The Fairfax 50+ Community Action Plan Initiatives: Safe and Healthy Community
Project Lifesaver Expansion
Expand the Fairfax County Sheriff's Office Project Lifesaver program by using Fairfax Area Agency on Aging volunteers and developing public/private partnerships to provide additional funding. This program rescues "at risk" individuals with cognitive disorders who are at constant risk for the life-threatening behavior of wandering.
Criminal Exploitation Prevention
Address exploitation crimes against older adults with education campaigns and aggressive police enforcement.
Building Community Partnerships to Enhance Behavioral Health for Seniors
Convene a work group of representatives from the Community Services Board, Department of Family Services' Adult & Aging Services, the Health Department, community nonprofits and interested community members to explore the feasibility of implementing a Senior Reach program in Fairfax County. Senior Reach provides care management, mental health and substance abuse treatment and wellness services at no cost to older adults who are isolated, frail or in need of support.
Park Authority 50+ Initiatives
The Fairfax County Park Authority will use its upcoming Needs Assessment to better target programs and facilities to older adults. A new 50+ Portal on its website is planned, and FCPA staff will encourage a focus on the needs of older adults when designing or planning for new urban park settings.
Smart911
Promote Smart911, a national database that provides 9-1-1 call takers and first responders supplemental critical care and rescue information that may be useful during an emergency. This additional information, offered voluntarily by residents, is entered on "Safety Profiles." If a person in distress contacts 9-1-1, his or her Safety Profile is automatically displayed to the nearest 9-1-1 dispatcher. There is no cost to the user.
Arts Initiative
Encourage older adult participation in the arts through community partners such as the Arts Council of Fairfax County. Research demonstrates older adult participation in arts programs can positively impact general health, mental health, social bonds, functioning, and quality of life.
Read Summaries of The Fairfax 50+ Community Action Plan Initiatives