To the editor:
There are those around us that ask for little and sometimes can be invisible. Out of sight; out of mind. I am referring to your older neighbors, some of whom may be homebound and alone. There are elderly with no family and few or no friends, some have little income and struggle to get by. They don’t want to impose, they won’t ask for help even when needed. What can you do?
Little things mean a lot. Check up on that person that lives alone, make a friendly visit and let them know you are just thinking about them, especially on very cold days or evenings. Do they have a roadside mailbox and an icy driveway that makes it hazardous to get the mail? Offer to pick up their mail or to carry their trash to the curb where this is required. Sometimes the greatest gift can just be a friendly smile and a listening ear.
If you encounter a situation that causes you real concern and you feel “something should be done,” make a call to the Aroostook Agency on Aging. You can reach us at 764-3396, toll free 1-800-439-1789. We care and we will help however we can.
We can visit and determine if help is needed and wanted and, most importantly if it is available. Services are severely challenged by funding cuts. Maine has a Home-based Care Program providing help to those no longer able to do everything for themselves yet are not ready for nursing home placement. Sounds great but there is no money to serve new people and the waiting list exceeds 1,000 eligible people statewide. Same is true for housekeeping help but the waiting list exceeds 2,500 and funds were just cut. Meals-on-Wheels, for the first time in my 38 years working for older people, has a waiting list due to funding cuts. Fuel assistance is inadequate and many elderly lack the financial resources to pay for a full fuel tank. When they were able to work, and if they could have “set a little aside for old age,” none could have imagined $4 per gallon heating fuel or the cost of food today.
Someday that older person may be you. Your caring can make a difference in the quality of life for your older neighbor. Pay it forward and make the contact, be a good neighbor and you might gain a new friend.
Steve Farnham
Executive director
Aroostook Agency on Aging
