For aging adults, living with independence and being engaged members of society is of the utmost importance. Aging in place can provide a positive quality of life and self-esteem, but to do so, older adults need a support system, especially those who may not have family nearby. Thanks to Surrey Services for Seniors, Delaware County residents now have a one-stop-shop that not only provides groundbreaking programs and services but also adds meaning and purpose at whatever stage they are in.
Located right here in Broomall, the Surrey Center for Healthy Living Delaware County is a social hub for older adults, that provides engaging programs, meals, resources and critical support services including transportation and home care. “Thanks to support from the entire community, Surrey’s vision for a new space that better serves our community as a whole has become a reality,” said President and CEO Jill Whitcomb. “It’s truly an active, vibrant place that promotes lifelong learning.”
Surrey has a long history of providing aging-in-place services to help older adults in Chester and Delaware Counties. What started as a grassroots organization more than 40 years ago, is now a leader in providing specialized programs for thousands of older adults. In 1981, Surrey’s founder Jeanne LaRouche was a Wayne resident looking to help senior citizens. By organizing her neighbors to provide older neighbors with rides to doctors’ appointments and assistance with grocery shopping, she was able to help seniors who needed services. It also helped engage retired seniors who needed more structure and purpose.
That “neighbor-helping-neighbor” model is still the foundation of Surrey’s organizational culture. What is unique about Surrey is the organization’s ability to coordinate and wrap critically needed services like transportation, nutrition, geriatric care management, small home repairs, housecleaning, and grocery shopping around core home-care services, while also offering center-based services. For members who are homebound or frail, Surrey even offers virtual programs, including exercise, so they may participate from their homes.
In 2011, Surrey assumed management through acquisitions from Main Line Health for their Havertown and Media Senior Community Centers and Chore Connection in Newtown Square. Led today by Jill and a team of dedicated Board of Directors, Surrey operates centers in Devon, Broomall and Media, and the Surrey Consignment Shop in Berwyn. Lena McWilliams, who previously managed the Havertown location, serves as the new Broomall location’s manager. “Lena has been instrumental in identifying the needs in Delaware County,” said Jill.
The Broomall Center opened in March of this year and, like all of Surrey’s centers, offers a range of exercise classes, health screenings, activities, meals and social events. From exercise and art classes; a gathering area for meals and socializing and a game room, this 8,000-square-foot building at 505 Parkway Drive is a place that inspires, engages and connects older adults in our area. There are also rooms for support groups, PA Medicare Counseling and programs shown to improve health and wellness, such as Chronic Pain Self-Management.
Nutritious, hot lunches are also available Monday through Friday in the café for $5 or less per lunch. Services are all provided by nurses, social workers, experienced staff in the field of aging services and a well-prepared volunteer corps, many of whom are older themselves. “Surrey volunteers are the foundation of and the strength behind Surrey’s programs and services,” said Jill. “Many of our most popular programs are led by volunteer instructors including Surrey’s weaving program and a newly formed bocce club which meet at Veterans Park.”
They welcome volunteers of all ages, including students who need service hours, and work with individuals to match their interests and schedules. “We are always in need of volunteer drivers who will take older adults to medical appointments and errands. These volunteer drivers fill a critical role because transportation options offered through the county provider, DelGo Community Transit, are limited,” Jill explained.
Thanks to a grant from Haverford Township, the Center for Healthy Living will also be the headquarters of The Surrey Academy and Skills Lab, a free training and hands-on skills program for caregivers. This classroom and online program is offered for both family caregivers and aspiring professional caregivers. “What sets our caregivers who go through this program apart is not just the training,” said Jill. “They approach being a caregiver as more than just a job. They truly build relationships with their clients.” Jill also explained that the program can be tailored specifically to personal situations. “Many family caregivers cannot afford to care for their loved one but do not know where to begin,” she said. “It’s a wonderful foundation for family members who need to learn skills like bathing and using wheelchair lifts.”
All Surrey locations include home care services, transportation, programs and activities, nutrition programs to lifelong learning opportunities and health and fitness activities. Adults who want to become a member can join for just a small annual fee of $50, which helps to sustain Surrey’s non-profit organization. Membership provides access to Surrey’s services, a mailed or emailed monthly newsletter, early notice about special programs, and reduced prices for fee-based classes. For more information, visit www.SurreyServices.org or call 610-647-6404.