Platte County Senior Fund’s recent move to 12200 N. Ambassador Dr., Kansas City has not only pleased the executive board and staff, Executive Director Debra Gwin said the new location will also provide a centrally located site to ensure that older adults have easy access to the services that PCSF offers.
PCSF had been in the Platte County Resource Center on NW Plaza Circle, in Kansas City, since 2004.
Since 1994, the Platte County Senior Fund, a tax-supported agency, has served adults aged 60 and older.
Its decades-long history began on May 8,1989, when House Bill 351 was passed, giving counties the authority to place a voter-approved property tax of up to 5 cents per $100 of assessed value to establish a Senior Citizens Service Fund. Sponsors of the bill were John A. Birch, Missouri State Representative District 31 and Sen. Truman Wilson.
The Fund’s mission is to enhance the seniors’ quality of life and independence.
Gwin, who has been Executive Director since 2019, said PCSF recognizes there is no place like home.
PCSF has a program called the Family Caregiver Respite Fund, which allows caregivers of seniors badly needed time off. Many community members serve as full-time caregivers for their older family members and friends and desperately need some time for themselves.
“PCSF offers in home respite care for caregivers, but also supports senior activities in our community,” Gwin said.
Since most older people want to easily stay connected to family, friends and stay up-to-date on the latest news, the Parkville Living Center Tech Connect offers a hands-on way for seniors to learn more about computer skills, while giving seniors without computers a chance to get computer access.
“Parkville Living Center and Northland Shepherd’s Center can assist older adults with all their technology needs,” Gwin said.
When tax season rolls around, PCSF helps older people who call their office by referring them to local agencies who can help them file their tax forms.
The Fund also provides free transportation for COVID and influenza vaccines for seniors.
“We are unable to transport anyone for testing with symptoms of COVID, due to the safety of the drivers and their passengers,” Gwin said.
Savings for seniors are available for in-home services, minor home repairs, household systems and accessibility safety modifications.
“These programs are income based,” Gwin said. “Platte County Senior Fund will conduct an income verification and if the individual qualifies they are placed in a co-pay bracket for in-home services. The Home System program allows homeowners who qualify, a household allotment up to $2,000 for each program per calendar year. PCSF reviews the income guidelines on an annual basis.”
The Personal Safety Monitoring program helps to provide seniors with a sense of security. Personal Safety Monitoring products enable people to summon help when needed. They provide confidence when living independently. Fall detection is available at a low monthly cost for all models upon customer request.
The largest program at PCSF is the transportation program.
The program can assist older adults living independently in Platte County, to arrive safely to their destinations of essential business.
One of the challenges PCSF faces is that although the Fund continues to educate the public about their programs and resources, many people tend to forget they heard about the available services, which is why PCSF wants to ensure that the program information is continually kept in the public eye by signing up for their newsletters.
“We all benefit when we keep our older adults engaged, independent and included,” Gwin said. “PCSF strives to enhance our communities to become a place for all ages.”
To find out more about PCSF and all the ways it helps older people, call 816-270-2800 or go to their website: www.platteseniors.org to sign up for their newsletters.
Platte County Senior Fund is open Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.