Downfall of Help For Elderly on Fixed Income

Beaners · #1 05/29/08, 08:03 PM

Some of the solutions presented for helping the elderly on fixed incomes have me wondering. It seems like a lot of different organizations require forms to be submitted online, or if they do mail forms, most of their information is still only found online. These are great programs that do wonderful things and help people in real need. But...

How many of the elderly that these programs are designed to help can access the information? My mother is 46 (don't tell her I shared that) and she can barely navigate the internet. This is despite the fact that she has a basic knowledge of some computer programs like word processing. She is still young and she wouldn't be able to find this information. My grandfather doesn't have a clue how to use the computer at his house. Anytime he needs something looked up, I do it for him or my brother or sister.

So if a person knows how to navigate the internet, they can find the information. If they have a loved one or caregiver who can find the information for them, they will know what programs are out there. But what about the people that have no one to help them, the ones that really need help?!

I don't have a simple solution, since the advertising required to truly make most of the population aware of the programs would probably take up any money the organization has. It's just something that's itching my brain.

Kayleigh

RoseGarden · #2 05/29/08, 10:49 PM

I have often wondered about that myself. I think it's caused by everyone just taking the internet and home computers so much for granted anymore that they don't understand that not every single household has one or that every person is computer literate.

About the only solution I can come up with is from personal experience. I knew of an elderly lady once who lived alone, no family. When she would need help with some issue or other, she would call the county and find out what was available and how she could go about it. I do know that many times she had to go into town to whatever agency's office, but she was usually able to get whatever help she needed this way. She'd call the county, they would refer her to various places, and she would just follow up and make appointments.

ETA now that I think on it, I believe she also used a local mission's outreach program to find out what was available that was not county/state/federal programs.

AR Transplant · #3 05/30/08, 10:24 PM

this reminds me of a sign I saw at my library once.

"If you cannot read, come to the adult literacy classes on Tuesday night."

I am not kidding.

ar

chris30523 · #4 05/31/08, 06:21 AM

Alot of these folks can and do get help at the local senior center.There are people there to help them sign up for different programs.I know our senior program here has buses to pick them up and take them shopping and to the senior center .There are alot of people out there that volunteer their time to help these folks.

mellba · #5 05/31/08, 07:57 AM

Our county has an office where help is available for seniors with questions about things like insurance and social security. MIL who is almost 82 goes there often. They do a great job. If she needs something done or checked out using a computer I usually do it. I bet there are people out there, though, who don't know who to go to for help.

CraftyDiva · #6 05/31/08, 08:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chris30523

Alot of these folks can and do get help at the local senior center.There are people there to help them sign up for different programs.I know our senior program here has buses to pick them up and take them shopping and to the senior center .There are alot of people out there that volunteer their time to help these folks.

This is correct. Seniors can request a "Senior Advocate" to help them solve day to day problems that they can't cope with on thier own. The Centers also deliever Meals on Wheels for those seniors who are either homebound or have no means of transportation to go buy groceries.Our senior center serves a free lunch everyday for those who can make it in , they run a lunch menu in the Village paper Some seniors just give up cooking as well, I know my 90yo MoM shut her stove down years ago and hasn't llooked back. Her toasteroven is her friend now.I suppose you could say she's still cooking on a smaller scale, she won't admit itLOL

booklover · #7 05/31/08, 08:25 AM

I work in a library and it amazes me (and makes me want to cry) that so much of "life" has to be conducted on computers. My parents (divorced) are in their 70's and my father had forms he needed to file for income taxes on the farm AND THEY WERE AVAILABLY ONLY ONLINE!! In his little town/out in the sticks really there are no senior advocacy centers. I am his senior advocacy center. My heart really goes out to these people that qualify for aid, but don't know how to google for them in the first place.

**ladycat** · #8 05/31/08, 08:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mellba

I bet there are people out there, though, who don't know who to go to for help.

I've run into plenty of seniors who don't even know that there's any kind of help available.

CraftyDiva · #9 05/31/08, 09:03 AM

Perhaps in the smaller towns/villages, you could approach the powers that be about opening a senior center. I'm sure there's some type of federal funding to do so, it wouldn't be a tax burden on the town. Just a small office in the townhall would do, doesn't have to be some eleborate bldg. All you would need is a group of volunteers to help the old folks out. And just think when you reach the age when you need help, you'll know where to go

ldc · #10 05/31/08, 01:44 PM

My mother is 82, has never driven a car (being a former New Yorker/Philadelphian)and doesn't have computer access now. She lives in New Jersey, and has to call me for help in Louisiana. And yes, it seems like all forms are only on line, the web addresses change a few times per year, and it takes me forever to find answers to her logical questions!!! Yikes! ldc

Jan in CO · #11 06/10/08, 11:52 AM

There is a lot of truth in this subject. My brother, a computer geek, found a tax 'rebate' for seniors who rent a mobile home, which applies to our mother. He only found the info by searching for tax help for himself, for HOURS on line, and it is not put out to the general public anywhere else that we have found. Only good in Utah, I think, but other states might have something similar. Gives them a rebate of 8.5% on the rent paid for thier space. Jan in Co

MarleneS · #12 06/10/08, 10:02 PM

Beaners, there are numerous programs out there to help elderly people on fixed incomes, from emergeny help with medical expenses, dental work, and keeping a roof over their heads, and economic saving things like house weatherization. Not to mention, food stamps, commodities, and other social programs. Check you local telephone book for "Council on Aging" "RSVP" and as already mentioned Senior Centers. Most do not require anything more then a one page questionaire to help determine income/need etc.

Best of luck with finding a source to help.

Marlene

Beaners · #13 06/10/08, 10:52 PM

Marlene, I think you misunderstood my post. The members of my family don't need help right now, and they also have people to help them if they ever did need help. It is people without that safety net of family and friends that I worry for, especially when it can be hard for them to learn of new programs designed to assist them.

Kayleigh

soulsurvivor · #14 06/10/08, 11:25 PM

The federal monies that fund the various local support programs doesn't typically include funding for public relations activities that would help to "spread the word". So, at least with our local Community Action program, many employees/volunteers are involved with community groups to promote the services that are available with a single phone call to our agency.

You're right. People don't typically know that federal to local monies and services are available. But it's like Marlene said, a call to any local government office can quickly get a person in contact with who/what they need.

MarleneS · #15 06/11/08, 06:58 AM

You are correct Beaner, I did make that mistake. It wasn't your family you were referencing.

It is kind of you to be concerned even if it is not about your immediately family, and now you have a means by which to let others know what programs are out there.

As soulsurvivor mentioned, there are volunteer organizations which work towards promoting the services available. RSVP that I mentioned is a volunteer organation of older people helping their communities with not only those programs, but helping others with their knowledge and experience.

Churches, local businesses, schools, public service companies, your business organizations, Kiawanas, Lions Clubs, Elks, etc. - all have name, phone numbers etc. when someone mentions someone needing help. But you are right there may be some elderly who have by choice or circumstance have been left out of the loop - it's up to people such as yourself to let them know help is out there is they need it.

Hugs,
Marlene