A bailout for seniors

One of life’s great pleasures is the people you meet along your journey. I was recently introduced to Maria Stokes, the public relations director for the United Way of the Bay Area, who has very graciously written some terrific and timely material for us today:

“Feeling pinched by the recession? Fortunately, there are resources in Napa County available for seniors who need their own “bailout” plan. Sometimes the solution can be as simple as pinpointing one or two areas where you’re having trouble. There are remedies if you know where to look and aren’t afraid to ask for help. This information can get you started. To learn more about what resources are available and who is eligible, visit www.NapaHelp.Info or call 2-1-1.

• Food and groceries: When it comes to keeping food on the table, don’t feel embarrassed about asking for help. SNAP, the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly known as food stamps), helps people who live on fixed incomes to buy the food they need for good health. There are also food pantries throughout Napa County, as well as drop-in meal programs for seniors.

• Utility bills: Sometimes, being able to pay your small bills can make a big difference. Pacific Gas & Electric Company’s CARE (California Alternate Rate for Energy) program provides a 20 percent discount on utility bills for eligible seniors. Other utility assistance programs in Napa may be able to help with back payments.

• Prescription drugs: Napa County recently announced a prescription drug discount program, which boasts an average savings of 22 percent for its cardholders. Free membership cards will be available within weeks at most area pharmacies. All Napa County residents are eligible to participate, whether you are uninsured, underinsured, a Medicare recipient or have private insurance. For seniors, this can mean significant savings, and can be helpful for those facing the Medicare Part D “doughnut hole.”

• Chase away the blues: If you’re feeling down, spending time with friends and family can go a long way towards chasing away the blues. So call up a friend or family member you have not seen in a while and make plans to get together. Volunteering can be another way to improve your mood. When you volunteer, not only will you be helping yourself, you will get the good feeling of helping others.

To connect with the services described above, and to find volunteer opportunities near you, visit www.NapaHelp.Info or call 2-1-1. The NapaHelp.Info Web site is a comprehensive, continually updated database of more than 350 local services. By calling 2-1-1, you’ll reach a trained, caring professional who can match your needs to local services such as counseling, food, shelter and other senior services. Both NapaHelp.Info and 2-1-1 are free, confidential and available 24 hours a day.”

Senior Corner appears every other Monday, alternating in this space with Jim Ford’s Napa As It Was. Betty can be reached at bettyrrhodes@sbcglobal.net.

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