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RE: The elderly are skipping meals.. - 4/16/2009 8:36:53 AM   
MissMorrigan


Posts: 2309
Joined: 1/15/2005
Status: offline 		You're welcome, Lockit. One more thing I did want to point out is that among our elderly is another condition we overlook - one of pride. Regardless of the adversities in life faced, the older generations tend to see their lives as 'their lot' and which is something to get on with, not carp on about. Afterall, they've been through wars, suffered rationing, hardship through depressions and were taught, through lifelong conditioning, to make the best of a poor situation whether that be in a prefab building, or a concrete flat in a high rise - it does bring about isolation.

I was thankful to have had the opportunity of working for a large charity on the south coast of the UK (in west sussex) that focuses care for the elderly. They own/run several care homes offering nursing to such a standard that other homes in Sussex aspire to achieve. What I loved about them is that the focus was on maintaining a person's dignity. Due to Health & Safety policies, service users (residents) weren't able to keep pets, so to help them maintain a firm connection with people and animals, they regularly have volunteers that go in for visits taking their pets. I know of one lady, a stern ex-headmistress, who doesn't like talking with people much and generally keeps herself to herself, is transformed immediately when a dog is brought onto the premises. She has an uncanny bond with any pooch and if it weren't for those visits she would rarely venture beyond her immediate environment.

I also loved the fact this place got rid of the old summer houses and in their place put greenhouses where the able bodied can go and potter around, grow whatever they like, and they do from tomatoes, peppers, flowers to sell at forthcoming fund-raising events, and the greenhouses are wheelchair friendly too for those who are unable to walk unaided. I have nothing but praise for the former Manager (I do not know her replacement to offer a comment) and I am confident that her standards are strictly adhered to especially when there are staff who have worked there for almost twenty years - the overall staff's commitment to the dignity and wellbeing of these persons is humbling.

You mentioned isolation, Lockit, and you are so right in describing how deadly it can become. We live in a world that's fast tracked nowadays, few people know one another due to their busy lives, frequently moving, etc... Where local govt. housing is desperately sought after and isn't enough to cater for the people in dire need - this doesn't just affect the elderly as you experienced first hand.

To many vulnerable elderly on their own, their home quite often does become a prison of sorts to them - they are afraid of the outside world, of who is behind that knock on the door, or just don't understand the formality of some letters that come through their doors so they put them on the side to be attended to later - only that later gets forgotten. Thankfully my partner's nana doesn't experience that, she's still a very active part of her community but she's 'winding down' now that she's in her 80s and in poor health. Her trips to church have just about stopped, if she goes out it has to be with someone who can take her by vehicle b/c she cannot walk more than a few steps without having to stop. She is one of the fortunate ones.




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RE: The elderly are skipping meals.. - 4/16/2009 9:10:05 AM   
samboct


Posts: 1817
Joined: 1/17/2007
Status: offline 		Lockit

I'm sure that there are individual tales of pain and suffering that certainly show that bad things happen to good people.  But the lobbying organizations people pay for with their own money and the requests they make of politicians have repercussions- and to deny those repercussions is to deny responsibility for your own actions.

In terms of people starting a business in previous decades...certainly they failed.  I'm just pointing out that the deck was not stacked against them the way that it is today.  Here's a quote that shows why-

"
The Evolution of Social Security and Medicare
The Social Security system remained essentially unchanged from its enactment until 1956. (2% of income up to $3,000- it's always been regressive- but it was too small to bellyache about- my comment.) However, beginning in 1956 Social Security began an almost steady evolution as more and more benefits were added, beginning with the addition of Disability Insurance benefits. In 1958, benefits were extended to dependents of disabled workers. In 1967, disability benefits were extended to widows and widowers. The 1972 amendments provided for automatic cost-of-living benefits.
In 1965, Congress enacted the Medicare program, providing for the medical needs of persons aged 65 or older, regardless of income. The 1965 Social Security Amendments also created the Medicaid programs, which provides medical assistance for persons with low incomes and resources.
Of course, the expansions of Social Security and the creation of Medicare and Medicaid required additional tax revenues, and thus the basic payroll tax was repeatedly increased over the years. Between 1949 and 1962 the payroll tax rate climbed steadily from its initial rate of 2 percent to 6 percent. The expansions in 1965 led to further rate increases, with the combined payroll tax rate climbing to 12.3 percent in 1980. Thus, in 31 years the maximum Social Security tax burden rose from a mere $60 in 1949 to $3,175 in 1980.
Despite the increased payroll tax burden, the benefit expansions Congress enacted in previous years led the Social Security program to an acute funding crises in the early 1980s. Eventually, Congress legislated some minor programmatic changes in Social Security benefits, along with an increase in the payroll tax rate to 15.3 percent by 1990. Between 1980 and 1990, the maximum Social Security payroll tax burden more than doubled to $7,849." from http://www.treas.gov/education/fact-sheets/taxes/ustax.shtml

As someone who wrote to the AAPR over a decade ago when the Concord Coalition was proposed, I was told that social security remains a very popular program, and that we just need to fund it fully.  (I had pointed out that I certainly wasn't fond of social security, and neither were most of the educated people in my generation.)  Any attempts to show that the idea of a government having a "savings account" for individuals is a pure fiction were deleted from their bulletin boards.  From my perspective, the warnings were given and shouted down.  If the AARP is moaning about the plight of the impoverished elderly, my response is that they're a a major contributor to the problem- not the solution.  But I'll lay long odds that over 95% of the people in poverty belong to that organization.

Sam

(in reply to Lockit)
Profile   Post #: 62
RE: The elderly are skipping meals.. - 4/16/2009 9:32:14 AM   
LaTigresse


Posts: 26123
Joined: 1/15/2006
Status: offline 		I believe it cost money to belong to AARP, The impoverished elderly I know don't belong and they certainly don't have extra money to join.

I also believe my father receives about $700.00 a month in social security. How many people do you know that can live on that?


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My twisted, self deprecating, sense of humour, finds alot to laugh about, in your lack of one!

Just because you are well educated, articulate, and can use big, fancy words, properly........does not mean you are right!

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Profile   Post #: 63
RE: The elderly are skipping meals.. - 4/16/2009 9:33:20 AM   
Lockit


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Joined: 5/7/2007
Status: offline 		Sam, you went on about something important to you and I am sure you are trying to educate me, but you did not address what I said.  Things happen that change some of our planning to protect ourselves whether social security or welfare are there or not.  I never planned on having to live on any income other than what I saved.  I do not live on government funds now except for what my son brings in and that hasn't changed my financial situation at all.  I actually have more expenses becasue I had to leave what I could really afford alone.

How we got to where we are in government and social security I had nothing to do with and haven't found a way to change any of it.  I have written letters and done my civic duties... but really... what the hell do I matter to those in power? 

I am not a part of AARP and have no interest in them, but your information is interesting.  But how everything became what it is, isn't my focus here.  If I could change things, you bet I would have or would if I could.  But at the moment, I see people in need and whether it is their own fault or the governements or AARP or the banker down the street, isn't the first thing I am going to address.  I will speak about what I know and see.  I will address what I know and see. I will feed the hungry and then get to work on some solutions after that.

Since you understand it all better than I do.. you can work that angle and I will work this other side of things if I can. 

But you still haven't addressed what I was talking about.  How can you blame someone for doing all they could and being subject to a system that is insane as you say and business being stolen from the little man and work sent to other countries?  Were they stupid, making stupid choices and deserve the callus things you said in they basically deserve it?  I don't want your political opinion or agenda.  I want a simple answer from one human being to another.  Well planned lives have been changed by circumstances beyond their ability to prevent or change.  Are they those that asked for too much or didn't do things right?  I don't like side tracking.  Let's keep on topic of where this all started between our post.

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RE: The elderly are skipping meals.. - 4/16/2009 9:59:49 AM   
sirsholly


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quote:

If they opt for Meals on Wheels (which they still have to pay for at a subsidised rate), the foods provided are small portions, bland, stewed but at least it is fairly nourishing and they are getting SOMETHING -


a bit off topic...Meals on Wheels is highly encouraged for the elderly for another reason that is often overlooked.

An elderly person will allow the MOW delivery person into their home whereas they might shun anyone else. They often refuse contact with friends/neighbors out of fear of being a burden, but they will allow the MOW delivery volunteer in because it is a service.  And sometimes the daily meal delivery is the only human contact these seniors have.

The MOW volunteers have been vital in getting help to quite a few seniors who were in crisis...calling 911 when the senior does not answer the door due to a fall/illness, reporting a drastic change in the health/mental health of the senior, reporting a situation where the elderly person has had their heat/electricity turned off...etc.





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RE: The elderly are skipping meals.. - 4/16/2009 10:20:30 AM   
MissMorrigan


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Joined: 1/15/2005
Status: offline 		Excellent point, Holly. The MoW service in the UK (certainly the areas I covered) were cut back from an every day hot service, to a once a week frozen delivery. As I no longer work for SS, I have no way of knowing whether it has remained the same or whether services have been increased - I certainly hope so. The cutbacks in services here, one of which was the reduction of this vital service, affected many insofar as limitation of contact.

I have just been to the direct.gov.uk website and they are indeed providing hot meals again for those who cannot manage a frozen service and on the days a person selects, which is good to see and a relief to know that the govt. has listened for a change and invested in such a vital service.


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The Tooth Fairy who teaches kids to sell body parts for money.

A free society is a society where it is safe to find one's self unpopular and where history has shown that exceptions are not that exceptional.

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Profile   Post #: 66
RE: The elderly are skipping meals.. - 4/16/2009 10:24:04 AM   
samboct


Posts: 1817
Joined: 1/17/2007
Status: offline 		Lockit

As one human being to another-I'm a firm believer in human dignity, and I have no problem reaching into my wallet to support it. I'm well aware that people can fall upon hard times through no fault of their own and I give money to homeless shelters.

On a broader scale- politics is about my scratching your back and you scratch mine.  Here's my quid pro quo- I have no problem with providing additional support for destitute people with the following codacils-

1)  Self employment taxes are reduced.
2)  The demand that everyone receive social security is dropped.  I have no problem paying for welfare.  I have a large problem paying for welfare disguised as social security along with the requirement that wealthy people receive it too!
3)  The tax structure is amended so that taxes become progressive again, rather than regressive.  If I ever get to the upper income brackets, I won't mind seeing a larger share of my money go to taxes to support people that need it- but it drives me nuts to give my money to people who don't.

La T  according to this article- http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A11076-2005Mar29.html
AARP has over 35 million members.  I may have exagerrated a bit when I said that 95% of people over 65 belong to this organization, but I can't be all that far off.  (well, depends on whether you call 95-->50% far off.  Oops)  Nevertheless, it's far and away the largest lobbying organization in the country.

Sam

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Profile   Post #: 67
RE: The elderly are skipping meals.. - 4/16/2009 10:26:11 AM   
pahunkboy


Posts: 33061
Joined: 2/26/2006
From: Central Pennsylvania
Status: offline 		meals on wheels can be used - for a few weeks after a surgery.   I had it when my gall bladder was out.  It came in handy. 

The hospital had suggested it.  

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Profile   Post #: 68
RE: The elderly are skipping meals.. - 4/16/2009 10:36:46 AM   
Lockit


Posts: 11292
Joined: 5/7/2007
Status: offline 		Thank you Sam.

While I do understand your postion and if I knew more, might be very angry about it, my days of advocating and working for my causes have diminished.  Hell, some days I can't even think straight and it isn't going to get better.  Dementia will have it's way no matter what I say about it!  But I do have good moments and can still write a pretty mean letter and some days can even become very determined by phone.

The days where I spent most my day writing to congress, senators, the white house, Hollywood... anyone who would listen and talking to agencies that helped people find ways to help themselves rather than lean on tax payers and such.. are gone. I was able to do some things but by far, not enough with all the work I put into it.  I miss my work, but that is over.

But... I can still feed people, even if they have to cook it in my kitchen!  I can house someone if they don't mind sharing space.  I can still write some and when I have a way to do something, I will.  But so many turn from the elderly as if they are toss away people and everyone is too busy for them.  It is one thing to be forgotten when you are dead, but to be the living forgotten... whoa... not an easy thing to live with.  The ill suffer the same things.  Hell my own brother, not knowing all I did in life.. said I was nothing but a drain on society and I should off myself.  He had no clue what I did for people and in life and where my income comes from.  My story isn't rare in many cases.  That is why I care and fight, but.. my fight is focused on surviving and caring for my son more than outside my life.  But as long as I can speak... I will.

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Profile   Post #: 69
RE: The elderly are skipping meals.. - 4/16/2009 10:40:07 AM   
LaTigresse


Posts: 26123
Joined: 1/15/2006
Status: offline 		I wish Meals on Wheels was more widely available here in Iowa. 

_____________________________

My twisted, self deprecating, sense of humour, finds alot to laugh about, in your lack of one!

Just because you are well educated, articulate, and can use big, fancy words, properly........does not mean you are right!

(in reply to Lockit)
Profile   Post #: 70
RE: The elderly are skipping meals.. - 4/16/2009 10:42:06 AM   
MissMorrigan


Posts: 2309
Joined: 1/15/2005
Status: offline 		Yes, Hunk, it's a great service and I think available to anyone that is unable to provide for themselves, which is the point of any hospital asking those questions people often find intrusive. Glad you were looked after. Tell me something though, did you find the portion size adequate for your needs? 

_____________________________

The Tooth Fairy who teaches kids to sell body parts for money.

A free society is a society where it is safe to find one's self unpopular and where history has shown that exceptions are not that exceptional.

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RE: The elderly are skipping meals.. - 4/16/2009 10:42:11 AM   
sirsholly


Posts: 42360
Joined: 9/7/2007
From: Quietville
Status: offline
quote:

My story isn't rare in many cases. That is why I care and fight, but.. my fight is focused on surviving and caring for my son more than outside my life. But as long as I can speak... I will.
Your story may not be rare, but your courage, heroism and tenacity certainly are. 

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RE: The elderly are skipping meals.. - 4/16/2009 10:45:31 AM   
sirsholly


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quote:

ORIGINAL: LaTigresse

I wish Meals on Wheels was more widely available here in Iowa. 
for someone like your dad it is wonderful (i am assuming he lives alone). I know Meals On Wheels has been cut back here in Pa but i am not sure how...possibly down to once or twice a week deliveries.


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RE: The elderly are skipping meals.. - 4/16/2009 11:02:00 AM   
Lockit


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Status: offline 		Damn Holly... you sure know how to shut this ol broad up!  You make me speechless (for a while) when you say things like that.  I'm sure many would thank you for that! lol  I think what stuns me when you say it, is that it is coming from you. It is very humbling or I don't know... I don't have the words.  I'm just a mom... and if I am what you say... you are too!  Thank you!

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RE: The elderly are skipping meals.. - 4/16/2009 11:08:41 AM   
fluffypet61


Posts: 28879
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From: New Jersey
Status: offline 		In some areas Meals on Wheels is being cut back because they need more drivers to deliver the meals and in other areas it is the cost of the food itself.  If you want to see the service expanded check into the reasons why it is having problems and either help recruit volunteers or help get donations to buy food.
 
Some areas where i have lived have a program called SHARE or something similar.  These are cases of food that are distributed for a fraction of the cost or can be had in exchange for volunteer hours.  i got these when i had foster children and was raising grandchildren.  My personal experience with this program has been that the food products were not necessarily the most healthy.  For example, there was bacon, but it was the greasiest i have ever seen.  There were also many items that we did not like.
 
Just one more and i will quit for today. 
i was at the local Senior Center (i'm in my 60's and on a fixed income) today and decided not to stay for the $1 lunch.  It was a balanced meal with milk, meat, bread, veggies and fruit.  But the salt, fat and carb content of the menu was too high for me.   So i went home and had a salad with no dressing.
 
i'm not skipping meals - but it is a challange to buy food that is not to high in price.  i watch for specials on basic items and don't buy prepared foods - so i can control the salt and fats.

< Message edited by fluffypet61 -- 4/16/2009 11:10:10 AM >

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RE: The elderly are skipping meals.. - 4/16/2009 11:17:43 AM   
LaTigresse


Posts: 26123
Joined: 1/15/2006
Status: offline 		Actually Holly, he doesn't live alone. However, I am beginning to suspect there is far more to the severity of his current condition than I really want to imagine. I need to have a few more discrete converations with him, his doctor, and lastly his wife, before I get too carried away. I just cannot understand how a NURSE (his wife) could watch a man be violently ill for 2 weeks, not feed him (but make sure he had plenty of rum, Coke and ice), watching him getting weaker and weaker, to the point of having to CRAWL around the house, and passing out......without bothering to call an ambulance. Instead waiting until he said he might need to see a doctor. Where they put him in an ambulance with an IV and heart monitor and took him from the local hospital to the University Hospital here in Iowa City. His doctor told me, had he waited another day he probably would have gone into cardiac arrest.

So yes, while he has a wife, given the rage beginning to boil in me, I doubt he will have one much longer. I know he will wish to stay in his house but the man is totally clueless in the kitchen. It will be quite awhile before he is able to be back home, but I want to make sure he has what he needs. He also cannot drive due to the drunk driving history and of course, small town, no taxi service either.

He lives close, but not close enough to share meals at the farm. I am thinking I will probably just begin preparing his food and dropping it off for him on my way back and forth to work.




_____________________________

My twisted, self deprecating, sense of humour, finds alot to laugh about, in your lack of one!

Just because you are well educated, articulate, and can use big, fancy words, properly........does not mean you are right!

(in reply to sirsholly)
Profile   Post #: 76
RE: The elderly are skipping meals.. - 4/16/2009 11:21:19 AM   
sirsholly


Posts: 42360
Joined: 9/7/2007
From: Quietville
Status: offline 		LaT....a very sad situation. It is a good thing he has such a strong daughter.

HUG


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RE: The elderly are skipping meals.. - 4/16/2009 11:27:32 AM   
sirsholly


Posts: 42360
Joined: 9/7/2007
From: Quietville
Status: offline

_____________________________

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BOOT WHORE
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Profile   Post #: 78
RE: The elderly are skipping meals.. - 4/16/2009 11:27:54 AM   
LaTigresse


Posts: 26123
Joined: 1/15/2006
Status: offline 		Thank you Holly. He's not exactly star dad material but he's not a horrible human being either. Just a man weaker than his addiction. Hopefully, having that addiction almost kill him will give him reason enough to seek the treatment he needs.

I don't spend a lot of time over there. I struggle with the drunken behaviour. So I had not realized he had been drinking as heavily as he has been the last few months.

I have learned about a whole new medical issue though! Alcoholic Ketoacidosis

_____________________________

My twisted, self deprecating, sense of humour, finds alot to laugh about, in your lack of one!

Just because you are well educated, articulate, and can use big, fancy words, properly........does not mean you are right!

(in reply to sirsholly)
Profile   Post #: 79
RE: The elderly are skipping meals.. - 4/16/2009 12:55:09 PM   
YourhandMyAss


Posts: 5516
Joined: 6/25/2006
From: Sacramento
Status: offline 		hehehe I went to lunch and a friend bought me lunch, and I ate really well and wasn't hungry for hours, and this morning breakfast was a piece of cake( litterally( and some hot tea, and I'm not even elderly hehe
quote:

ORIGINAL: subtee

~FR

I don't wanna cook:

Last night I ate a piece of cherry pie.

Tonight I may slather a tortilla with peanut butter.

I'm only newly elderly, though................EH?

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Profile   Post #: 80
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