All benefit when the Commonwealth helps seniors
By State Rep. Denis Guyer
As the Baby Boomer Generation ages, more and more resources need to be made available to those 55 and older and the organizations that provide services to them. The Massachusetts Legislature takes the needs and well being of the seniors of the Commonwealth very seriously. That is why as a body we have increased the funding to several important services and programs that help to keep people as independent as possible.
Our community and social services are more important than ever. With every downturn of the economy, more individuals rely on the services these organizations provide, but the organizations’ operating costs tend to increase and donations go down. Over the past year the price of food staples has increased dramatically, with the price of milk rising by 26% and eggs by 40%. It concerns me that those on fixed incomes, especially the elderly, will reduce their consumption of nutritious foods, such as fruits, vegetables dairy and whole grain products in order to pay other bills. That is why my colleagues and I were happy to support increases in vital programs.
One of the greatest assets to our communities are the Councils on Aging. They provide over 440,000 elders in the Commonwealth with services annually. Councils on Aging provide a wide array of programs that help keep the aging population independent and healthy. Many councils, especially here in the Berkshires, rely on the good work and generosity of volunteers to staff Senior Centers, run events and provide transportation and other services. The funding that the legislature has approved will assist with maintaining the council programming that is already in place and hopefully allow many to pursue new opportunities. It is important in our rural communities to give seniors a safe and convenient place to go to socialize, dine, learn and participate in various activities. Keeping an active social life is vital to staying healthy as we age. By providing transportation to events, those who can no longer drive or choose not to drive are not confined to their homes and have the opportunity to participate.
I, like so many, believe that ensuring that people are able to stay independent, living in the community, as long as it is safe and healthy for them to do so, must be a top priority in our society. While nursing homes and elder care facilities do good work caring for those who are unable to care for themselves, they often come at a huge expense, both financially and emotionally for the individual and loved ones. We in the legislature see the need to fund these institutions adequately, but we have also continued to provide resources to alternative programs.
In the Fiscal Year 09 budget the legislature funded many programs that provide Home Care and support individuals and families who care for the elderly in a domestic setting; so that elders can afford and access the supportive services they need in order to stay in their homes and communities.
One’s “golden years” should not be spent worrying about how they are going to pay for heat or groceries; they need to be about living life to the fullest after years of working and raising a family. The more the commonwealth can make this a reality for as many people as possible, the better off we all are.
Denis Guyer is State Representative for the 2nd District. He can be reached at 413-684-0033 or in Boston at 617-722-2460. His e-mail address is rep.denisguyer@hou.state.us.
