The Los Alamos Retired and Senior Organization staff. Courtesy/LARSO
By JACCI GRUNINGER
Executive Director
LARSO
Editor’s note: This is the first in a series of columns written by Executive Director Jacci Gruninger to introduce Los Alamos Retired and Senior Organization and its services to the community.
The Los Alamos Retired and Senior Organization (LARSO) or the Los Alamos Senior Activity Centers is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that creates opportunities for healthy aging through social engagement, physical well-being, civic involvement, creativity, and lifelong learning.
Since 1970, what are now the Betty Ehart and White Rock Senior Activity Centers have provided numerous free services, including day out/daycare, transportation, healthy community meals, home-delivered meals, health and wellness activities, social and creative programs, entertainment, as well as referrals and recommendations through case management. Most of our services are FREE to community members who are 60 years young and beyond.
We are building a vibrant senior community here in Los Alamos County. Today’s seniors want to be active, energized, challenged, and appreciated for their talents, time, and life experiences. At the Los Alamos Senior Activity Centers, we provide the people, places, and programs to fill the needs of the older adults in our county. Our highly trained and creative staff work collaboratively to support our members and effectively address their diverse needs.
We recognize that aging is not a number, it is about embracing all the opportunities provided to connect with others in order to stay active and healthy. As our community members get older they need a place that can provide timely, essential services and engaging programs. The Los Alamos Retired and Senior Organization is and must continue to be a leader in the senior adult community so that members can remain active and independent for as long as possible.
Here is an overview of what the Senior Activity Centers provide:
Day Out/Day Care Services: The Day Out program supports seniors and their caregivers by promoting positive living in Los Alamos and White Rock. Day Out is for seniors who are not ready for placement in an assisted living community but would benefit from socialization, programming, and activities.
Case Management: The LARSO Case Manager offers assessments to senior community members to determine how the center can best serve them, their families, and caregivers. They provide support and guidance through education and connect members with programs provided by county and state agencies.
Transportation: Accessible and reliable transportation is crucial for our seniors’ independence and well-being. LARSO offers door-to-door transportation services for seniors to attend medical appointments, grocery shopping, social activities, and other essential errands. We also manage a Volunteer Rides program for appointments located outside of Los Alamos County.
Home Delivered Meals: LARSO provides Home Delivered Meals to individuals aged 60 and older who are homebound and need nutrition support. Delicious and nutritious meals created in our kitchens offer one-third of the recommended dietary allowances (RDA) for the average senior.
Community Meals: Meal coordinators and kitchen managers craft LARSO’s delicious congregate lunches. An approved, registered dietitian with the Non-Metro Area Agency on Aging ensures the meals meet nutritional needs. A hot or cold meal is offered at each lunch.
Health and Wellness Activities: Activities are offered based on consumer surveys and member needs. The centers offer over 20 movement-based classes a week as well as mind-enhancing games such as bridge, pinochle, quilting, crocheting, knitting, and investment discussions among other activities.
Social Activities: The Centers also provide social activities such as dances, live theater, bingo, movies, art classes, book clubs, and woodworking.
Volunteer Opportunities: The Centers provide a safe place to be in the community with others, as well as offer numerous opportunities for volunteer work. In any given year, our members share their wisdom and skills by donating more than 6,000 service hours to our centers.
Since its creation by five dedicated women in 1970, we are grateful to all who volunteer, donate, and support the Los Alamos Retired and Senior Organization. Over the next few weeks we will share more about each of our individual services with our Los Alamos County communities. We are here to support you and/or your family members by connecting communities, creating space for companionship, and supporting independence.
The Los Alamos Senior Activity Centers offer classes, workshops, transportation, meals and much more for older adults in Los Alamos. The Betty Ehart and White Rock Centers are open 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Learn more at www.larso.org.