Need help shoveling snow? Here’s how a Missouri organization is helping the community
EDITOR'S NOTE: The name of the organization that runs the service has been corrected.
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ.)
After a big winter storm, not everyone is able to clean the snow off their driveway. This is why Columbia offers volunteer shoveling services with Services for Independent Living.
Volunteer services are offered to seniors that are 55 and older and 200 percent below the poverty level.
According to the National Institute of Health, an average of 1.6 million adults go to the emergency room each year due to fall-related injuries. Studies have shown the chances of falls in colder weather increase significantly after age 65.
Services for Independent Living, a group that helps people with disabilities, senior citizens, and veterans, allows individuals and groups to help assist their community with snow and ice removal.
Shoveling the snow is not an issue for everyone. However, Columbia resident Lowell Fish says he's used to shoveling snow so he doesn't need the services but he'll still recommend it to his friends and family.
"I do it all the time, I live here, so it just gives me something to do because I'm retired so", Fish said.
Fish spent a little over an hour and a half shoveling snow between yesterday and today, and he told ABC 17, he helped with snow removal for over 20 years at his previous job so this is nothing new.
Snow and ice can still be dangerous for anyone who walks outside but it is especially unsafe for older adults. According to Comfort Keepers, an organization dedicated to providing in-home senior care, sensitivity may decline when you're in your 60's and 70's which can make falling easier.
The site also states that the elderly may be on medication that has side effects which could also make falling more easier.
Luckily, when the weather gets cold and there's a lot of snow to clean up. The Independent Living Center looks to help support disabled and elderly people who want to live independently on their own. when they have enough volunteers to do so.
When the organization has enough volunteers, they'll help out all seniors that meet the criteria. You can find more information and a phone number to the organization by clicking here.
