Berwick council helps with heaters

BERWICK — St. Mary Council on Aging Executive Director Beverly Domengeaux made an appeal Tuesday for Tri-City area seniors in need of heaters this holiday season during Berwick’s city council meeting.
City council members donated money to St. Mary Council on Aging at the close of last night’s meeting to purchase heaters needed for Berwick seniors
“We’re having a lot of requests for small heaters for people that are bedridden,” Domengeaux said. “I had some, but we’re looking for more. That’s the only thing we’re asking for this holiday season.”
The request is for small electric heaters that cut off automatically if tipped over.
Heaters cost approximately $20 at Walmart, Domengeaux said.
At the time of the meeting, 30 heaters were needed, with 10 of those needed for Berwick seniors.
For the 10th year in a row, the organization continues to provide services for seniors without cutbacks.
“In fact, for the first time in five years, our waiting list is down to where it’s manageable,” Domengeaux said.
St. Mary Council on Aging provides services and activities for people 60 years or older in St. Mary Parish. The council provides recreation and wellness, visitations, routine phone calls, and utility assistance to seniors.
The organization also provides personal assistance, such as eating, dressing, bathing, and transferring in and out of bed/chair or walking. Limited assistance is available for those needing meal preparation, household services, and accompanying clients to and from medical appointments.
Round-trip transportation is available for seniors to get to social security offices, senior centers, and pick up groceries and medications.
Senior centers are located in Patterson, Morgan City, and Franklin.
For more information on donating heaters, contact Domengeaux at 337-828-4100, ext. 321.
The organization can send a van to collect heaters or heaters can be dropped off at one of the centers.