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The Adult Services program works with adults and families of adults who are limited by developmental/mental/emotional disabilities or environmental factors. Anyone in southern Indiana who has a mental delay that prevents them from entering the workforce can enter the program. New Hope’s consumers are referred by schools, Vocational Rehabilitation in the Family Social Services Administration, and the Bureau of Developmental Disability, as well as inquiries directly from consumers and family members.
A major portion of New Hope’s programming focuses on the growing needs of senior adults with mental retardation or disabilities. Services include job training, case management, socialization and learning independent living skills.
COMMUNITY NEED
In Clark County, 40% of the population or approximately 35,000 people are 45 years of age or older. In the area of disability, 43% of adults 65 years and older have one or more disabilities. Altogether, over 18,000 Clark County residents above the age of 5 have some type of disability. In Scott County for the age group 21-64, over 3200 Scott County residents have a disability.
For our seniors, a lifetime of institutional living is often the only viable option if they are mentally retarded or developmentally-delayed. Unfortunately, group homes, nursing homes or governmental institutions seldom offer a range of services to encourage social interaction or stimulating activities. Senior adults need to acquire independent living skills to enjoy living on their own.
A national study is focusing on aging and creativity for adults who are 65 years and older. Results from the first year exceeded expectations with participants not only maintaining their health but actually improving it. For example, a Washington, DC group of 75 older adults reported they fell less, needed fewer medications, felt less depressed and lonely and became more active.
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