Farmville, Virginia – Piedmont Senior Resources Area Agency on Aging is thrilled to announce that its “Delivery with a Ring” Doorbell Program received a 2024 Aging Innovations Award from USAging, one of the highest honors presented by USAging to its members. The “Delivery with a Ring” Doorbell Program, which supplies older adult friendly doorbells to the homebound older adults receiving their home delivered meals was among 16 local aging programs to receive Innovations honors during USAging’s 49th Annual Conference and Tradeshow, July 8–11 in Tampa, FL. An additional 22 agencies received Achievement Awards.
“At USAging, we are thrilled to recognize the outstanding achievements of this year’s Aging Innovations & Achievement Awards recipients. Their innovative programs and unwavering commitment to improving the lives of older adults set a high standard for excellence in our field. These initiatives not only enhance the well-being of our aging population but also inspire others to strive for impactful and lasting change in their communities,” said USAging CEO Sandy Markwood.
We here at Piedmont Senior Resources pride ourselves in delivering “more than a meal” when it comes to the well-being of the older adults we serve. So, when clients began calling stating they missed meals due to not hearing the drivers knock at the door, PSR came to the rescue by purchasing door bells for those home delivered meal clients in need. “We were constantly getting calls stating the clients missed the meal driver because they were in the back of the house or in the restroom and didn’t hear the door knock or the phone ring” stated PSR Nutrition Program Coordinator, Nikki Dean. “We wanted a solution that would benefit both our clients and our drivers making deliveries more pleasant and efficient for everyone” Dean continued. By purchasing door bells with two receivers, clients are able to put them at both ends of the house. The doorbells are also designed with older adults in mind in that they have four volumes and light up when rang. “I have a bigger home so the doorbell helps a lot” stated Lewis Taylor of Buckingham.” “It definitely wakes me up. And they even help me put it up” stated Paul Rash of Nottoway. The doorbells are being delivered and installed by our friendly meal drivers and 200 doorbells have been successfully distributed to those older adults in the Piedmont Health District who receive PSR’s Home Delivered Meal services.
This 3rd place national award speaks volumes about the work of PSR and our staff. I am so proud of Nikki Dean and this award. PSR is focused on providing for the critical needs of our local citizens. This program enhances their safety and security allowing them to hear anyone at their door such as the postmaster, police, firemen, etc., in addition to PSR meal deliveries. We are a small agency doing big things that win national awards. This was our 4th national award in a row!
The 2024 USAging Aging Innovations & Achievement Awards honored traditional and new strategies in a range of categories, including advocacy; agency operations; caregiving; community planning and livable communities; diversity, equity and inclusion; economic security; elder abuse prevention; health–social care integration; healthy aging; home and community-based services; housing and homelessness; kinship and grandfamily support; nutrition; technology; social engagement; transportation and mobility; and workforce development and volunteerism.
All winners are highlighted in the USAging Aging Innovations & Achievement Awards Showcase.
Piedmont Senior Resources Area Agency on Aging
1413 South Main Street, Farmville, VA 23901
434-767-5588
www.psraaa.org
About USAging
USAging is the national association representing and supporting the network of Area Agencies on Aging and advocating for the Title VI Native American Aging Programs. Our members help older adults and people with disabilities throughout the United States live with optimal health, well-being, independence and dignity in their homes and communities. For more information, visit usaging.org and follow @theUSAging on Facebook, X and Instagram.
