Helping Older Adults Live Well, Age Well and Stay Independent
At the Shepherd’s Center of Hamilton County, we know aging comes with a lot of questions. Whether you’re trying to help a loved one navigate services or planning for your own future, it can be overwhelming to know where to begin. That’s why we created Reaching Resources—a powerful, people-first program that connects older adults with aging services, support, and solutions in Hamilton County.
If you’re looking for a trusted guide through the journey of aging, Reaching Resources is here for you.
What Is Reaching Resources?
Reaching Resources is one of SCHC’s core programs, and it serves as the central hub for aging-related services in Hamilton County. We offer personalized help to connect seniors 55+ and their caregivers to the programs, resources, and support systems they need to stay independent, safe, and engaged.
Our goal is simple but powerful:
- Prevent isolation
- Improve quality of life
- Help seniors age in place safely and with dignity
Through one-on-one assessments with the seniors and strong community partnerships, Reaching Resources becomes a reliable companion for older adults and caregivers navigating the aging journey.
Why Reaching Resources Matters
Aging looks different for everyone. Some people need help finding transportation to appointments. Others may be looking for trusted home health or caregiving services. Many just want someone who understands what they’re going through.
Reaching Resources bridges the gap between questions and answers—between people and services. And it does this at no cost to adults 55+ in Hamilton County and their caregivers.
It’s more than a program—it’s peace of mind.
How Reaching Resources Works
We believe that the best way to support someone is to meet them where they are—literally. That’s why Reaching Resources begins with an in-home visit from a compassionate and trained Reaching Resources Case Manager.
Step 1: The Intake Assessment
The case manager sits down with the older adult and (if desired) their caregiver to conduct a comprehensive assessment. This includes questions about:
- Physical and mental health
- Personal safety and ability to live at home
- Concerns
- Current family or community support
- Housing needs
- Transportation access
- Personal goals and concerns
- Planning for the next 3–5 years
- Home safety assessment (fall risk)
The goal is to understand the whole picture, what’s going well, and where support is needed.
Step 2: Creating an Action Plan
After the assessment, the case manager develops an individualized action plan. This might include:
- Immediate referrals to services like transportation, housing help, food delivery, or health care
- Longer-term planning for aging in place or care coordination
- Information about other SCHC programs like Community Caring or Together Today
- Connections to vetted local organizations for needs beyond SCHC’s scope
Step 3: Making the Connections
Our Reaching Resource case managers are plugged into the most up-to-date resources and services in Hamilton County. For every need that our clients have, we can offer multiple trusted partners for them to access. For those who need a little more assistance with making the connection, we are there to help them through the process. We will follow up and ensure their needs are being met.
The Human Touch That Makes a Difference
Reaching Resources is more than a list of phone numbers. It’s a relationship with a trusted advocate working side-by-side with the people we serve.
Our team works from the heart. We take the time to build trust, understand each person’s story, and truly walk with them through challenges and decisions.
“As a caregiver, having other positive interactions for your loved one is so important so that you don’t feel the weight of being the only one” Leigh, caregiver of her mom.
Real-Life Support, Real-Life Impact
Here are just a few ways Reaching Resources has changed lives:
- Providing transportation for a man who was legally blind to the grocery store on a regular basis, which allowed him to stay in his home.
- A friendly visitor plays cards with seniors and helps her feel less lonely and independent in her home.
- One of our case managers helped a client apply for energy assistance, which helped them to be able to afford to keep their heat on for the winter.
- They provided three trusted resources for services and the client picked which one they preferred so they could keep living independently.
- Installed grab bars and railings around the homes of numerous adults to help reduce the risk of falling.
Every day, we help seniors not just survive—but thrive.
A Community Effort
Reaching Resources is housed at the Shepherd’s Center of Hamilton County, but it’s built on collaboration. We proudly partner with a wide network of organizations across Hamilton County who are equally committed to helping seniors live healthy, independent lives.
These collaborators include:
- Health care providers
- Legal and financial aid groups
- Senior housing communities
- Food security organizations
- Transportation services
- Volunteer networks
- And many more
Together, we’re improving the way our community serves older adults.
Common Questions We Hear
“Is there a cost?”
Nope! Reaching Resources and all SCHC programs are completely free to adults 55+ and their caregivers in Hamilton County.
“Can I sign up my parent or neighbor?”
Yes. Caregivers, family members, or even concerned friends can refer someone. We’ll follow up to get started. But ultimately it will be the seniors decision if they want to move further along the onboarding process.
“What if I don’t know what I need?”
That’s okay! Many people start by saying, “I don’t even know what to ask for.” That’s what we’re here for. Our detailed intake process helps uncover needs you might not even realize you have.
Beyond Reaching Resources: Our Other Programs
Reaching Resources is just one part of our mission to empower Hamilton County’s older adults. You might also be interested in:
- Community Caring: One on one support from our trained volunteers. We help with things such as transportation, friendly visitors, installation of safety equipment (grab bars, railings), etc.
- Together Today: Daily social groups meeting throughout the county to fight loneliness & isolation and encourage friendship and community connections.
- Guardianship: Legal guardianship services for vulnerable adults.
- Counseling: Free mental health support through our licensed counselors for seniors & caregivers navigating grief, anxiety, isolation, and life transitions.
Each program works together with Reaching Resources to offer a whole-person approach to aging support.
Are You a Caregiver?
Being a caregiver is a rewarding but often challenging journey that requires patience, resilience, and support. At Shepherd’s Center of Hamilton County (SCHC), we understand the vital role caregivers play in supporting older adults. That’s why our mission to promote and support independent lifestyles for adults 55+ includes resources and programs that directly benefit caregivers, too. Whether you’re navigating the healthcare system, looking for care options, or seeking connections with others in similar roles, SCHC is here to help. We’re proud to be a trusted resource in Hamilton County, offering guidance that empowers both seniors and their caregivers. If you’re looking for support, tools, or community, explore our caregiver resource hub: Caregiver Resource Page
Help Us Spread the Word
If you know someone who could benefit from Reaching Resources, don’t wait. Referring someone is easy, and it could change their life.
Call us at (317) 674-8777
Email us at lisa@scofhc.org
Visit https://shepherdscenterofhamiltoncounty.org/reaching-resources/ to learn more
You can also follow us on social media to see how we’re helping older adults thrive every day.
Instagram: scofhc
Facebook: Shepherd’s Center of Hamilton County
TikTok: shepherds.center
YouTube: shepherdscenterofhamiltonc1296
Let’s Navigate Aging Together
Aging doesn’t come with a roadmap—but Reaching Resources can be your guide. Whether you’re planning ahead, in a crisis, or just looking for a little extra support, we’re here.
At Shepherd’s Center of Hamilton County, our mission is to help you or your loved one age confidently, safely, and independently with dignity. You don’t have to go it alone.
Reaching Resources is here to help. Let’s start the conversation.