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Economy hits seniors hard
According to senior care agencies, some senior citizens are cutting everyday expenses to keep up with the current economic downturn, and as a result, potentially putting themselves at risk.
From skipping medications and meals to falling for financial scams and canceling social outings, local elder care experts are warning families to be on alert and to make sure seniors aren’t doing anything that could be harming their health.
Herndon Harbor House resident Jerry Witt, whose wife lives in Reston's Lake Anne Fellowship House, said some seniors are asking health professionals to tell them which of their many prescribed medications are "most necessary" because they can not afford them all.
"The falling economy is hitting everybody," he said.
Nearly 60 percent of seniors 65 and older surveyed in a recent AARP study said they found it more difficult to pay for essential items such as food, gas and medicine.
In the May report, titled “The Economic Slowdown’s Impact on Middle-Aged and Older Americans,” nearly half (47 percent) said they found it more difficult to pay for utilities such as heating, cooling, or phone service.
According to the study, 46 percent have reduced the number of times they eat out and 45 percent cut back spending on entertainment.
“Cuts of essential items such as food and medication should be of immediate concern to seniors’ families,” said Bryn Pavek, owner of the Home Instead Senior Care office in Reston. “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 with the high price of gas."
When seniors’ families live a long distance from their loved ones, or when the "Boomer" children are busy trying to make ends meet themselves, an older adult can get in trouble very quickly, Pavek said.
“That’s why it’s so important that someone look out for the well-being of seniors to ensure they are safe in their homes and eating properly, taking their medications and able to maintain their appointments and social life,” she said.
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