Emily Hoyt coordinates assistance programs for older people in nine eastern Idaho counties, including Jefferson, Bonneville, Madison, Fremont and Teton. This makes her a one-stop resource for anyone who wants to know what is available for older adults in Idaho Falls, Rigby, Rexburg, Ashton, Island Park, Swan Valley and Teton Valley. Among its programs are those that assist older folks with employment, health and safety problems. Homemaker, shopper and chore workers help frailer seniors with difficult household tasks. Respite is a program that provides full-time caregivers of homebound adults occasional breaks from their responsibilities.
Legal services are available, as is adult day care.
Nearly every community within Area VI offers home-delivered and communal meals, as well as transportation for older people who have no other way to get to doctors or grocery stores. Call for more information, especially since program availability may change. The center sponsors a range of health services from cholesterol and glaucoma checks to a monthly foot clinic. Regular seminars offer information on topics such as investments, fraud and fitness. The center serves lunch Monday through Friday and is the setting for Thursday afternoon dances and Tuesday morning sing-alongs paired with afternoon bridge games.