County housing and ESP help Sara thrive at home
Warren County ESP client, Sara (r), with her care manager, Marcie
Outgoing and generous, Sara, 84, has made many friends since moving from Middletown to Franklin. Her apartment is in one of the senior apartment buildings managed by Warren County Community Services. She makes friendship bracelets for her neighbors and is known for her love of karaoke – and her many hats.
The move – and support from Warren County ESP – has helped improve Sara’s independence. Her previous home had a lot of steps, and after she broke her foot, Sara had to rely on a friend for help with many of her daily activities.
But a visit to the 741 Senior Center got her connected to her new apartment and much-needed ESP services.
Sara appreciates how convenient her new home is. “I was offered a third-floor apartment, and I can take the elevator and walk straight across to my apartment,” she said. “The laundry room is just a few doors down, and I can attend lunch in the building five days a week if I want. Everything is right where I need it, and I’ve made many new friends living here.”
With a history of falls, Sara qualified for support through ESP, including homemaking services, an emergency response system, a walker with a seat, a handheld showerhead and grab bars. Always looking out for her neighbors, Sara has become an ambassador for ESP, referring people to the program if she feels they need help.
“I love the services,” Sara said. “Denise, my homemaker, comes once a week to help me. The shower modifications help me feel secure while bathing, and when I have fallen, the emergency response system has brought help. Without these services, I would feel nervous; having them makes me feel secure.”
“Marcie, my care manager, is a phone call or text away whenever I need something,” Sara added. “I often see her when she is at the building, which gives me a chance to update her on how I’m doing.”
Warren County ESP is funded by the county’s senior services tax levy. Through the levy, Sara and more than 2,770 other older adults in the county receive supportive services in their homes – including meals, housekeeping, personal care and transportation – that help them live independently, instead of in a nursing home. The current levy will expire at the end of 2026 and must be renewed by voters in November if ESP is to continue. Renewal of the levy will not raise taxes.
Sara hopes Warren County residents will vote to continue the levy. “We all have seniors in our lives, and we would love to have your vote for the levy,” she said.
The move – and support from Warren County ESP – has helped improve Sara’s independence. Her previous home had a lot of steps, and after she broke her foot, Sara had to rely on a friend for help with many of her daily activities.
But a visit to the 741 Senior Center got her connected to her new apartment and much-needed ESP services.
Sara appreciates how convenient her new home is. “I was offered a third-floor apartment, and I can take the elevator and walk straight across to my apartment,” she said. “The laundry room is just a few doors down, and I can attend lunch in the building five days a week if I want. Everything is right where I need it, and I’ve made many new friends living here.”
With a history of falls, Sara qualified for support through ESP, including homemaking services, an emergency response system, a walker with a seat, a handheld showerhead and grab bars. Always looking out for her neighbors, Sara has become an ambassador for ESP, referring people to the program if she feels they need help.
“I love the services,” Sara said. “Denise, my homemaker, comes once a week to help me. The shower modifications help me feel secure while bathing, and when I have fallen, the emergency response system has brought help. Without these services, I would feel nervous; having them makes me feel secure.”
“Marcie, my care manager, is a phone call or text away whenever I need something,” Sara added. “I often see her when she is at the building, which gives me a chance to update her on how I’m doing.”
Warren County ESP is funded by the county’s senior services tax levy. Through the levy, Sara and more than 2,770 other older adults in the county receive supportive services in their homes – including meals, housekeeping, personal care and transportation – that help them live independently, instead of in a nursing home. The current levy will expire at the end of 2026 and must be renewed by voters in November if ESP is to continue. Renewal of the levy will not raise taxes.
Sara hopes Warren County residents will vote to continue the levy. “We all have seniors in our lives, and we would love to have your vote for the levy,” she said.