St. Charles offers plenty of help for seniors, from guides to service officers

Ten years ago St. Charles officials deactivated their Senior Services Commission believing the mission to evaluate and meet the needs of senior citizens in the city was accomplished. In recognition of an increasingly aging population and the changes to local social safety net programs, city staff members decided it was time to consider reigniting the dormant commission.

A report this week concluded the problem isn't a lack of services for senior citizens. The problem is connecting them to those services.

"We concluded senior needs are best handled at the point of contact by the staff," said Jennifer McMahon, the city's director of human resources. "It's more efficient. The working group is not recommending reactivation of the senior services commission at this time."

Instead, the city updated the 40-page guide to senior services available in both the lobby of city hall and on the city website.

The police department also features two certified elderly service officers with training in assisting seniors.

The department also offers a free "Elder Watch" program designed to support police, fire and emergency medical personnel with information that may be needed to help specific seniors in a crisis. There is a two-page application form available at the police station or on the city website. The fire department also offers a safety for seniors program.

Aldermen directed city staff members to continue to find new and efficient ways to get information about the services available to seniors out to the people who need it.