Pride and a feeling of self-reliance are hurdles to be overcome as STAYinTV grows in Tellico Village, one of the groups’ leaders told the Tellico Village HomeOwners Association during a March 15 HOA meeting.
STAYinTV is a Tellico Village aging-in-place initiative that seeks to help Villagers remain in their homes as long as possible. The program offers homeowners assistance with rides to appointments, minor home maintenance repairs and help with grocery shopping. All work is done by volunteers.
Tellico Village University is also part of STAYinTV.
Chris Garner, who heads STAYinTV’s rides program and is the group’s treasurer, said that sometimes Villagers who no longer can do certain repairs around the house, or who can’t drive themselves to doctor appointments, are reluctant to ask for assistance.
“It’s just human nature to want to stay independent as long as you can and not ask for help,” Garner said. “But there’s no shame in asking, and folks who do use our services are always very pleased. In fact, many give a generous donation to help us continue our work.”
Garner said Villagers should be on the lookout for friends and neighbors who could take advantage of available services.
“Oftentimes folks are unaware of what’s available,” he said. “And at other times, folks are temporarily unable to drive or do repairs because of an injury, but we can help in those cases too.”
To request services, prospective clients can call 865-458-7084 and follow the prompts. Calls will be returned within 24 hours. For more information, visit http://www.stayintv.org.
