Waynesboro Commission for the Elderly faces plight

Lewis Coiner / News Virginian
Published: June 29, 2007

That charge is awesome and challenging. So what is the problem-

The Waynesboro Commission for the Elderly has been relatively inactive for many years and there is no record of what the commission has accomplished in the past several years. So the present commission members really have to start all over.

The News Virginian published an article titled "State of the Elderly in Waynesboro" and there were no responses or comments from anyone. Then the newspaper published a questionnaire, titled "Survey of the Elderly," on The News Virginian's editorial page, and only three replies were received. That was an effort to get some information from the elderly about their needs but it flopped.

Over the years since the Waynesboro Commission for the Elderly was established, many new programs and benefits have been provided the elderly and some of their needs have been met. But the real problem is finding information from the elderly as to their needs now. Maybe they have all been met, but the commission members doubt that and are desirous to help, if area seniors' needs can be identified.

Part of the problem may be that the elderly don't know of the many services available, even though the agencies keep trying to inform them. Is it just inertia-

For example, the City Council increased substantially the exemption for Real Estate Tax Relief this year and the number of elderly and disabled individuals applying this year increased. There were substantial savings for those that did apply but so many missed an opportunity to save money. Why- The commission offered free individual counseling and help in preparing the necessary forms for the Real Estate Tax Relief but only three people took advantage of this offer.

Right now there are two programs offering fans and air conditioners to help keep the elderly cool this summer. One from the VPAS and the other from Social Services, but how many will really take advantage of those offers-

Another example. There are six drug companies who offer reduction in prices for many of their drugs but it requires a phone call or e-mail to learn of the details.

The commission hears that transportation for the elderly and disabled is a pressing need but how can the facts be determined if the elderly and disabled don't speak up-

The Waynesboro Commission for the Elderly is concerned that there seems to be no way to learn from the elderly directly of their needs. A mailing to all residents in Waynesboro seems such a waste but there is no list of those over 60 years of age.

So members of the Waynesboro Commission for the Elderly feel that getting the facts from the elderly is their main problem and at the moment they see no way of doing that. The commission is open to any ideas from anyone.

Lewis Coiner is the chairman of the Waynesboro Commission for the Elderly.

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