THe ProbLEM:

Older people are the most rapidly growing segment of the population worldwide. By 2050, the number of people over age 60 is expected to reach over 2 billion, exceeding the number of children. Poverty has increased among Americans age 65 and older from 8.9% in 2020 to 10.3% in 2021, according to the latest U.S. Census Bureau data. The increase in the poverty rate results in 1 million more older adults who rely on scarce resources to make ends meet. This increase shines a glaring spotlight on the fact that Social Security and Medicare aren't sufficient to lift all older adults above poverty. 

The Elder Index estimates that a single older adult in good health paying rent needed $27,096, on average, for basic expenses in 2021 that's $14,100 more than the federal poverty threshold of $12,996. For couples, the gap between the index's calculation of necessities and the poverty threshold was even greater. Yet eligibility for Medicaid, food stamps, housing assistance, and other safety net programs that help older adults is based on federal poverty standards, which don't account for geographic variations in the cost of living or medical expenses incurred by older adults, among other factors. (This isn't an issue for older adults alone; the poverty measures have been widely critiqued across age groups.)

When it comes to covering basic needs to pay for healthcare, more Americans aged 50-80 face hardship. Three in 10 in this age group forgo at least one basic need to cover the costs of care. Specifically, 14% reduce spending on food, 15% cut back on over-the-counter drugs, and 26% buy less clothing. 
 
  • Over 1 in 3 adults 50+ have forgone basics such as food to pay for healthcare
  • Some older Americans are skipping needed care and medication due to cost
  • Americans aged 55 and over more likely to cut back on basics

The Mission:

Our Mission is simple, everyone has the right to age with dignity and respect. Our goal is to help Seniors with basic items like clothing, personal care and most important medical supplies. Or maybe pair of new earrings to make them feel beautiful! Grandparent Closet is a free event, open to the public.  Seniors 55 and older may take any item they need for free! Below are just some items you will find at Grandparents Closet!
  • Clothing
  • Shoes
  • Medical equipment; wheelchairs, walkers, canes, o2 machines. 
  • Personal care items; toothbrushes, toothpaste, hairbrushes, shampoo, conditioner, soap,
  • Cleaning supplies
  • Household items; bedding, towels, toilet paper
  • End of life caregiver supplies
  • Office Supplies
  • Activity items like; puzzles, crossword books
  • Make up, Jewlery
  • and so much more!

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Are you a senior in need of items

Do you need shoes, a winter coat or maybe toilet paper? Click the button below to contact us and we will do our best to get you the item's you need.

Pop Up Closet

We are always looking for low income senior apartment complexes or senior living facilities to host a GPC. If your Seniors need supplies, we will bring Grandparent Closet to YOU! To inquire about POP Up Closet click the button below.

collecting items

UPCOMING CLOSET EVENTS:

Grandparents Closet will be back in January 2025