Board hears about senior programs
WHITINGHAM – Joann Erenhouse, from the Council on Aging for Southeastern Vermont, met with Whitingham Selectboard members at their regular meeting last week to discuss the services provided by Senior Solutions.
In anticipation of hosting a public meeting at the Bugby Senior Center in White River Junction May 29 to present the area plan on aging for Windham and Windsor counties for 2019 through 2022, Erenhouse was on a self-described “whistlestop tour” to highlight her agency’s services.
In addition to the highly successful Meals on Wheels program, Erenhouse said, “there is 3SquaresVT, formerly the Vermont Food Stamp Program created to help Vermonters stretch their food budgets.”
With a new name and expanded eligibility, more Vermont seniors than ever may qualify for 3SquaresVT. Eligible participants receive an electronic benefits transfer (EBT) card, which can be used at most grocery stores, convenience stores, farmers’ markets, and community based co-ops. If everyone in the household is 65 years or older, 3SquaresVT benefits may be deposited directly into a bank account. More information and online applications are available at www.seniorsolutionsvt.org.
Senior Solutions also sponsors monthly workshops once a month called Medicare Bootcamp for people who will become eligible for Medicare. Family members who are caregivers for elders are also welcome. The workshops, held in Springfield, are free but require reserving a space by calling (800) 642-5119, or (802) 885-2655 if calling from a cell phone. Upcoming dates for the “bootcamps” are: Thursday, June 14, 1 to 3 pm; Tuesday, July 17, 1 to 3 pm; Wednesday, August 22, 3 to 5 pm; Thursday, September 13, 1 to 3 pm; and Thursday, October 4, 1 to 3 pm.
Senior Solutions is also offering two visiting programs. “Aging populations, especially here in rural Vermont, are lonely, their friends are dropping off,” said Erenhouse, “and their mobility or eyesight may be failing. These visitor programs are a godsend.”
Seniors 55 and older who decide to become companions for other seniors who may be strangers, their neighbors or friends, even family members in other homes or communities, can be given a small stipend and reimbursement for mileage. Their obligations would include several visits a week, helping with whatever is needed, including light housekeeping, grocery shopping, medication reminders, even something as simple as reading to the recipient. “The visitor programs,” said Erenhouse, “are designed to help seniors stay in their homes.”
Erenhouse related a story she recently heard from the family of a client, a recipient of the program. “This man was a former professional with a mild case of Alzheimer’s disease who was isolated and disconnected from the outside world. With his companion, he began to increase his activities outside the confines of his home, and according to family members, he was again loving life as he used to.” The family was so pleased with the arrangement that they treated both their relative and his companion to a nice meal once a month.
Erenhouse described unpaid volunteer opportunities, noting studies that conclude, “Volunteering is good for your health.”
She requested that the board seek a contact person from Whitingham to attend monthly meetings at the Bellows Falls Senior Center. She also addressed recent legislation at the federal level aimed at increasing in-home care for veterans. “We’re working on a vet-to-vet program.” She believes this may be particularly beneficial for veterans suffering from PTSD.
Asking board members if they dance and receiving largely blank faces, Erenhouse smiled and invited the selectboard to attend a fundraiser for Meals on Wheels Saturday, September 29, at the Old Stone Church in Brattleboro. Called “Dancing for Meals,” the event will include dance lessons and a silent auction from 7 to 11 pm .
Erenhouse described an initiative to educate social service agencies, law enforcement, and the legal profession to train state police, fire fighters, and local police, adult day care center workers, and others “how to recognize, prevent, and ultimately prosecute elder abusers.” She lamented that there are only 13 employees of adult protective services (APS) in Waterbury, who cannot properly serve even a quarter of the people in the state. But the ultimate goal, one that Erenhouse strongly believes will happen, is “to shut down elder abuse.”
Erenhouse strongly encouraged seniors and their loved ones who may have any questions or concerns to utilize the senior help line at (800) 642-5119.
