HHS helps seniors navigate resources

In an age of information, community-based organizations are still often the bewildered keepers of best-kept secrets. Spend any amount of time around a passionate person working for a nonprofit, and you will inevitably hear a baffled “I can’t believe more people don’t know about this program.” It’s a problem that’s magnified in rural communities, where because of physical logistics, headquarter-directed focus, and lack of funding, assistance can sometimes reach rural folks much later, making them feel left out and forgotten.

People like Teresa Howell understand how gaps like these can impact people’s lives. Howell is a Healthy Community Specialist at Wahkiakum County Health & Human Services. She acts as the local Information & Referral Representative for the Area Agency on Aging & Disabilities of Southwest Washington, assisting older persons, adults with disabilities, and their advocates to identify, understand, and effectively access available resources. Predictably, Howell says people don’t know about many of the services they could benefit from, “We still have a few $80 stipends left for the farmer’s market,” Howell said, gathering up some pamphlets and flyers. The income threshold has risen to $46,000 and Wahkiakum seniors can qualify for PUD discounts and property tax discounts.

When people come in to see Howell, she takes her time getting to know them and where they’re at, “We take a big look at their life’s picture to see where we can save them money and make their monthly income go a little bit further,” she stated. “They have this fixed income that pretty much stays the same, and it doesn’t keep up with the cost of living. It’s tough.” Opportunities like the $80 farmers market food stipend help since many people lost their food stamps. Howell commented, “Now they can get a card for fresh vegetables from the farmers market, which really helps with food costs through the summer.” Howell also assists with community health and youth mentoring, but she says her favorite assignment has been getting to work with Wahkiakum’s aging population. “I took care of my mom for five years and I’m getting pretty close to being a senior too” Howell stated. “I’m getting a glimpse of what that part of life will be like for myself.”

Recently, Howell started taking applications for a free wall bar program, “We want to keep people safe from falling in the shower or tub. We have them fill out an application, and, if they qualify, we let Nordic Construction know, and they come out and install the wall bar for free!” The Area Agency on Aging & Disabilities of Southwest Washington’s goal is getting all of these benefits out to the senior community, to keep them independent as much and as long as possible. Howell and the agency want to set people up for a good life and keep them in the comfort of their homes.

For information on senior resources and events, please follow on Facebook at Wahkiakum County Health and Human Services. To make an appointment with Teresa Howell, call 360-795-8630 and select option 7.