Caring for the Poor Elderly

Many seniors struggle for basic necessities such as food, housing and medical care. Some continue to work to make ends meet. Many can't work because of the health problems that accompany aging.

Significance

• More than two-thirds of seniors are entirely reliant on Social Security income. As of September 2010, the average monthly benefit amount is $1072.20, which comes to an annual income of $12,866.40. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2009 the poverty threshold for a householder 65 or older is $12,982. This means more than two-thirds of seniors live below the poverty line.

Types of Assistance

• A number of programs assist impoverished seniors. Meals on Wheels is one of many programs that provides meals to seniors; it is a national organization, but local programs run it with the help of volunteers. Medicare is a federally funded health insurance program for seniors. Medicaid is a health insurance program for the impoverished, providing the majority of medical care free of charge.

Considerations

• The need for long-term care is an important consideration in caring for the poor elderly. Long-term care is expensive, with facility-based care costing an average of $198 per day, according to the Department of Health and Human Services. Medicaid provides for nursing home care, but most seniors prefer to stay in their own homes. Many states now offer assistance for home health care, keeping the cost of care lower for seniors.