Caregiver's Corner

For many, the questions are different. They now ask: How will I finance my retirement? Can I afford to pay for my prescription(s)? Will my retiree benefit continue to cover my medical expenses? And can I continue to live in my home?  These questions represent scenarios that are becoming much too familiar. Fortunately, there are options, resources and programs to help with some of these issues.   

Many older adults are eligible or qualify to receive assistance through programs like the Pennsylvania Department of Aging’s PACE/PACENET, Patient Prescription Assistance Programs. They are eligible for Property Tax/Rent Rebate Programs, discounts on car registration and auto insurance, reverse mortgages, state payment of Medicare Part B premiums, in-home services and much more.

Pennsylvania is the only state that uses its lottery dollars for programs and services that benefit older adults. This includes several of the programs mentioned above, PACE/PACENET prescription plan and the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program. Prescription assistance programs are also available through pharmaceutical companies. In addition, the Social Security Administration offers a limited income subsidy for payment of Part D premiums, co-pays and deductibles. The property tax/rent rebate program allows seniors, widows and widowers age 50 and older, and individuals with disability over the age of 18 to receive rebates of up to $650. In Pennsylvania, there also is a proposal in the state legislation that will allow thousands of additional seniors in the state to benefit from the prescription assistance program. 

Older adults who are veterans may be eligible for services through the Veteran Administration. Services range from financial assistance for adult day care, home health aid, companion services, shopping and light housekeeping, and prescriptions. However, these services tend to be under-utilized.

For most of us, our hope is to grow old in our own home. But what happens when we can no longer afford the regular maintenance and upkeep or taxes on our homes? A reverse mortgage or house sharing may be two possible options, and some townships and boroughs will allow you to set up a payment plan for school and borough taxes.

I often hear older adults say “I don’t qualify for that,” “It’s for ‘those people,’” or “I don’t need it” without finding out what the eligibility requirements are for the various programs or services. Of course, it’s true that not everyone will qualify for some or all of these programs, but the key is to do your homework and ask questions. Recognizing that you have a need is important, and asking for help can be the first step toward maintaining your independence. This will allow you to live a healthy lifestyle and age in place as you remain in your own home.

Assistance and support is available to help you navigate the many services and programs available for older adults by calling the Crozer-Keystone Senior Support Line at 1-800-CKHS-KEY (1-800-254-7539).