When in the course of human events … wait that’s been done, I think. We the people of … hmmm.

In the course of human events, we the people experience change. We’ve talked about a lot of changes in everything from state rules and regulations, to real-life changes surrounding aging and end of life issues. Throughout all of these, I have been at times surprised, and at times stunned, by what people accomplish in the course of human events.

Although a variety of resources are available to both Medicaid and non-Medicaid seniors, and some Medicaid services are also available to non-senior folks with disabilities, the service end always reflects a need somewhere. And a need means someone somewhere is in trouble.

One of the most valuable resources for people is people. Yes, we all have responsibilities to family, jobs, and just plain living. And yes, if we spent all our time helping everyone else, we would do a disservice to other areas. Hence the sense of community.

Social work (why does that term always sound like party planning to me?) in rural areas often rides the shoulders of informal networks established long before the “state” got involved. Volunteer groups, or individuals, sometimes evolve into agencies; sometimes remain small and limited; or sometimes fade away. What I have found is that because these folks have been working so diligently (and often unnoticed) the sense of community has remained; and other folks can tap into or build on that foundation.

Volunteers become the heart of the matter. Whether driving, visiting, sponsoring activities, assisting with minor financial helps, providing food and/or low-cost items, or a combination of all these, people helping people makes community work.

While as a case manager, I provide services for Medicaid clients receiving in-home care involving “state” resources, we (Area Agencies on Aging) also provide information and assistance in connecting seniors with “non-state” services and resources. Senior Centers, Food Banks, nutrition, SHIBA (Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors), community groups, etc are just some the helps we try to connect folks with. And we also want to continue to work together with those groups already established in order to meet the needs of that “someone somewhere.” It’s all part of a team effort to coordinate services without duplication, and with the smallest amount of confusion. (But, with a combination of federal, state, county, city and community involvement, expect some anyway.)

Periodically, a focused effort to meet specific needs arises – which brings me to another plug: Remember May 19 at the Peninsula Church Center, 11 a.m. A short forum on the Medicare pharmacy discount card and plan will be held. It’s free and even will have refreshments! And don’t forget to give us a call for the Benefits Checkup program and/or prescription assistance. After all, we live and work here, too, and we want to continue to be part of a community of people helping people.

And finally, another big “THANKS!” to all the volunteers who have been making all the connections work and work well.

Senior Information & Assistance

Long Beach: 642-3634

1-888-571-6558

Raymond: 942-2177

1-888-571-6557