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 — $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 50-64 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. Similar to the situation for adults aged 65 and older, 8% of those aged 50-64 reduce spending on utilities to pay for healthcare.
The Elder Index estimates that a single older adult in good health paying rent needed $27,096, on average, for basic expenses in 2021 — $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 50-64 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. Similar to the situation for adults aged 65 and older, 8% of those aged 50-64 reduce spending on utilities to pay for healthcare.
- 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 50 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. We do this by collecting donations for individuals like you. Grandparent Closet is open to the public, here you can bring items you want to donate and pick up items you need.
AROUND THE CLOCK ASSISTANCE
If you are Social Worker who has Residents in your facility who are in need of items give us a call. We can also arrange a Grandparent Closet event at your Location.
If you are a Senior Citizen in the community or in a local nursing facility and are in need of items, please contact us and we will do our best to get you what you need.
You don't have to wait for an event to get items you need. If you or someone you know is in need of items do not hesitate to contact us at any time. The CIRCUL KC will pack items needed and someone may pick items up or we can arrange a drop off for certain areas.
If you are a Senior Citizen in the community or in a local nursing facility and are in need of items, please contact us and we will do our best to get you what you need.
You don't have to wait for an event to get items you need. If you or someone you know is in need of items do not hesitate to contact us at any time. The CIRCUL KC will pack items needed and someone may pick items up or we can arrange a drop off for certain areas.
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Are you a Senior in need of items? Fill out our Item requeST FORM below. |
collecting items
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