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Seniors and senior services - are feeling the economy’s effect
Fort Collins Coloradoan
June 21, 2003
Columns

The suffering economy and its ramifications are threatening dire consequences for our seniors.

With major funding cut-backs occurring at every level - federal, state and individual, a wilting stock market and retirement funds, and an increase in the baby boomer citizens reaching seniorhood, funders are facing some disturbing choices. As fewer dollars are made available, the dilemma between giving to basic human needs services or elderly programs is a painful one.

"Funders are now looking at basic needs," said Joanne Johnson, Executive Director of Elderhaus Adult Day Program, which provides day services and care for seniors as well as respite for caregivers. "It’s a real challenge to make people consider seniors and respite care as a basic need."

Like many non-profit organizations providing services for the elderly, Elderhaus is struggling to find ways to accommodate the shortfall in funding and may have to cut staffing levels or services.

"It’s made worse by the Medicaid application process changing," she said. "It’s becoming more selective, so more low-income seniors won’t be qualifying."

Medicaid is a jointly funded, federal-state health insurance program for certain low-income and needy people, and assists them in medical costs and services such as Elderhaus.

But it’s not just Elderhaus. Almost all non-profits that provide services for seniors are struggling. Retired Seniors Volunteer Program, RSVP, which recruits senior volunteers to help in the community, is also concerned. Julie Hartman, RSVP Project Manager, said they’re doing their best to keep doing what they’ve been doing, but it’s proving tough.

"It’s a trickle-down effect," she said. "Funders are having to focus only on basic needs like the homeless or serious medical issues, so volunteer services like our are not receiving the funds they need."

With over 800 volunteers per year recruited to support 75 agencies, RSVP makes a significant contribution to non-profit organizations that are already suffering themselves from the cutbacks.

"It’s affecting everybody," Hartman said.

The largest areas under threat are nutrition and transport for seniors.

"The impact is dramatic on the lives of many low-income seniors who need and look forward to their nutritious meal every day," said Mary Nittman, Executive Director of Fort Collins Meals on Wheels. "And we’re not the only ones. The Senior’s Nutrition Program is affected so much to the point that it’s existence is being threatened."

Margaret Long, Project Manager of the Offices of Aging is worried.

"For example, Dial-A-Ride can no longer subsidize clients. The cost of each journey might sound small, but for a senior who needs a return trip to the hospital three times a week for dialysis, it’s a big thing."

Traditionally, our community has an excellent record of looking after its seniors. With the growing pressures facing us from all sides, we must continue to care for the elderly through these difficult times.

If you would like to know more about volunteer opportunities serving seniors, please call FirstCall at 2-1-1. For more information on seniors issues please call the Larimer County Office on Aging at 498-6807 or United Way at 407-7000.

- By Meg Brown a.k.a.: Sophie Waghorn

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