Sisters. With 27 percent of Sisters in-city residents aged 65 and older, affordable housing for aging adults will continue to be an issue as well. In Central Oregon between 2010-2016, the population of residents 65 and older increased 58 per- cent, two times the growth rate of all of Oregon. Months of research by members of the Senior Alliance into issues facing aging residents, and avail- able resources to meet their needs, paid big dividends last Wednesday night as attend- ees divided into three groups to assess the information and begin to prioritize the most important issues to be addressed. The Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District com- munity hall was a beehive of activity as everyone engaged in sharing their opinions about what is working, and what are the barriers for older residents. In the built environment, which includes transporta- tion and housing, partici- pants agreed there are plenty of parks, trails, and outdoor spaces but what is missing is affordable rental housing, more centrally located ser- vices, and a skilled nursing facility. Another barrier for seniors is the minimal services for non-drivers. The Council on Aging information and refer- ral specialist for Sisters, Toni Landis, is hoping to estab- lish an informal network of neighbors who drive pro- viding rides for those who don’t. Those who discussed the service environment looked at local healthcare, deciding there are good local provid- ers but access and afford- ability are issues, particularly if the providers are not tak- ing new Medicare patients. Transportation to medical appointments surfaced as a problem, as did the lack of an urgent-care facility in Sisters. There are a number of ser- vices available in town but no central hub where informa- tion and referral is available, except for Mondays in the SAGE Room at SPRD. How to let people know what’s available is an issue. The Senior Alliance has created a double-sided yellow Sisters Country Senior Resource Guide to help fill that gap for now. Those who discussed the social environment identified that volunteer opportunities abound in Sisters. On May 19, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at SPRD, there will be a volunteer fair to help link organizations needing volunteers to people willing to be involved. Wh en t al k i n g ab o u t employment, civic and social participation, and the issue of social isolation, a number of barriers were identified. Health concerns, such as hearing and vision problems, mobility issues, and chronic illness, can make it difficult for seniors to engage with others outside of their home. Limited income is another restrictive factor, and again, lack of transportation is an issue. A great deal of enthusiasm was generated by the events of the evening, and now the work begins in earnest to find solutions. Attendees were encouraged to stay engaged in the process. They were also reminded to make their voices heard in the Sisters Country Horizons vision process. GET ROAD TRIP READY! STOP BY FOR A FREE PRE-TRIP SAFETY CHECK We’ll check your: • Tires, including air pressure • Brake components Calipers, rotors/drums, pads/shoes, hose and hardware, master cylinder, fl uid & measurement of braking material using a brake gauge • Wheel alignment & tire wear • Front-end components • Shocks and/or struts • Battery, including load test Good through June 30, 2018, at participating Les Schwab Tire Centers. Present coupon at time of service to receive services or discount specifi ed. Off er valid on passenger cars and light trucks only. Limit one per customer. Void where prohibited. Not valid with other off ers. No copies of this coupon permitted. VALUE THAT GETS BETTER BY THE MILE. OUR PROMISE INCLUDES PEACE OF MIND TIRE PROTECTION FREE LIFETIME TIRE & MILEAGE CARE • If a Tire is Damaged Beyond Repair, We’ll Replace its Value. • We Guarantee Our Work for the Life of Your Tires. • Free Pre-Trip Safety Checks • Flat Tire Repairs • Tire Rotations & Rebalancing • Tire Pressure Checks • Brake & Alignment Checks SISTERS LES SCHWAB 600 W. HOOD AVE. • 541-549-1560 REDMOND PRINEVILLE 845 NW 6th 1250 East 3rd 541-548-4011 541-447-5686 MADRAS La PINE BEND-SOUTH BEND-FRANKLIN BEND-NORTH 1412 SW Hwy. 97 52596 N. Hwy. 97 61085 S. Hwy. 97 541-475-3834 541-536-3009 541-385-4702 105 NE Franklin 63590 Hunnell Rd. 541-382-3551 541-318-0281
