Local Nonprofit Expands To Help More Senior Citizens Age In Place

Wellington Cares has begun expanding to serve residents that are at least 65 years of age in Royal Palm Beach for free.

“We have been very fortunate over the last few years,” said Cheryl Anders, Wellington Cares board president and founder and CEO of Think Big Health Care Solutions. “Thanks to grants from the Palm Health Foundation and the Great Charity Challenge, we are able to expand our services to serve more residents of Palm Beach County.”

Wellington Cares’ free services include: pickup and delivery of prescriptions and groceries, socializing by visitation in the home or with phone calls, write letters, pay bills, make phone calls to schedule appointments, help seniors coordinate services available to them in the community, and drive seniors to doctors, therapy or places of worship. Limited services will be available to Royal Palm Beach senior residents in the beginning.

“Wellington Cares has been helping Wellington resident seniors age in place for the last eight years. We are so excited to expand our services beyond Wellington to neighboring communities throughout Palm Beach County,” said Diane Gutman, director of operations for the organization. “Our volunteer services have proven invaluable during the COVID-19 pandemic, by helping those susceptible to the virus the ability to stay home. Volunteers have provided grocery/prescription delivery; hospitality calls via phone, FaceTime or Zoom; social distancing visits; and are now able to resume transportation to medical appointments. We want other Palm Beach County residents to reap the rewards this organization has to offer.”

Although participants must be residents of Wellington or Royal Palm Beach to receive services, volunteers can be from anywhere after they pass a level two background check. For more information on services, volunteering or being a participant, call Wellington Cares at (561) 568-8818.

Wellington Cares is a community-based, not-for-profit organization committed to coordinating volunteers of all ages to assist in enabling those over the age 65 to remain in their home with the support of the community, residents and local organizations. Its goal is to build, within the communities of Wellington and Royal Palm Beach, a better place for people to grow old and remain in their homes. For more info., visit www.wellingtoncares.org.