One of the most underserved populations in the country is senior citizens.

In Lawrence County, for seniors who can’t live alone but don’t need a full-service nursing center, options are limited.

Eastern end seniors who used to rely on congregate meals and fellowship five times a week now have to settle with just three days a week after the Sybene Senior Center lost funding.

For seniors who live alone and have no family nearby, finding the answers to everyday questions can be a challenging task. Even things as simple as housework can seem insurmountable to someone who can no longer physically take on big chores.

Thankfully, they will have Patti Deer to advocate for them.

Deer was recently named senior citizens liaison through the Ironton Health Department. On a contract basis, she will help any senior citizen find the resources they need to make life a little bit easier.

Deer recently spoke of her new appointment at the Ironton Lions Club weekly meeting and said senior citizens who need help, or just an ear to listen, can call her.

Deer’s liaison services should be a great asset to the county, which has a large aging population. Many of those seniors don’t have anyone else they can rely on when they have a problem, big or little, that needs answering.

This simple service will meet a great need in Lawrence County. We hope seniors will take advantage of it.