We are, therefore, sending you the material which you desire. I am of the opinion that if you desire someone to be present it can be arranged. I realize this is short notice, but if you so desire and Mr. Spector gets in touch with us some arrangements will be made. Kind regards. J. CLYDE Cox, Lieutenant Colonel, Divisional Commander. STATEMENT OF LT. COL. J. CLYDE COX, SALVATION ARMY, DETROIT, MICH. The Salvation Army has always planned with and for the senior citizen in all of its activities. Providing visitation in the homes, personal counseling, activity in the corps center, both recreational and spiritual. 1. There are 33 corps centers in eastern Michigan and these provisions have always been made in these corps centers, to keep the senior citizen interested in life by providing activity for him. For a number of years, the Salvation Army maintained in its building at 601 Bagley, a home for aged women. Each woman had her own private room and cooking facilities. Special lay groups within the Salvation Army and among social clubs, took an interest in these women and planned special parties and programs with them. Usually at Christmas and Easter time. A The home was primarily, however, a place of residence for the women. large lounge was provided with radio and TV for their own personal interest. On February 1, 1959, the Salvation Army opened its Eventide home in Detroit, to house both men and women 60 years of age and over. This replaced the woman's home. An enclosed pamphlet gives the details of this Eventide home. The home provides a large room for each individual with private bath. room contains a living room area, in addition to a bedroom area. there is a lounge available to all of the residents of that floor. attendant on each floor. On the 12th floor is a large auditorium with stage, where programs, chanel services, and so forth are provided. Each On each floor On the main floor is the large dining room. The fee which is paid includes the three meals per day in the dining room and the rent of the room. Individuals may rent the room furnished or bring their own furnishings to make it as homelike as the home they left. Adjacent to the main floor lounge is an enclosed garden, which is available to Eventide guests. Activities are planned for the group throughout the week. These are sponsored by lay groups from churches, social clubs, and schools. Three large craft rooms are provided, where the residents may take part in any craft they wish. A beauty parlor is also on the main floor and the operator caters only to the residents of the home. Each resident becomes a member of the family and can enter into as many activities as they have interest for, or as few. There is a resident nurse and a dietitian to care for the needs of the residents. This is not a convalescent home and the chronically ill must of necessity make other plans. We also have an Eventide home at Saginaw, Mich., which houses women only. This home has been in existence now for some 12 years. The general plan of the Detroit Eventide home is the plan of the home in Saginaw. This serves the city of Saginaw. In addition to these homes and the services offered by each corps, there are Golden Age Clubs in practically every one of the corps centers. These clubs meet weekly. Many of the clubs have their own clubrooms in the corps building, where they can come and meet for recreation, games, and so forth, at any time. The club helps to give the Golden Ager the sense of usefulness and companionship. Their activities and work vary according to the locality. An additional service to the senior citizen is the camp program. The Salvation Army owns and operates a summer camp near Lakeville, Mich. One week of the camping period is set aside for the senior citizen of the Detroit and surrounding areas; approximately 200 attended this year A week at camp provides boating, swimming, fellowship, evening programs and a general opportunity of meeting others of the same age bracket. The week is offered free to the Golden Ager. However, if they can make a donation toward their fee, it is accepted. 2. Evaluation of the program for senior citizens: The Salvation Army has felt with its Golden Age Clubs and Eventide homes that it helps to meet the problem of the aging, by providing an opportunity for fellowship, for spiritual guidance, for recreation, for learning of new crafts and for a general uplifting of the morale of this age group. In the establishment of Eventide homes it helps to give to the senior citizen a sense of security, a feeling of belonging to a family again, a good wholesome diet and an association with people of their own age. Actually when the individuals have come into the home from a life of loneliness in a house of their own, or one or two rooms, it has broadened their horizon and actually mitigated toward improvement of physical, as well as mental health. 3. The problems: The largest problem which we face today is the shortage of finances to adequately house and provide the services needed by this age group. There is needed medical, hospital allowances which are now available. Also, additional housing. The responsibility for the care of the aging is not any one agency's problem. It should be a joint problem of both Federal and local and private groups within a community. Only through the sharing together of resources, both finance and thinking, can the solution to the problem come about. THE EVENTIDE, A RESIDENCE FOR THE AGING, 2643 PARK AVENUE, DETROIT, MICH. Introduction MANUAL OF INFORMATION, THE EVENTIDE The Eventide is a nonprofit residence for the aging and is owned and operated by the Salvation Army Eastern Michigan Division. This home has been established and is being operated for those desiring a home where they cau live in an active, Christian atmosphere. Eventide is a 14-story building located on the corner of Park Avenue and Sproat Street. It is within walking distance of the downtown shopping district and a number of churches. It is a hotel-type residence for the aging. It accommodates individuals-both men and women, and married couples. The rooms are large, airy, and light with individual baths and walk-in closets. On each floor there is a well furnished lounge with radio, television, and reading material. A hostess is on duty on each floor to attend to any personal services which are required by the residents. The top floor has been made into a chapel and a parlor for religious services and social gatherings. The main floor comprises the offices, a lounge, dining room, kitchen facilities, hobby and craft rooms. There are also craft rooms in the basement. A beauty salon is operated in the building where residents may obtain services at reduced costs, as well as a small gift shop where objects made by the residents are offered for sale. In these surroundings a resident becomes a part of the "family"; yet still retains his feelings of individuality and independence. Eligibility and admissions Any person over 60 years of age desiring to be a resident may make application. All matters pertaining to admissions are supervised by an admissions committee. The principles followed by the admissions committee in determining eligibilty, generally are: Need. Health factors. Personality. Background, vocations, avocation, interests. A preliminary application is required from each person and this establishes a file in his name. When space is available, arrangements are made for an interview with the social worker and, if all things are in order, the application is approved. The board of admissions has established certain policies for harmonious operation. Rules have been kept to a minimum since we feel that a happy family life will be determined by each individual living by the master rule the Golden Rule. Personal belongings Residents are permitted to furnish or partially furnish their own rooms, but such furnishings must be approved by the manager. The residence provides complete or partial furnishings for each room, as needed. The fire marshal advises that a room must not be filled with an undue amount of things, as it presents a hazard. Storage space permits each resident to bring a trunk for safekeeping of personal belongings. Residents will be permitted to bring their automobiles if they can make proper arrangements for the care and storage of them. At the time of admission, residents are requested to file a statement concerning their desire as to the disposal of personal belongings when no longer needed. Upon the death of a resident, his personal belongings will be disposed of as stated in a will, or a document properly executed and witnessed by two members of the admissions committee, and filed with the resident's application. Should such a situation arise, the room furnishings brought in by the resident become the property of Eventide. Room Each resident will be responsible for keeping his own room clean. Once each week linens will be changed and rooms cleaned by the housekeeping staff. Any food, sweets, or fruit kept in the room should be in a closed container as a protective measure. Where a resident desires to place a rug on a tile floor, it must have a rubber pad to prevent slipping. Due to State fire regulations, electric toasters, irons, percolators, hot plates, heaters, and the like are not permitted in the rooms. This is for the personal protection of all the people living at Eventide. Valuables The Eventide is not responsible for money, jewelry, or other valuables kept in the room. Safety deposit boxes are available for those guests who need them, and inquiry should be made at the office. Clothing should be clearly marked to eliminate loss-especially those articles which require laundering. Meals Residents are expected to be in the dining room on time for meals, and will be served only during the hours the dining room is open. The schedule of the meals is as follows: Facilities are also provided for between-meals and bedtime snacks. Guests If a resident has a guest who would like to stay for a meal, he will be welcome. Arrangements may be made through the office for a meal ticket at a nominal cost. Arrangements can also be made for the care of overnight guests. Alcoholic beverages; smoking and chewing tobacco The possession and use of alcoholic beverages is forbidden on the premises and in the residence. The use of tobacco will be permitted in specified areas. State law prohibits smoking in bed. Laundry The Eventide will be responsible for the laundering of linens and towels. Facilities are arranged for the residents to do their own personal laundry. An attendant will be on hand to assist those who need it. Telephones A public address system is installed throughout the building, so that a person may be readily reached when necessary. On each floor, across from the elevator, is a house phone which can be used to receive incoming calls, or the resident may contact the office. Arrangements can be made through the office for a private phone in the room, which becomes the responsibility of the resident. Activities Although residents are not required to work, it is suggested that, whenever possible, they volunteer for duties around the residence. The following types of home service could prove interesting, and it is suggested that mention be made to the superintendent if there is a desire to help: Nursing, sewing, library helper, care of plants and flowers, yard work, office work, store attendant. If you have a special skill which would prove beneficial to the Eventide, the manager will be glad to know of it. Program To make life full and interesting, a program of recreation, education, crafts, and social activities is provided. It is urged that all residents who feel able should participate in one or several of these planned activities. Aging does not necessarily mean a complete stoppage of all productive pursuits, and it is possible that a resident may learn a new vocation or avocation which will prove interesting. The following list of activities are among a number made available to residents: Religious services, interest clubs, flower arranging, table games, crocheting, knitting, woodworking, ceramics, sewing, reading groups, movies, painting, weaving. Religious program Residents are invited and urged to attend regular religious services, either in the chapel or at the church of their choice. A regularly scheduled program of religious worship and Bible study has been arranged for those residents who are interested in participating. On Sunday morning there is a morning worship service at 10:30; and a hymn sing at 6:15 p.m. The manager will be available for spiritual counseling and will arrange for the visit of a minister upon request. Library The Detroit Public Library has installed a branch library in the building, and the residents may check out books during library hours (hours are posted on bulletin board). Medical care Eventide is not a rest home and it is impossible for us to cater to special diets or medical services other than on a temporary basis. Residents needing medical attention should notify the office immediately. For the convenience of the residents, arrangements have been made with a number of doctors, who will be on call on a 24-hour basis. However, a doctor of the resident's own choosing will be called in the event of illness. If hospitalization is necessary, he will be taken to a hospital. Hospital, medical charges, and special nursing care are not included in the regular rate, and are the responsibility of the resident. A nurse is on duty at all times. Checkout There is no objection to a resident being absent from home. However, if he plans to be away overnight he should notify the office where he can be reached and the approximate time of his return. Termination of residence It must be understood that living in the Eventide is on a monthly basis, and if, for any reason, a resident wishes to leave, 30-day notice should be filed in the office. The Eventide, in turn, also reserves the privilege to request the resident to leave if he proves to be undesirable. This will take place only for severe infraction of rules, inability of resident to adjust to group living, or where the physical or mental health of the individual requires hospital or convalescent care of long duration. Financial agreement All payments are payable in advance. Statements will be sent to residents as a matter of routine. Rates are established by the admissions committee and can be changed only by that committee. The regular rate includes resident's room, food, supervised care, and linen laundry. If additional service is needed it will be at the resident's own expense. Rates A sliding scale of rates will be charged, depending upon the accommodations upon which the applicant will decide. Where two persons share a room, the rates will be decreased for each person. For information regarding rates, write to the manager, STATEMENT OF FREDA DIXON, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, NATIONAL FEDERATION OF BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL WOMEN'S CLUBS, INC. Hon. PAT MCNAMARA, JULY 29, 1959. DEAR SENATOR MCNAMARA: Thank you for your letter of July 17 concerning hearings of the Senate Subcommittee on Problems of the Aged and Aging. At present our interest and work in the field of the aging is confined to programs which improve employment opportunities for older women. We have been active in promoting and participating in earning opportunities forums for mature women. Five of our State federations of BPW Clubs have conducted these earning opportunities forums under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Labor and in cooperation with other organizations. I am enclosing a news release from the Department of Labor relative to these forums and a copy of the report of one State, Nevada, which held a forum in February of this year. Our national legislation platform contains two items relative to the Social Security Act. These are: Uniform retirement age and uniform benefit provisions for men and women under the Social Security Act. Increase in the amount of earned income permitted to a person receiving social security benefits. Under these items in our platform, our national legislative steering committee has approved H.R. 734 introduced by Mrs. Marguerite Church of Illinois-to amend the Social Security Act to eliminate the requirement that a husband or widower has been dependent upon his wife in order to qualify for husband's or widower's insurance benefits on the basis of her wage record. We have also supported another bill, H. R. 737 introduced by Mrs. Church, to amend the Social Security Act so as to remove the limitation upon the amount of outside income which an individual may earn while receiving benefits thereunder. Our legislation platform also contains an item to permit a person to take double income-tax exemption for a dependent over 65 or blind. We also publicize Senior Citizens Month through our magazine as illustrated by the enclosed clipping. Our president, Miss Grace B. Daniels, has been appointed to serve on the National Advisory Committee for the White House Conference on Aging so you can be assured of our federation's continuing interest in the problems of the aging. Sincerely, FREDA DIXON, Executive Director. NATIONAL FEDERATION OF BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL WOMEN'S CLUBS TO COOPERATE WITH U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR IN FORUMS FOR MATURE WOMEN WORKERS A new, practical approach to meet the needs of mature women jobseekers throughout the United States was announced today by Mrs. Alice K. Leopold, Assistant to the Secretary of Labor and Director of the Women's Bureau. The new plan encourages the leadership of the national Federation of Business and Professional Women's Clubs, Inc., of which Miss Grace B. Daniels is president,. in the conducting of earning opportunities forums for mature women jobseekers. Initiated by Mrs. Leopold in early 1956 as part of the Department of Labor's: program for older workers, the community forums focus attention on the types of jobs and training available to women and on the women in the locality who |