Senior Programs Provide Options

Question:
You’ve written about changes in the law that make it less likely that the government will be helping seniors. Is there anything that we can do in our own communities?

Answer:

It is true that the government does appear to be trying to balance the budget on the backs of seniors, turning a blind eye to this most needy, yet extremely powerful voting block. Past columns have discussed the greater need for advanced elder law planning as well as utilizing senior power to inspire our local representatives to modify the harsh laws they so callously passed. But there is more that we can do to take care of our own.

All over the country, although not nearly enough, individuals, charitable organizations, and local governments are joining together to provide services to seniors to enable them to stay in their homes rather than having to move on to assisted living or nursing homes. You can find these programs in cities such as Boston, Atlanta, Portland, and Albany. They vary in how they work and the type of services provided, but the goal is the same. It is called “aging in place”.

What about here in the Mid-Hudson Valley? There are certainly some excellent organizations such as R.S.V.P. of Orange County Office for the Aging and Faith in Action, which pair volunteers with seniors. Unfortunately, they have not yet been able to reach many seniors who are in need, especially outside of our cities. But the Town of Montgomery is trying to change this trend. If it works here, the hope is that it will spread throughout the region.

When approached with examples of how other localities are helping their older populations, Montgomery Town Supervisor, Susan Cockburn, responded with enthusiasm. Local senior clubs were visited for input on what type of services were needed most. A committee was formed which ultimately became the Town of Montgomery Seniors Independence Project.

Still a work in progress, the Project has drawn support from all over the County - Office for the Aging, Faith in Action, Adult Protective Services, Walden Sunshine Society, to name a few, and a host of concerned individuals. As the plan crystalized, using the best parts of programs from around the country, the Project is now poised to partner with groups such as R.S.V.P. and Faith in Action to help provide seniors with the services they need through the use of volunteers and reliable local vendors to help them remain at home longer.
What kind of services will be provided? First on the list are the ones that the seniors said they need most - transportation and “chore services” in their homes.

The primary step is gathering volunteers, both individual and through service oriented organizations. Dependable vendors who are willing to give senior discounts and be there when promised are also sought. The initial response has been extremely strong, but many more are needed for the project to work. Anyone or any group interested in supporting this extremely worthwhile movement has been asked to call the Montgomery Town Clerk, Molly Miller, at 457-2660, or senior liaison and Orange County’s Senior of the Year, Ruth Gardner at 427-2930. With enough response, this may well be the first step in taking care of our own.

Sanford R. Altman is an Elder Law Attorney with a firm, in Orange, Dutchess and Sullivan Counties, a member attorney of the AARP Legal Services Network and frequently writes on Elder Law issues for local publications. He may be reached at (845) 778-2121 or sra@jacobwitz.com Please note that while this column is intended to give general legal information, everyone’s circumstances differ. This column is not a substitute for obtaining legal advice directly from an attorney which will address your particular circumstances.

Pictured Above: Sandy Altman