There are a number of valuable services available for seniors that many aren’t aware of. April 21, over 30 people came to hear Wright County Health Services RN Amy Nystuen discuss some of them at the monthly Young at Heart event at Rejoice Lutheran Church.
Nystuen covered a multitude of topics, from health and wellness to groceries and home care.
She told the audience there are a number of food and nutrition services available for seniors and other members of the community.
SNAP (supplemental nutritional assistance program) is one such program, but many seniors don’t realize they’re eligible for it. The program looks at income, number of people in the household, and deductions in order to determine eligibility.
“It’s not food stamps anymore,” said Nystuen. “They use an EBT card, which looks just like a credit card.”
NAPS (nutrition assistance program for seniors) is another program available. Nystuen explained NAPS is similar to the old commodities program; food is picked up once a month.
Fare for All is back in Wright County at Zion Lutheran Church in Buffalo, Nystuen informed the audience. Fair for All is a program open to everyone, regardless of age or income that enables participants to save up to 40% on their groceries.
“If you can save on food you have more money to buy other things you need, like medication and other expenses,” said Nystuen.
There are also a number of health services available. The 60+ and Healthy Clinic is a toenail clipping service for people who aren’t able to reach their feet, and there is always a nurse available for diabetics.
The WOW (Wellness on Wheels) van has a lot of services available, including flu shots, immunizations, and cholesterol, hemoglobin and blood pressure checks.
“It’s now recommended that adults have a tetanus with pertussis booster shot,” Nystuen said. “Without one you can infect your grandkids and great-grandkids.”
The shingles vaccine is also important, and should be gotten even if you’ve already had shingles.
Radon kits are another service the WOW Van offers. Because of its plentitude of granite, Minnesota has a high incidence of radon, an invisible gas that rises up from the ground and can cause lung cancer.
The kit, which can be purchased for $6, is hung up for a couple of days in the lowest level of the house and then mailed in. Your results are sent back to you within a couple of weeks.
Nystuen asked the audience if they were aware they could buy medical alert units direct versus paying a monthly service.
“There are a lot of benefits to purchasing direct,” she said. “You’re taking the middleman out so you’re saving money. Once you purchase it it’s yours versus paying for the service monthly through someone else.”
Seniors need to know they have rights, Nystuen stressed. For example, family members can’t force you out of your home and into assisted living without your consent.
Seniors over 65 can get help right in their homes. A program called Alternative Care is available that is based on income, and if you’re on medical assistance you can join Elderly Waiver, a health care program. With these programs, people come to your home and help you with things like dressing, bathing and laundry.
Both of these programs exist to help seniors continue living in their homes versus having to move into an assisted living facility.
Another under-utilized program is Senior Companion, where volunteers come in to sit with people who need assistance so the caregivers have time for themselves or to run errands. She mentioned the program is always looking for volunteers.
Wright County Community Action is another program, which offers a multitude of services, including energy assistance, weatherization and help with budgeting.
Nystuen recommended Services for Seniors, a book with lots of additional information on topics such as adult day services, continuing education, counseling, dental care, clothing centers, senior housing and hospice.
She also recommended seniors contact Senior Linkage, a service which helps connect seniors with services and provides assistance with complex issues and decisions, including transportation, health insurance, Medicare and prescription drug expenses.
Nystuen left the audience with one last piece of advice. “Be an advocate for yourself.”
Although the services Nystuen discussed are available through Wright County, other Minnesota counties, including Sherburne, offer the same services.
For information on services, locations and schedules in Wright County, visit http://www.co.wright.mn.us. For information in Sherburne County, visit http://www.co.sherburne.mn.us.
