Getting older isn't something people typically want to talk about or even think about, but a Milwaukee non-profit is making it easier for families to just that. Colleen Fechtmyer is 66, but said it's never too early to think about the future.
"My husband and I have been more proactive decluttering, cleaning out our house and just preparing for when we get a little bit older," said Colleen Fechtmeyer.
She said a workshop put on my Love Thy Neighbor, a Milwaukee non-profit helping aging senior and caregivers, not only got her thinking about her situation but also a family member who lost a leg.
"They needed someone to build them a handicap ramp so we reached out to Love Thy Neighbor and they do that kind of stuff for people that can't afford it and need something in a hurry like that," said Fechtmeyer.
Al Emmons founded the website that finds services and information for aging adults who want to stay in their homes.
"It's like Angie's List or Home Advisors for senior citizens," said Emmons.
Here people can find 400 services from health and insurance to cleaning and maintenance.
"You get to a point where you can't clean the gutters, or mow the lawns or shovel yah know but you still want to stay in your own home, said Emmons. We are a one stop shop."
Emmons wants people to know they have options that are easily accessible.
"We're not telling you what to do we're just saying you have choices," said Emmons.
It's a tool that one day might be a lifesaver for Colleen and her family.
"It just benefits you to educate yourself and know in advanced and have the resource of Love Thy Neighbor," said Fechtmeyer.
Here is a list of upcoming free workshops to learn more about Love They Neighbor.
Wilson Park Senior Center (2601 W Howard Ave., Milwaukee)
Thursday, August 15 - Home Care & Hospice Care - 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Thursday, September 19 - Vision and Hearing - Problems and Solutions - 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Thursday, October 17 -Medicare 2020 - New Coverage and Plans - 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Thursday, Nov.21 -Arthritis Medications & Treatment: Then and Now - 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Thursday, December 19 - Scams, Scams and more Scams - Be Aware - 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Burlington Senior Center (587 E. State Street, Burlington)
Thursday, August 22 - What’s going on in Wisconsin? State Speaker Robin Voss - 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Victory of the Lamb Church (11120 W Loomis Rd., Franklin)
Thursday, October 10 - Medicare 2020 - New Coverage and Plans - 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Thursday, Nov.14 - Arthritis Medications & Treatment:Then and Now - 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Thursday, December 12 - Scams, Scams and more Scams - Be Aware - 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Kelly Senior Center, 6100 S Lake Dr, Cudahy, WI 53110
Wednesday, September 11 - Scams, scams and more scams - 12:00pm - 1:30pm
To learn more go to https://lovethyneighborfoundation.org/
