Govt Paper

Based on the number of senior citizens surveyed (see attached) over the past month it was apparent and necessary that some sort of advisement or counseling to inform the senior learner on agencies that affected their daily living, be implemented into an existing program. A number of concerns were identified when analyzing the problem. It appeared that the main concern was inadequate interpersonal skills and the lack of knowledge and sensitivity for older people, by the representatives of the agencies.

In becoming acquainted with agencies such as Social Security, Medicare-Medicaid, Retirement Plan agencies, these agencies did not provide a comprehensive process. Most seniors surveyed suggested that they did not fully understand the various procedures for the above-mentioned agencies. The importance of becoming well informed on the process of the agencies that affect the seniors daily life, can determine how long a senior person will survive on their own (Guide, 2002).

Research also found that most persons, who convey a lack of understanding or confusion, are persons who have been retired for at least ten years. Others are, persons who are experiencing short term memory loss, live on limited or fixed incomes, as well as, those who find themselves in a sudden position to provide care for a senior person (Wallace, 2001).

Based on the problem analysis, one objective was established: To educate the senior learner on local and national agencies that directly affects their well-being. No agency represents it's self as the total advocate to inform the elderly. While the agencies work hand in hand to provide a service, no one group takes responsibility to offer a simplified method of communicating and connecting all other agencies. Offering a structured course would certainly assist the senior in better understanding the process, the do's and don'ts, and cross-referencing qualifications.

Other senior programs that offer education on these agencies are suffering in their efforts because the patron cannot get to the agency. Transportation is an issue for most senior people. By entering an agreement with the Dallas Area Rapid Transit System, or a similar company, safe, and guaranteed transportation can be provided. The senior should be able to live all aspects of life comfortably.

Retirement and later life should include enjoying the simple things in life. When it comes to making decisions about health coverage and just how much you may need in your golden years, there is nothing simple about navigating the waters of the ever changing Medicare plans and all the other supplemental insurance programs available. However, finding the right balance between affordability, sufficient coverage and quality care is possible if you do your homework.

Knowing your options is key, not only for those coming up on Medicare's eligibility age of 65, but also for older seniors who are interested in reevaluating their coverage. For many, Medicare alone does not offer enough coverage, so a supplemental plan (often called a "medigap" health insurance policy) or additional coverage through a Medicare HMO is sought (Texas, 1995).

"During the first six months of your enrollment in Medicare Part A and Part B, you have the freedom to choose any medigap policy. They cannot turn you down except for a few legally defined exceptions. After that initial six months, however, your choices will usually be more limited," says Olga Ramirez Dresslar (April 2001), a Medicare insurance consultant who teaches classes on health coverage options for seniors. She offers the unique perspective gathered from both the insurance companies and medical practices.

American Association for Retired Persons (AARP) president, Jim Parkel says he plans to take special care to see that the key elements of the Association's strategic plan are implemented. Those elements include securing a prescription drug benefit in Medicare, moving Social Security toward solvency and enabling 50-plus Americans to live independently by promoting long-term care and wellness (AARP, 2002).

The Duke OARS (Older Americans Resources and Services) Program, developed at the Duke Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development, was specifically designed as, "a means of determining the impact of services and alternative service programs on the functional status of older persons" (Duke, 1999). The resulting brief, valid, and reliable instruments have been used for purposes as varied as individual clinical assessment of personal functional status, surveys of the status of adult populations, assessment of service utilization and service requirements, longitudinal investigations in community, clinic and long-term care settings, and training of service providers. But studies of this kind are just that, studies. What happens with the collected data is the crucial point.

Carla Macgregor, founder and President of Transitions, Inc. Elder Care Consulting -- dedicated to helping people care for themselves and family members whose needs are changing due to age or illness. Ms. Macgregor is a Licensed Graduate Social Worker and member of the National Association of Private Geriatric Care Managers. She provides community and corporate seminars on Caring for Your Aging Loved Ones, Managing Work/Life and other issues that affect senior adults and/or the family members or friends that offer care to a senior person.

A major result of reauthorization of the Older American Act in 2000 was the approval for a new Family Caregiver program initiative. Recognizing that families were often burdened with the challenges of caring for older lover ones, Congress appropriated federal funds earmarked for the National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP). The program was designed to provide family caregivers with valuable resources to help facilitate their commitment to the in-home care of their loved ones. These monies allow agencies to develop new programs to accommodate the ever-changing and diverse demands placed on caregivers and grandparents raising grandchildren.

Services that are being provided, as well as any new initiatives are focused on the full range of needs of the caregiver and care recipient populations. Some of the initiatives include the provision of resources for home modification, individual counseling, educational sessions and group presentations to address the social, emotional, physical, financial, legal and personal aspects of the caregiver role and responsibilities.

In North Central Texas there were a few programs similar to, or sponsored by, the NFCSP program. Unfortunately, the closest meeting location is in Denton, Texas. While most of these agencies are on "the right track" in providing concrete information, the information certainly is not easily accessible for most seniors or caregivers.