Thrive Beyond 55 Conference Connects Seniors with Available Resources
By: Orange County Communications
Orange County Triad, a service of the Orange County Sheriff ’ s Office, hosted their Thrive Beyond 55 Conference at Lake of the Woods Church on April 16, 2024. This event helps connect our vibrant senior community to resources and information developed with them in mind. Upon entering the event, attendees were welcomed with an impressive array of booths providing details about programs and services from state and local government departments, non - profits, and local businesses.
Following the presentation of colors from the Orange County High School JROTC, opening remarks from Sheriff Smith, the singing of the national anthem by Katie Blevins, and a conference overview by Triad volunteer Loretta Hernandez, knowledgeable speakers addressed the audience of well over 175 attendees and vendors. Topics for this year ’ s conference included “ Don ’ t Become a Victim ” presented by Barry Moore and Evi Karageorge of the Better Business Bureau; “ The Art of Downsizing, ” presented by Alan Sack of Caring Transitions of Fredericksburg; “ Safety for Seniors, ” presented by Deputy Ron Kesner of the Orange County
Sheriff ’ s Office (who also serves as the Triad Coordinator), and “ Tomorrow ’ s Technology, Today, ” presented by Dr. Daniel Hornick, Superintendent of the Orange County Public School system. In between speaker sessions, a delicious lunch was provided for all those in attendance. Triad offers many programs to help seniors be safe, involved, and avoid becoming victims of crime. Some examples include: • Emergency Wristband ID - Participants wear a wristband with an identification number and the Sheriff ’ s Office phone number. The band alerts bystanders and first responders to contact the Sheriff ’ s Office for information and assistance if the wearer is unable to communicate.
• File of Life - A system to provide lifesaving information to first responders at an individual ’ s home. Trained responders will know where to locate a pocket of prepared information in an emergency.
• Guardian Alert - Participants wear a small device that allows two - way communication between an individual and 911 dispatchers to provide extra assistance in the event of a fall, or other emergency.
• Project Lifesaver - Intended to save lives and reduce injury for citizens with dementia, Alzheimer ’ s disease, Autism, or any condition in which wandering is a risk; participants wear a wristband with a radio transmitter. Trained first responders can use this signal to more effectively locate the lost individual.
For more information about Triad, please contact Deputy Ron Kesner at (540) 672 - 1536 or rkesner@orangecountyva.gov.
Page 11 | May 2024
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