Aging with Grace: A Network of Support
After retiring from the Athens-Clarke County Fire Department following 33 years of service, Ron became involved in senior resources and saw firsthand the challenges older adults and their families face. When he moved to North Georgia, he recognized an even greater challenge: in rural communities, many resources can be difficult to find, are located outside the area, or simply don’t exist locally.
That realization led him to create the Appalachian Aging Resource Network (AARN), a nonprofit dedicated to connecting seniors, caregivers and families with trusted resources and services.
ONE CALL CAN OPEN THE DOOR TO HELP
AARN serves as a starting point for families who may not know what type of help they need—or who to call. Through its network of members and community resources, AARN can help connect families with:
Assisted Living & Memory Care
Home Care
Hospice & Palliative Care
Elder Law
Financial Services
Real Estate Services
Aging-in-Place Resources
Home Safety & Fall Prevention
Veteran Resources
Caregiver Support
Ron also works with families whose aging parents live locally while their adult children live elsewhere, helping identify resources that may allow seniors to remain safely and independently in their homes. And sometimes, the first step is simply a conversation.
When someone contacts AARN, Ron talks with them about their situation, asks questions and helps determine what resources may be appropriate. There is no charge for his service to answer questions and help locate resources.
SUPPORTING CAREGIVERS, TOO
AARN isn’t only for seniors. It is also a resource for the spouses, children and family members caring for them. Care giving can quickly become overwhelming—especially when family members live in another city or state. Ron encourages families to check on aging loved ones, understand their medications and physicians, keep important contacts available and begin conversations about future care before an emergency forces those decisions.
DEMENTIA AWARENESS & COMMUNITY SAFETY
One of Ron’s biggest priorities is dementia and Alzheimer’s awareness. He helps facilitate the Virtual Dementia Tour, an experience designed to help participants better understand what someone living with dementia may experience.
His goal is to expand the program and provide training to police officers, firefighters and first responders so they are better prepared to recognize and appropriately respond to individuals experiencing dementia-related symptoms.
HOW CAN OUR COMMUNITY HELP?
AARN is a nonprofit, and donations are welcome. Local businesses and professionals serving the aging population can also become AARN members for $40 per year, which includes placement on AARN’s resource card and website and opportunities to participate in resource and safety fairs. Visit www.aarnconnect.com to donate, volunteer, or become a member of AARN.
But helping can be even simpler: check on an aging neighbor, visit a senior who may be alone, support a caregiver, learn about available resources and share them with someone who needs them.
Whether you are planning for your own future, caring for an aging parent, or suddenly facing a situation you don’t know how to navigate, AARN can help you find a place to start.
Don’t wait for a crisis. Plan ahead, ask questions, and make the call.
GET IN TOUCH WITH RON
Email: hello.aarn@gmail.com | Call: 706-202-1002
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