DAVIS COUNTY -- On Feb. 26, 2006, two departments within the Davis County Health Department merged, creating a new Department of Senior Services. Since that merger, Davis County seniors have seen many improvements with care facilities and more, and the Davis County Health Department has been able to spend more time and money on programs available to seniors. When the Davis County Aging Services director retired, the department decided it would be more cost-effective to create the totally new Senior Services Department. While no one was laid off in the process, the merger, along with small tax increases, infused about $800,000 for Senior Services to use. Since 2006, dozens and dozens of changes and improvements have been made in Davis County for the health promotion of senior citizens. "Our goal is to maintain good health and help turn the process of aging into a positive experience," said Family Health and Senior Services director, Sally Kershisnik. As the director, she has made 2007 a successful year, and has plans to keep up that success. With the new funds available for 2007, the Health Department was able to tackle projects such as the quality of food for Meals on Wheels and at the senior centers themselves. "Social experience centers around food," said Davis County Health Director, Lewis Garrett. "Food quality is dramatically improved, and the environment is better."

During lunch inside the senior centers, a variety of choices are available from a soup and salad bar that was recently added. The department was also able to purchase new vehicles to carry Meals on Wheels and equip them with heating lamps to keep food warm and safe.

The senior centers have had some carpet replaced, air conditioners upgraded, heating upgrades, leaky ceilings re-placed, and long, square tables replaced with small, round ones.

"Food service is not only about eating, but the ability to talk," said Kershisnik. Those round tables allow for more socializing in small groups as people can now face each other when talking.

In the Health Department itself, more vehicles have been upgraded, staff has increased, waiting lists have been cut down, and computer labs have been upgraded.

"We've been able to do more now than we would not have been able to do before," said Garrett.

"We've been able to take those savings and roll it into services for seniors."

- The new focus for the next four years is on healthy lifestyles. Kershisnik has eight goals set up for 2008-2011:

- Keep a focus on the Caregiver Program

- Increase availability of senior health insurance information

- Implement New Choices Program for those who want to keep out of nursing homes

- Reduce the alternatives waiting list to help seniors stay in their homes

-Increase activities and education efforts

-Work with management and staff to increase cultural sensitivity

- Increase the quality of education for seniors and Caregivers

- Increase the volunteer pool.

Every May, Kershisnik turns in a four-year plan to the state on what improvements are going to be made and how funds are going to be spent. The department has made a good start on the above goals for 2008-2011. Davis County has programs like the yearly Davis County Walks, the Ombudsmen program for things like senior rights and abuse, health education classes, and media for Davis County seniors, including the Senior Scoop and Davis Cable 17 that airs twice a month to help raise awareness for senior health and promotion.

Classes that Kershisnik would like to add include travel classes, fall-prevention classes, arthritis prevention and computer classes.

"Every time I hear about a new program at a convention or meeting, I get so excited about it!" said Kershisnik.

Her focus is on improving the quality of life for seniors by making others more culturally sensitive and implementing evidence-based programs for physical and mental exercise for seniors.

Kershisnik also encourages everyone to get involved in the lives of seniors around them. "Volunteering and helping people out is not only important for the community, it's important for the individual."

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