Surrey Services for Seniors, Inc.

Today, Surrey is at a pivotal point as we look ahead to how we can provide innovative programs and services that will address the changing needs of our growing population of older adults. With broad-based community involvement, we examined the challenges and opportunities that older adults will face in the future. As a result, we have developed innovative and exciting new programs and services that will inspire, enable, and connect older adults at all stages of the aging process.

INSPIRE: Learning Sharing and Exploring New Horizons

The Beilenson Institute for Innovation in Aging: Brings innovative and cutting-edge programs and services to our region through the leadership and engagement of national leaders in the field of aging.

Virtual and Center-Based Programs: Provides a full cadre of educational, innovative, and creative programs that nourish the mind, body, and spirit.

Technology Initiatives: Gives those who do not have access to technology, training and support, the tools to connect with others, and experience programs.

Surrey Academy: Offers vocational training and employment opportunities for caregivers and preparation and support for family members caring for a loved one.

ENABLE: Promoting Health and Wellness

Home Care & More: Combines a wide range of client-centered home care services such as personal care, 24-hour live-ins, telemedicine, and RN care management, together with transportation, cleaning, grocery shopping, and more to help older adults live safely and securely in their homes.

Expanded Nutrition Program: Promotes healthy nutrition through educational programs and opportunities to receive a hot, nutritious lunch including “Grab and Go” lunches, home-delivered meals for those who are most vulnerable, and meals offered at the various Centers.

Collaborative Healthcare Programs: Offers convenient, comfortable and accessible healthcare services at the Surrey Centers in collaboration with community-based healthcare providers to encourage better management of health.

CONNECT: Creating Community

Volunteer Opportunities: Builds and strengthens the Surrey community by providing enriching, interesting, and meaningful volunteer experiences.

Intergenerational Programs: Connects older adults with the young, building relationships through shared experiences, enriching the lives of both.

Transportation: Provides safe and convenient transportation to Surrey Centers, medical and other appointments, and social gatherings to foster connection with others.

Family Support Programs: Offers a comprehensive scope of programs and support services that help to ensure the health, wellness, and safety of a loved one, and affords families peace of mind through communication and outreach.

Surrey’s philosophy of “Neighbor Helping Neighbor” has never been more important than today!

In these unprecedented times, Surrey has become a lifeline to seniors who are now isolated in their homes. Many of our seniors live alone, without family support, and are frail and vulnerable. These seniors, in addition to health risks from the virus, are now at increased risk because of isolation, lack of access to nutritious meals, and lost opportunities for socialization which lead to declining mental and physical health. For them, Surrey has been, and continues to be, their “family.”

Surrey has a long history and is a recognized leader in the field of aging in our region. We have a dedicated and committed board, a strong yet lean staff including a strong leadership team led by President and CEO, Christi Seidel, and a robust volunteer corps which when at full capacity (pre-covid), numbers of 900 dedicated individuals. We also have established partners throughout the area that we collaborate with on many initiatives including Meals on Wheels, Delaware County Offices for Services on Aging (COSA), Chester County Department of Aging, Community Volunteers in Medicine, and more.

Surrey also has a robust development program led by the Chief Advancement Officer and supported by a strong volunteer development committee, dedicated increasing the the financial capacity of the organization through pubic and private funding.

The creation of the Beilenson Institute for Innovation in Aging is a significant milestone in Surrey’s 40-year history. Aptly named for John Beilenson, a nationally recognized expert in the field of aging, former Board Chairman, and long-time Surrey Board member, the Institute recognizes the many contributions that John has made to establishing Surrey’s leadership in the provision of services for older adults. Many of the programs, services and activities that exist today are the result of his passion to inspire Surrey to reach beyond current practices to find new and innovative ways to address the changing needs of older adults. The Institute is the realization and continuation of that deep commitment.

The Institute will bring together national experts in the field of aging, who will share new concepts and novel insights about aging, with a focus on changing perceptions of aging, as a time of limitations to one of learning, discovery, and exploring new horizons. These concepts will be incorporated in new and innovative programs that will be introduced to our community addressing quality of life, health, wellness, and other issues relevant to all of us as we get older.

The Institute will establish Surrey as a “proving ground” for emerging concepts in the delivery of services addressing the needs of older adults at all stages of the aging process. These programs will be offered for older adults and their families, professionals who provide care and regional organizations who serve the older population through shared resources, expertise, and collaboration. The Institute will be the catalyst to foster best practices in aging services to benefit all of us as we age.

Technology now plays, and will continue to play, an enormous role in the health and welfare of our seniors. It is the platform upon which Surrey has been able to adapt so quickly to this crisis and continue to serve the physical, mental and social needs of older adults. However, we know common barriers to accessing technology shared by those more vulnerable include financial instability, lack of awareness, or reluctance to change. Surrey surveyed our community and received almost 500 responses showing “low tech” members have been experiencing increased feelings of social isolation and anxiety more than the members who are “high tech” and have tech devices.

“I have felt completely isolated as most communication is on-line now but I do not have a computer or smart phone and I could not afford one.”

"I cannot afford devices. I would love virtual classes but being on limited income, money is better spent on medicine, groceries, etc. “

To reach and engage these seniors, those must vulnerable and isolated during the pandemic, Surrey has established a customized Technology Lending Library to help older adults who do not have and cannot afford technology devices, gain access to our virtual programming and other virtual social interactions with family and friends.