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Press Release
By EDWARD VAN EMBDEN,
Staff Writer,
856-649-2072
Posted: Thursday, April 16, 2009 8:00 pm
Cities want to do more to help seniors stay in their homes
Paul Dice sees an untapped market.
The executive director of the Millville Housing Authority is hoping to expand its Assisted Living Program to meet the growing needs of, primarily, the city's growing senior population.
In the difficult economy, as seniors struggle to maintain their independence amid the rising cost of care, housing authorities are looking to help.
"This is an alternative to institutionalization," Dice said. "For people that are strapped for cash, this will allow them to maintain their independence. That's what this is about."
The authority's assisted living program helps eligible seniors - and the disabled older than 50 - with living assistance. This can include running errands, doing laundry, arranging schedules, bathing a person and other daily obligations.
It accounts for a small part of the authority's business, Dice said, but that's because most people don't know it's available. Plenty of seniors in the city are eligible for the program. Their enrollment, Dice said, helps ensure the program's long-term viability.
Dice said one of the authority's goals is to generate more revenue through the program.
"Can it use more clients so that it can generate more revenue? Sure," he said. "But is it in danger of failing? No."
To qualify for the program, seniors must earn no more than $24,264 per year, have minimal assets, and be Medicaid-eligible.
For seniors struggling to get by and having trouble doing everything they once did, Dice said, this program is here.
"I'm trying to get the word out about the program," Dice said. "I don't think most know that it is available."
The Bridgeton Housing Authority is also looking to expand its senior services.
Executive Director Ray Maier said the authority currently helps seniors with light housekeeping, shopping and other similar routine services through grant and peer group funding.
The demand, he said, is often too much for the authority to handle.
"I know some places that have been able to make it happen," he said. "There's more that needs to be done for many of the tenants. They do need more."
While Millville is expanding its operation, Bridgeton is looking to team up with South Jersey Healthcare to provide services similar to Millville's assisted living program.
The plan is to institute the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, or PACE, in Bridgeton. PACE, essentially, would provide eligible seniors with medical care and living assistance.
But, Maier said, that's still some months away, at least.
The key, Dice said, is giving seniors the opportunity for assistance. Having someone check up on you, drive you to the doctor's office and distribute your medication isn't reserved for those with the resources.
"This is just another option for people to explore," he said.
For more information on Millville Housing Authority's assisted living program, call 856-825-8669.
E-mail Edward Van Embden:
EVanEmbden@pressofac.com
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