Finding resources for low-income seniors.

I recently received an email from a friend of mine that was asking for a donation to her favorite non profit.  As I continued reading, I learned that the group was an organization that drives seniors to and from their chemo appointments.  As I thought more and more about it, I realized how critical those local, grass-root organizations are to so many families.  Meals on Wheels, senior driving services, and the senior centers that provide socialization to seniors are critical to many families.

Here is our problem: It’s easy to find resources when you have the ability to pay for them, as those groups have savvy marketing campaigns directed to seniors.  But what about the seniors that are relying on the services of shoe-string budget agencies?  Those groups that provide resources to seniors and their families that are having trouble making it financially don’t have advertising budgets to let you know of their existence.  This usually translates to families needlessly suffering and seniors struggling when they don’t need to just because they aren’t aware of services.

Please know that no matter what your needs are, there could be resources available in your community.  I first encourage families to reach out to your local senior center first.  Call and explain your situation ... You can simply say something like, “My doctor just encouraged me to no longer drive - and now I’m stuck at home.  What groups are out there that would help me get from point a to point b?”  Or you can simply say, “We’ve noticed that dad hasn’t been eating any more and we’re struggling with his nutrition.  What groups provide proper nutrition to seniors living on their own?”  Those senior centers will no exactly who you should call.

Beyond that, there are senior experts in your community.  Local chapters of the National Council on Aging (www.ncoa.org) can most definitely help you.  And if you’re needing help because you’ve been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, don’t forget to call the Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org).

Just because money is tight doesn’t mean that you need to do everything on your own.  There are resources out there that can help aid your family ... And those groups can aid you through navigating through all of the paperwork and confusion.

Every senior and family deserves the chance to embrace and enjoy life through every chapter.  Don’t be afraid to make phone calls to find your “aging ally”.  

To the beautiful road of life - no matter the stage,

Michelle