Seniors most vulnerable in tough economic times

The Saratogian
Published: Monday, October 6, 2008
By KATHRYN CAGGIANELLI

In the wake of the energy crisis - which will likely be exacerbated by fallout from the failing financial markets on Wall Street - cutting expenses is fast becoming a way of life for just about everyone.


But senior citizens are particularly vulnerable, say some area experts.


"Seniors are cutting back on their food and medications. And when the heating season comes, the situation is going to get worse. Their health is going to suffer," said Cindy Rieker of Home Instead Senior Care in Saratoga Springs.


There are local Home Instead franchises in Albany, Schenectady and Saratoga Springs that provide seniors with non-medical companionship services such as preparing meals and incidental transportation. Home Instead is a private-pay organization that is sometimes retained by county Offices of Aging as part of their outreach services.


"Cuts of essential items such as food and medication should be of immediate concern to seniors' families," said Nelson Carpenter, owner of the Home Instead Senior Care office serving Saratoga, Washington and Warren counties. "Other reductions in spending can lead to less obvious issues. One of the biggest problems that we see is senior isolation, which has been magnified during this troubled time in our economy with the high price of gas."


AARP released a report in May that backs up claims made by both Rieker and Carpenter.


"The Economic Slowdown's Impact on Middle-Aged and Older Americans" revealed that 59 percent of seniors age 65 and older surveyed said they'd found it more difficult to pay for utilities such as heating, cooling and phone service. And 46 percent have reduced the number of times they eat out while 45 percent cut back spending on entertainment.


Rensselaer County Executive Kathleen Jimino has been keeping a watchful eye on the situation in her county.


"We're very concerned about our seniors. Particularly as we go into the winter months. They're already paying more for gas and food and will be paying during the heating season significantly more for fuel," Jimino said. "Seniors on a fixed income can't go out and find a job and earn more to help pay for the increases."


Do I turn the heat down so I can afford to buy food? Do I skip on food so I can buy medication?


Both are questions no one should have to ask themselves, she said.


Jimino has vowed to find funding to assist the county's five senior centers accommodate their increasing numbers.


Senior centers in both Troy and Watervliet have been fielding questions about the Heating and Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) since June. The seniors they serve are clearly preoccupied with what awaits them this fall when they have to start turning up the thermostat, said Teresa Ashline, executive director of Senior Services Center at 1501 Broadway in Watervliet.


And turnout for hot lunches that are served Monday through Friday is up. But funding hasn't kept pace with the increase, Ashline said. United Way funding for that program was eliminated. "We may be forced to close two days a week in order to be able to afford the services and meals that we serve," she said.