Wilson County expands age-friendly work, highlights directory and caregiver coaching

Wilson County officials and nonprofit partners outlined local steps to make the county more "age friendly," citing an AARP-aligned framework, community survey results and new outreach tools to help older adults and caregivers access services.

Becky Andrews, host of Walking Through Wilson, introduced Susan Shaw of the Wilson County mayor's office, who said the county "has been certified with AARP, and we follow their framework for the 8 domains of livability." Shaw told viewers the county is using that framework to examine housing, transportation, communication and social inclusion as it develops an action plan.

Shaw said Wilson County has about 170,000 residents and that "about 16% of those people are 65," a demographic trend she described as a driver for planning. She told listeners the county has convened an Age-Friendly Advisory Council, surveyed residents and will hold listening sessions to probe the survey data and hear directly from residents about gaps and priorities.

"The strongest themes are people are saying there are needs: they want safer walking areas, benches for sitting, good transportation options available to them," Shaw said. She said the council is also examining how residents get information, noting that while many use technology, "word-of-mouth is the biggest thing." Shaw said the council aims to tailor communication and outreach based on what residents actually use.

Shaw and the host discussed transportation barriers to appointments and errands. Shaw cited a local senior ride service (referred to on the program as Wilson Rides) as an example of an important option and warned that lack of transportation can lead people to delay care and end up in emergency rooms.

Tiffany Mann, representing Age Well Middle Tennessee, described Age Well's role as a regional nonprofit resource and connector. "We serve 13 counties out of our office in Nashville, Wilson being one of those," Mann said. She outlined Age Well's printed and online resource directory, which collates vetted services in 16 chapters covering transportation, housing, Medicare help and other supports, and said Age Well distributes free copies to public libraries, senior centers and outreach events.

Mann said Age Well also operates a helpline ((615) 353-4235) to help callers locate resources or request a mailed copy of the directory, and she explained the local area agency on aging and disability supports free, unbiased Medicare counseling through the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP).

Mann described Elder Care Coach, a program that provides 30-plus-minute one-on-one coaching calls with a master's-level social worker, community education for employers and civic groups, and an online hub at eldercarecoach.org with tools and assessments for caregivers. "The coach can ask questions, connect them with resources, and hopefully leave that call with a plan for going forward," Mann said.

Shaw gave practical information for residents who want to get involved or learn more: the county's age-friendly pages are on the Wilson County government website (search "age friendly community Wilson County TN"), and people can call the mayor's office at (615) 444-1383 and ask for Susan Shaw or Sarah Davenport. Shaw said an Age-Friendly Advisory Council meeting was being scheduled tentatively for June 3 and invited interested residents to participate as the council develops the action plan.

The segment concluded with hosts and guests encouraging viewers to consult the websites and helplines provided for details on resources and upcoming meetings.