Lift Program in Waukesha County Receives Funding to Aid Seniors and Disabled Residents

The Brief

• The Aging and Disability Resource Center of Waukesha County assists elderly individuals and those with disabilities.
• The Lift Program Grant receives funding from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation.
• This program does not have an income eligibility criterion; however, applicants must be at least 18 years old and residents of Waukesha County.

WAUKESHA, Wis. - Free funds are accessible to assist elderly individuals and disabled persons in Waukesha County to travel conveniently.

Local perspective

Whenever 74-year-old Ann Blackney ventures out, she requires some assistance. However, unaided, her scooter is far too cumbersome for her to lift alone.

Blackney suffers from arthritis and Parkinson's disease.

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What we know

So far, she is among the 30 individuals utilizing Waukesha County's Vehicle Modification Program, which is managed by the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC).

Sarah Pfeiffle serves as the outreach coordinator for Waukesha County’s ADRC. This organization was granted $100,000 by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation to assist qualifying locals in installing a mechanical lift into their vehicles.

Pfeiffle stated that they initiated this as a pilot project in September of last year.

Blackney’s lift would have cost her $5,000. The grant paid for the whole amount.

Blackney mentioned we reside in an apartment complex," he stated. "Although I might move through it using the pathways, for the most part, I am quite restricted.

Pfeiffle mentioned that funds are still available to assist others. She added that in the near future, numerous additional individuals might require aid.

Dig deeper

Pfeiffle stated that within the coming 25 years, one person out of every three in Waukesha County will reach the age of 60 or above. Moreover, an ADRC report revealed that 14 percent of individuals in the county who are over 50 mentioned experiencing loneliness.

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Pfeiffle emphasized, 'We encourage people to venture out.' They pointed out that when individuals experience social isolation or loneliness, their chances of developing complex health problems become higher.

Blackney stated that her grant would be approved within just a few weeks.

Now I am far more agile. I go out and about," she mentioned. "It’s truly enjoyable. Truly enjoyable!

What you can do

This program does not have an income eligibility criterion; however, applicants must be at least 18 years old and residents of Waukesha County. Additionally, individuals applying should have a disability that hinders their capacity to operate, board, or utilize a private car—or necessitates the employment of a mobility aid or attendant who couldn’t fit into a standard vehicle without adjustments.

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Those who are interested should contact the ADRC of Waukesha County.

The Source

The data in this posting was gathered and presented by FOX6 News.

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