“AGE MY WAY” FOR OLDER AMERICANS MONTH
Each year the Administration for Community Living (ACL) promotes a celebration of older Americans in the month of May. This year, the theme is “Age My Way”. The focus is on older adults aging in place and living independently for as long as possible.
The number of adults in the United States over the age of 65 has increased dramatically since 2011 when the baby boomer generation began hitting that milestone. The fastest-growing segment of the population, however, is those over 85, with numbers expected to top 21 million by 2050.
As a result, the demand for services and programs available to help seniors maintain their independence is rising. Community-based programs, as well as in-home services, face a growing population to care for. Each senior is unique in their needs, therefore, it is important that all aspects necessary for preserving health, such as good nutrition, decreased social isolation, and safety, play a role in senior programs.
Here are some of the current federal and state programs as well as tips to address these issues. Take time this Older Americans Month to become familiar with them and help a senior enroll and take part in one that fits their needs.
NUTRITION SERVICES
SENIOR FARMERS MARKET NUTRITION PROGRAM (SFMNP)
The SFMNP program was established by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) in 2001. It was designed to improve the nutritional status of seniors. The 2002 Farm Bill permanently expanded the program across the country and increased mandatory funding.
To be eligible for SFMNP, adults must be at least 60 years old and meet established income limits. State agencies run the programs and distribute coupons or vouchers to eligible low-income seniors to purchase fruits, vegetables, honey, and herbs from authorized local farmers, farmer’s markets, and roadside stands. In order to participate in the program, the vendors are trained and agree to accept the coupons or vouchers.
Seniors participating in the program also receive nutrition information and advice on which fruits and vegetables are in season. Some locations also provide cooking instructions.
The program runs from June 1 to November 30. State agency contacts can be found at https://www.fns.usda.gov/contacts?f%5B0%5D=program%3A31
SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (SNAP)
SNAP is a federal program enacted to help provide nutrition to underserved populations. It is formerly known as the Food Stamp Program which was started in 1939 under President Roosevelt. Prior to that in 1933, the Agricultural Adjustment Act was the forerunner of SNAP and intended to support farmers affected by the Great Depression.
Over the years the program has had many changes in terms of funding, and eligibility. Today, SNAP is available to anyone whose net monthly income is at or below the poverty line and whose assets fall below specified limits. Generally, students enrolled at least part-time in any type of higher education, are not eligible unless they meet one of several exemptions, however, the Continuing Appropriations Act of 2021 extended eligibilities temporarily due to the pandemic. Check the USDA website: https://www.fns.usda.gov/disaster/pandemic/covid-19/snap-waivers-flexibilities for the most current information and waivers by state.
While it is a federally funded program, it is operated at the state level, and each has its own application process. Once accepted into the program, participants receive an electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card to which benefit dollars are added once a month. Benefits can be used to purchase food at most supermarkets. They cannot be spent on non-food items or alcoholic beverages.
The SNAP program enables families to buy food and frees up dollars needed to pay bills or rent. In addition, SNAP participants are provided with nutrition education programs to help them make healthy food choices. For more information on SNAP locations, visit https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/retailer- locator
CONGREGATE AND HOME-DELIVERED MEALS
Congregate Meals are usually served in social settings at senior centers or other community sites. They consist of a nutritious lunch meal for older adults over the age of 60, and their spouses, as well as caregivers and younger people with disabilities. There are no income or other eligibility requirements. In some cases, a donation is requested and a reservation may be required.
Home-Delivered Meals are commonly referred to as “meals on wheels”. Two meals per day are delivered to homebound individuals due to age, illness, or disabilities. The meals are served 5 days per week and consist of a hot lunch and cold dinner. In some instances, cultural and religious preferences can be met, as well as texture modifications, and special dietary needs.
Congregate and Home-Delivered Meal programs help to decrease hunger and food insecurity. They reduce the incidence of malnutrition in older adults and provide an opportunity for social interaction, and nutrition education. Staying socially connected improves access to community resources, and offers opportunities to volunteer.
Both of these programs are funded by the federal government as part of the Older Americans Act but operate at the state and local levels. All meals must comply with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and meet 1/3 to 2/3 of the daily dietary reference intakes (RDIs), and menus are reviewed by Registered Dietitians. In addition, state or local laws regarding safe and sanitary food handling must be followed. Sites for these programs can be found at https://www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org/find-meals and on local county websites.
SOCIAL SERVICES
ADULT DAYCARE
Adult daycare programs are designed to provide oversight and companionship to seniors who cannot stay alone without supervision or for those who feel isolated, and alone. They also provide support to caregivers who need a reprieve and allow them time off for work or personal care.
The goals of the program are to prolong aging at home and delay or avoid institutional or nursing home placement. Adult daycare centers also provide socialization and emotional support.
Daycare centers are located in a variety of settings such as senior centers, hospitals, recreation centers, churches, schools, and nursing facilities. Not all centers are licensed and regulated, creating a wide range in the types of services and level of care provided. Visiting sites and talking with other families will help determine which best meets your needs.
Costs for the program also vary and will depend on the services offered. Local Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) can assist with finding centers and provide information. Or visit the Eldercare Locator at https://eldercare.acl.gov/.
ELDER ABUSE PREVENTION
Elder abuse is an intentional act or disregard for a senior, that puts them in harm’s way. The abuser is usually a trusted caregiver. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports elder abuse as a serious problem affecting “1 in 10 people aged 60 and older who live at home”. Many cases go unreported, however, when the senior is fearful or ashamed or unable to tell family or friends. Elder abuse is not only neglect or physical abuse. It also includes sexual, emotional, and financial abuse.
An abused senior can become anxious and depressed, leaving them feeling helpless and hopeless. Watching for these signs and talking with them can help identify and address issues before they escalate. Also, talking with caregivers can help family members understand the burden of caring for their seniors, and offer them support or time off. The National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) has a directory of resources for reporting elder abuse.
IN-HOME SAFETY
Seniors living alone at home are at risk for injury or harm due to falls, fires, medication errors, and other mishaps. Here are some ideas to help keep seniors safe:
-Clear halls and walkways of clutter
-Remove or secure area rugs so they do not move
-Wear well-fitting shoes with non-slip bottoms
-Place grab bars in bathrooms
-Install a carbon monoxide detector and make sure smoke detectors are working properly
-Organize medications in a weekly organizer
-Ask your pharmacy to use large print on prescription labels
-Keep emergency numbers handy including 911 and poison control
-Consider an alarm bracelet
-Consider a senior-friendly mobile device
THE BOTTOM LINE
As the over-age-65 population increases, it becomes more and more important to provide programs and services to prolong their ability to live at home. This not only increases their confidence, dignity, and independence but improves their mental and physical well-being as well as reduces healthcare costs.
Take time to help a senior you know. Learn about the many programs available to help them live a better life into their golden years.
