Guillory Chosen COA Director
BOBBY ARDOIN
St. Landry Now.com Editor
(Bobby Ardoin photo)
After watching both parents live past their 90s Elbert Guillory is more than aware of the problems faced by St. Landry Parish elderly residents.
Now those issues once faced by his parents will be addressed with the help of Guillory, who last week was named the director of the parish Council On The Aging.
Guillory and vice-chairperson Julia Richard will begin their two-year tenure immediately as they follow former COA chairman Lincoln Savoie.
Guillory 82, is a former Louisiana lawmaker who served terms as a senator and representative in parishwide election districts.
“This is a large responsibility, but it’s a responsibility that I gladly accept,” said Guillory, following his unanimous appointment at the COA building.
Following the vote, Guillory said he has sufficient knowledge about handling issues involving the parish elderly population.
“I think I’m well prepared, knowing what is at stake for our aging residents. I saw my parents each live well into their old ages and I learned a lot about the issues on behalf of those two.
“I am going to make sure this parish is a leader in prioritizing attention and care for our elderly,” said Guillory.
The parish COA serves 45 residents in the Opelousas area, said Judy Richard, who coordinates the activities, programs and meal deliveries for the COA centers located in nearly all St. Landry municipalities.
Overall the COA distributes meals five days a week to over 500 who qualify and hosts guest speakers that present information on topics such as insurance, police protection and health.
Meals are also served daily at the COA building adjacent to Evangeline Downs, Richard said. However those meals served at the COA building require payments of $5.67 for each meal or donations for those who sit down and eat.
The Meals-On-Wheels program provides free meals to those who qualify as homebound, said Richard.
There are currently 87 individuals on a Meals On Wheels waiting list, said Richard.
Nearly 20 percent of the approximately 82,000 parish residents are over 65 years of age, according to the 2020 census.
