OLLI and SALT Teaming Up to Host Senior Citizen Safety Programs in Fayetteville

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute and SALT — Seniors and Law Enforcement Together — are teaming up to host a series of free senior safety programs.

The seminars will be presented on four consecutive Wednesdays in October at Drake Field in Fayetteville.

SALT is an organization formed as a local branch of TRIAD, a national association that is the partnership of law enforcement, older adults and community groups. SALT promotes safety among older adults and seeks to reduce the fear of crime by providing programs and resources to educate, assist and support seniors.

Locally, Washington County SALT is sponsored by the Washington County Sheriff's Office with board members representing the sheriff's office, the county fire department, city police departments and city fire departments along with other community representatives from organizations that serve older adults and their families. Washington County SALT also has a council of interested citizens who inform the SALT board about relevant and timely issues to address. 

Washington County SALT regularly plans four-hour safety academies in community venues around the county. Topics generally covered include SMART 911, fall prevention, fire safety, scams and elder law. SALT also has a speakers bureau with a variety of one-hour topics for presentation to community groups. 

In October, SALT is partnering with OLLI for the first time to present the safety academy as a series.

"SALT is very excited to partner with OLLI to present these topics to the community," said Alishia Ferguson, SALT president. "SALT is a very rewarding volunteer commitment. The entire SALT board is deeply committed to the mission of SALT and believe that the information provided to participants will be valuable in keeping them safe in their homes."

The following events will be held at Drake Field in Fayetteville from 3-5 p.m.:

Oct. 2: SMART 911 – Fire Safety & Fall Prevention

This session will introduce SMART 911, a secure web-based system used to provide vital information to first responders. Resources will be available that will assist participants in signing up for the service or helping others to do so. Additionally, this session will highlight actions to take to enhance fire safety and prevent falls and household accidents. The instructor is Jeremy Ashley of the Fayetteville Fire Department.

Oct. 9: Recognizing Scams – Seniors and Law Enforcement Together

This session will focus on scammers who target older adults and their families. Popular scams will be highlighted and explained.  Tips for the prevention of scams will be shared with participants and there will be plenty of time for questions. The instructor is Greg Lawson from the Fayetteville Police Department and possibly Diane Bufford from the attorney general's office.

Oct. 16: Elder Law: Planning for the Future – Seniors & Law Enforcement Together

This session will focus on common legal strategies for securing your future. Power of Attorney, Advance Care Directives, Trusts and steps to take at the bank will be covered. The speaker will take your questions. This session is no substitute for legal advice. The instructor is Gary DeWitt  of DeWitt Law Firm.

Oct. 23: Disaster Preparedness: Seniors and Law Enforcement Together

This session is designed to prepare older adults for disaster. Tips for getting for weather events, ways to communicate with others in case of disaster and planning for the unexpected will be covered. The instructor will be a Washington County Emergency Management representative.

Visit OLLI for more information for how to become a member or to sign up for classes. See the OLLI course catalog here.

OLLI was established at the University of Arkansas in 2007 through an endowed gift from The Bernard Osher Foundation. OLLI programs are tailored to adults, 50 and older, but there are no age restrictions or academic prerequisites. OLLI at the U of A offers a variety of courses, special events and social activities to its members, who come together in a lively learning environment to explore intellectual and cultural topics of interest, share their experiences and talents, and make new friends. Courses and events cover thought-provoking and wide ranging topics from global events to the arts, from history to health science research, to important local and worldwide issues of the day. Courses and programs are led by current and retired U of A faculty and community experts who are knowledgeable, engaging and passionate about the topics they teach.