As our loved ones age, there usually comes a time when some form of help is needed. The loved one's requirements may be modest at first, ratcheting up in complexity as time goes by.

Residents of Johnson County are fortunate to have a plethora of services that support aging. In fact, as Human Services aging professionals interact with residents of other counties and states, they repeatedly hear laments from people who wish their communities were as generous and supportive as ours. One resource to be aware of is Jewish Family Services of Greater Kansas City.

Jewish Family Services (JFS) is a place to turn when dealing with crises or everyday challenges. With a highly skilled and compassionate staff, JFS helps make life more manageable. The organization was founded upon the Jewish value of preserving the well-being, comfort, and dignity of others.  Staff always respect the confidentiality of clients.

While the priority of JFS is to serve the Jewish community, the Jewish value of Tikkun Olam (repairing the world) inspires the organization to serve all people. Staff dedicate themselves to providing peace of mind and a better life for everyone served, regardless of age, race, ethnicity, religious affiliation, or economic situation.

In-home services

One premier JFS program, called Help@Home, provides high-quality, dependable minor home repair services and access to a variety of other services to help older adults maintain their independence.

Let's say that your dad's to-do list is starting to weigh you down. One of his door latches is broken, his mattress needs to be flipped, his furnace filters need to be replaced, and he could use some new storage shelving. Your own job keeps you burdened and, truth be told, you're not the greatest jack-of-all-trades. JFS could be your answer.

Help@Home is a membership-based, fee-based program, whose services are provided by "community handymen" who are trained in first aid and CPR and are employees of JFS. Services include:

• Minor home repairs that include fixing toilets and leaky faucets and installing hand rails and grab bars.
  
• Chores that include moving furniture, changing light bulbs, and programming DVD players.
  
• Computer troubleshooting and help with computer tasks such as e-mail, printing documents, and connecting to the Internet.
  
• Home safety assessments with occupational therapists from John Knox Village, who will make sure a home provides a safe and comfortable living environment through necessary modifications.
  
• Information and referral regarding additional community resources to foster independence.
  
• Social, educational, and life-enriching programs in cooperation with the Johnson County Library, Johnson County Community College, and Shepherd's Center Central.

To participate in Help@Home, residents must be 65 or older. (The program is also available to those younger than 65 who have a physical or mental disability.) Membership fees are assessed on a sliding scale and can be as low as $7.50 a month; the fee is based on a person's household income.

For more information regarding Help@Home, call 913-327-8239 or e-mail helpathome@jfskc.org.

To learn more about other JFS programs, including a volunteer-based driver program, visit www.jfskc.org.