What do you hate about getting older?
For me, and others I’ve talked with, loss of strength is one of the things it’s difficult to deal with. No longer can I easily lift a 20-pound bag of – well, anything. It used to be so easy to load and unload groceries, and for a long time I actually struggled with this little chore, complaining all the time about sore muscles. Finally, it dawned on me that help was available (and willing) and all I needed to do was ask. When the store clerk asks if you need help, say yes.
Admitting we need help is probably the hardest thing for us older folks. For so many years, people depended on us. Now, some of us have to depend on others.
It’s almost impossible to admit you are less able to do everything you could do when you were 25 or 30 or even 50. But life can be easier, longer and less stressful when you have a little help.
Many readers tell me they find these weekly columns interesting and informative. Still, they say, they don’t feel they’re at the point yet when they want – or need – help. To which I always say, if you don’t ask for help, it isn’t just automatically going to happen.
Southern Maine Agency on Aging offers the following services in Cumberland and York counties. When you have a minute, take a look at this list and see if there is any service that might be of use to you. You don’t have to commit to the service, but you might want to find out more about it. So make the call.
Meals on Wheels and senior luncheons – If you or someone you know is unable to cook a meal, even if it’s only a temporary situation such as you’re recovering from a hospital trip, or other situations which curtail your ability to get a meal, Meals on Wheels can be of help. Senior meal sites where lunch is served provide a great way to meet and make friends for those seniors who are able to drive or have access to public transportation. Call (800) 400-6325 for more information.
Exercise programs – For information on classes and self-help support including falls prevention and living with chronic illness, contact Anne Murray at 396-6529
Maine Senior Games – Competitive events for fun and fitness affiliated with National Senior Games. Open to athletes age 50-plus from all over Maine and the U.S.
Senior News – To sign up for this free bi-monthly newspaper, call 396-6526 or e-mail bcraig@smaaa.org.
Help with housework – Housekeeping, personal care, meal service, and emergency response for is available for elderly residents of subsidized housing. Call 854-6808 for more information.
Truslow Adult Day Center – A therapeutic day program in Saco, is open from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday. Contact Debra Thomas at 283-0166.
Volunteer opportunities – Help seniors with bill paying, grocery shopping and home repairs, and visit isolated older adults. Through RSVP, match volunteers age 55-plus with jobs at other nonprofits. Contact Ken Murray at 396-6520
For the following services, call 396-6500 or (800) 427-7411 and ask for an elder advocate:
Information and referral – Free consultation and assistance with such things as locating housing, applying for benefits, health insurance counseling and linkages with social and health-care services. Staffed by licensed social workers who specialize in resources for older adults.
Health insurance counseling – Medicare specialists offer unbiased help with insurance options at no cost.
Caregiver support and assistance – Support groups, classes and one-on-one guidance for family caregivers of older people, those with dementia and elder kinship parents.
Partners in caring – Support for families dealing with dementia
SeniorSolutions care management – Help with long-term care planning and decisions. SeniorSolutions offers many options for supporting families through the aging process. Cost is $85. per hour.
If you would like to know what programs you may be eligible for, such as the low-cost drug program through the state, food stamps, fuel assistance, MaineCare or Supplemental Security Income, call the Southern Maine Agency on Aging at (800) 427-7411 and ask for a benefit checklist for Maine.
This handy information sheet covers all these programs and more.
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