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USA Today
18-07-2025
- Politics
- USA Today
Will your grandmother go hungry? Future of Meals on Wheels is uncertain.
Federal investment in programs like Meals on Wheels has neither kept pace with the skyrocketing demand from America's aging population, nor with the rising costs of food, fuel and labor. For 60 years, Meals on Wheels has ensured that older Americans get the nutrition they need in the safety and comfort of their home. But the future of this essential program is far from secure. Despite decades of bipartisan support, federal investment in programs like Meals on Wheels has neither kept pace with the skyrocketing demand from America's aging population, nor with the rising costs of food, fuel and labor. Today, one in three Meals on Wheels providers have a waiting list, and many others are being forced to reduce meal deliveries or cut back on visits. That's not just a service gap; it's a warning sign. Approximately 90% of our local providers rely on federal funding, and for 60% of them, that funding accounts for at least half of their budgets, underscoring the critical role federal support plays in sustaining one of the nation's most worthwhile and efficient programs. Despite serving 2.2 million older adults annually, the need has never been greater. The number of older adults facing food insecurity has quadrupled, emblematic of a growing crisis that demands immediate action. Federal funding is essential to keep the wheels rolling While donations and volunteers are essential to keep our wheels rolling, they simply cannot fill the widening gap left by continually insufficient federal support. Without sustained and increased investment, this indispensable safety net will continue to fray. In 1965, Congress passed and President Lyndon Johnson signed the Older Americans Act − the first federally funded nationwide program designed to preserve the dignity, independence and well-being of older adults. Opinion: Getting old doesn't have to be a pain. But we need to invest in aging Americans. For six decades, the law has provided for meal deliveries to shut-ins; adult day care and respite care for caregivers; transportation to doctors' offices; social connections, health and wellness activities at senior centers; and protection from elder abuse and fraud. But the lack of sufficient funding puts those services at risk even as the population of older Americans grows. Meals on Wheels provides food and social connection for older Americans We simply cannot continue to overlook the needs of older adults in this country or treat them as afterthoughts. Our country is projected to include more than 97 million people over the age of 60 by 2040 and, as our population ages, we need to scale programs that are trusted, proven and have withstood the test of time. Programs like Meals on Wheels keep older adults healthier, reduce strain on our health care system and support caregivers and families across every zip code in America. This powerful network of providers delivers nutritious meals and, perhaps as importantly, moments of connection to seniors throughout the year for roughly the same cost as one day in a hospital or 10 days in a nursing home. More than meals: Meals on Wheels keeps rolling at 50, bringing food, connections and sunshine to seniors This is just one example of the incredible return on investment made possible by this successful public-private partnership that also delivers care and compassion to people who may be socially isolated and lonely, which 56% of older Americas are. In fact, the Meals on Wheels staff or volunteer knocking on the door may be the only person a senior sees in a day, or even a week. Opinion alerts: Get columns from your favorite columnists + expert analysis on top issues, delivered straight to your device through the USA TODAY app. Don't have the app? Download it for free from your app store. These brief interactions can be preventative, often catching small health issues before they become critical and expensive medical emergencies, thus helping to avert unnecessary trips to the emergency room, hospital admissions and long-term care placements. Policymakers face a clear choice: invest in preventative, community-based solutions now, or pay far more later, in avoidable institutional and emergency care. The math is simple; the morality is even clearer. On the 60th anniversary of the Older Americans Act, let's do more than celebrate a legacy. Let's commit to securing its future by funding what works. Ellie Hollander is the chief executive officer for Meals On Wheels America. You can read diverse opinions from our USA TODAY columnists and other writers on the Opinion front page, on X, formerly Twitter, @usatodayopinion and in our Opinion newsletter.
Yahoo
16-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Georgia is one of the worst places to age in place, study says
A study suggests that Georgia is one of the least desirable states to age in place. The population of those 65 and older keeps growing, and the vast majority of them want to stay in their homes rather than retire in assisted living or retirement communities. Seniorly, a provider of an online senior living directory and other resources, studied data in 10 categories to compare all 50 states and the District of Columbia. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] These categories include seniors' risk of isolation, home health care quality, home health aide availability, emergency care timeliness, smart home adoption, housing costs, road safety, local walkability, food delivery access and weather hazards. The best states supported seniors in their desire to stay put, making it easier to get around, stay healthy and feel supported. According to Seniorly, Georgia is not one of those states. The Peach State ranked no. 48, behind Alabama and ahead of North Carolina. Kentucky ranks second to last. Georgia struggles with meal delivery for seniors, 'providing services to only 957 per 100,000 older adults under the Older Americans Act,' Seniorly said. Here's how Georgia ranked in various aspects of senior care, according to Seniorly: Seniors who live alone: 40.5% (Rank: 11) Home health agencies with a 4.5 or 5-star rating: 17.5% (Rank: 16) Seniors per home health or personal care aide: 37 (Rank: 46) Median wait time between ER arrival and departure: 161 minutes (Rank: 33 (tie)) Population who interact with household equipment via the internet: 25.7% (Rank: 27) Homeowners ages 65+ who spend more than 30% of their income on housing: 25.1% (Rank: 29) Seniors involved in fatal car crashes: 20.7 per 100,000 drivers (Rank: 38) Average walk score across the largest cities: 26 (Rank: 43 (tie)) Home-delivered meals via Older Americans Act Title 3: 957 per 100,000 seniors (Rank: 50) Average annual precipitation: 49.9 inches (Rank: 41) Florida, despite its sizable retirement community, ranks last in the study primarily because of its limited availability of home health aides, how much of their salaries seniors spend on housing and weather hazards. Ranking first for aging in place is Utah. Seniorly said seniors there face the lowest risks of social isolation and among the lowest risks of precipitation. Utah seniors also lead the nation in the use of smart home technology, devices that Seniorly suggests can help older adults stay independent longer. The other states in the top five are North Dakota, New Jersey, Idaho and Texas. Seniorly also said that no state is perfect, with some vast differences in the state between different aspects of senior care. For instance, Mississippi ranks 45 for aging in place, but ranks third for quality of home health agencies. A record 4.2 million Americans will turn 65 this year, and according to the latest AARP survey, 75% of older Americans say they want to remain in their homes and communities as they get older, rather than move to assisted living or retirement facilities. TRENDING STORIES: Man sentenced for fatally shooting victim, blinding another during 'heinous robbery' in Gwinnett GSP chase, crash shuts down intersection in downtown Atlanta Xpress bus service routes discontinued, park-and-ride lots closed [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is a reminder to strengthen elder protection
Every year on June 15, communities across the world recognize World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, a time to shine a light on one of the most pervasive yet overlooked social issues of our time – abuse, neglect, and exploitation of older adults. With a reported one in 10 older adults experiencing abuse (according to the National Center on Elder Abuse), and with Tennessee's older population growing faster than any other population in the state, there's no room for slacking on our efforts to get ahead of the need for greater support for those working to combat elder abuse. This year, we must shine that light on the public servants working daily to stop elder abuse in Tennessee's nursing homes and assisted living facilities: Long-Term Care Ombudsmen. Tennessee is home to a small but mighty team of around 18 staff and 50 volunteer ombudsmen at the local level who consistently visit almost 700 long-term care facilities to advocate for residents. As independent, resident-directed advocates, much of their time is spent addressing concerns – everything from poor food quality and missing belongings to unexpected weight loss and abuse. They also help residents understand their options when choosing a new home, support resident councils, and work with facility staff to meet resident needs. Ombudsmen are trusted allies to family caregivers who are navigating the complex and overwhelming long-term care system. We know that caregiving doesn't stop at the nursing home doors. Ombudsmen act as a lifeline for caregivers who have nowhere else to turn with questions or when problems arise. Behind every older adult protected by the ombudsman program is the landmark public policy that makes it possible: the Older Americans Act. This federal law established back in 1965 has been the backbone of a national network of services and supports for older adults, such as home-delivered meals and caregiver respite. It's been the first line of defense against elder abuse for decades. In Tennessee, the law ensured the Long-Term Care Ombudsman program was able to respond to over 4,000 complaints and nearly 2,400 questions from family members and facility staff last year alone. Thankfully for Tennesseans, ombudsmen aren't in this alone; they work with a wide network of support services. Adult protective services, local law enforcement, the state survey agency that licenses these homes, the Attorney General's Office, area agencies on aging and disability, and district attorneys are among the many dedicated professionals partnering to fight for and protect vulnerable Tennesseans. These public servants make up some of the most dedicated, impassioned people you could hope to have working on behalf of your loved ones. In honor of public servants on the front lines combating elder abuse, let's make this June 15 more than a day of awareness and recognize that the protection of Tennessee's older adults is championed by long-term care ombudsmen and other protective service entities dedicated to the charge. The Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman is a programmatically independent advocacy service located within the Tennessee Department of Disability and Aging. To find your District Long-Term Care Ombudsman, visit or call 877-236-0013. Teresa Teeple is a Tennessee State Long-Term Care Ombudsman. This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: World Elder Abuse Awareness Day puts focus on TN protectors | Opinion
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Pinellas non-profit helping seniors worried about funding cuts
The Brief A local non-profit that helps seniors is worried about funding cuts. Neighborly Senior Care Network has adjusted the way they operate to be proactive. When clients buy a meal, the money goes back into the Meals on Wheels program. CLEARWATER, Fla. - Neighborly Senior Care Network, a non-profit in Pinellas County that addresses senior hunger, serves 3,100 people annually. More than 500 people are on its Meals on Wheels waitlist. The non-profit, though, is worried it may not be able to help as many people with federal grant cuts looming. Follow FOX 13 on YouTube The backstory "The federal government hasn't reauthorized the Older Americans Act yet fully," Anita Frankhauser, nutrition director for Neighborly Senior Care Network, said. "We don't know what our budgets are going to look like after next year. So, there's still a lot of uncertainty. With all the cuts to other programs that support seniors, I think it would just make it even worse for our area." Unfortunately, she said, the number of people they serve and the length of the waitlist is common across the state. The Older Americans Act funds about 70% of the non-profit, so Frankhauser said they're trying to be proactive if those cuts come. "We know that people want the food. They need the food. They want socialization. They want to feel connected to others. And so, that's why I know that we're doing really, putting a lot of good into the community," she said. READ: Bread & Butter Gourmet Deli in Tarpon Springs closing after 30 years Big picture view They've expanded their pay program within the Meals on Wheels program, offering more meal options at $8.50 per meal if clients don't want to be on the waitlist. The meals are still delivered to the seniors' homes. "We're really trying to kind of think more like a for-profit business in terms of generating revenue to put back into the funded meals," she said. Dig deeper About 100 clients have signed up so far. Frankhauser said they also offer one-on-one nutrition counseling and other dietitian services to the community to raise money to sustain the nonprofit. "I think that it's going to take a whole community to solve senior hunger and to make sure that our elders are cared for," she said. The Source The information in this story was gathered by FOX 13's Kailey Tracy. WATCH FOX 13 NEWS: STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 13 TAMPA: Download the FOX Local app for your smart TV Download FOX Local mobile app:Apple |Android Download the FOX 13 News app for breaking news alerts, latest headlines Download the SkyTower Radar app Sign up for FOX 13's daily newsletter
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Trump's 2026 Budget Proposal: 4 Things Retirees Need To Know
President Donald Trump's 2026 budget proposal, known as the 'One Big Beautiful Bill Act,' introduces significant changes to federal spending and tax policies. Read Next: Try This: While aiming to reduce non-defense discretionary spending and extend tax cuts, the proposal has raised concerns about its potential impact on retirees who rely on federal programs for income, healthcare and essential services. 'These potential shifts could slow benefit growth, raise Medicare premiums or target higher earners with stricter eligibility or tax rules,' said Aaron Cirksena, founder and CEO of MDRN Capital. 'The biggest concern is uncertainty right now, and retirees rely on predictability, so even these small changes can have a big impact on them.' Here are four things retirees need to know about Trump's 2026 budget proposal. According to Congressional Budget Office analysis, if Trump's budget proposal, currently being debated in Congress, raises the federal deficit by $2.3 trillion over the next decade, it would automatically trigger spending cuts, including a projected $500 billion cut to Medicare. Such cuts may lead to reduced payments to providers, potentially affecting seniors' access to healthcare services. An analysis by the Medicare Rights Center, an advocacy organization, found that the 'bill would undermine access to long-term care by shifting costs to states, likely resulting in cuts to HCBS (Home-and Community-Based Services). It would also make it harder for people to qualify for Medicaid coverage and avoid gaps in care.' Find Out: Key programs under the Older Americans Act, such as nutrition services and caregiver support, are at risk of significant funding reductions or elimination. For example, the National Council on Aging found that the Trump administration proposes to move the Aging Network Support program to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and reduce the program's funding by over 40%. The program allows seniors to live independently in their homes. This matters for individuals saving for retirement, because adult children often incur significant costs for caring for their parents. According to an AARP study, 'On average, caregivers spend 26% of their personal income on caregiving expenses. One in three dips into their personal savings, like bank accounts, to cover costs, and 12% take out a loan or borrow from family or friends.' The budget proposes substantial cuts to Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which could disproportionately affect low-income seniors who depend on these programs for healthcare and food security. According to NPR, 'If approved, starting in fiscal year 2028, states would be required to pay between 5% and 25% of food benefit costs for the first time. … In addition, states would receive less federal support to administer SNAP. The proposed changes would decrease the federal reimbursement rate for administrative costs to run SNAP from 50% to 25%.' An analysis of the Medicaid and SNAP cuts by The Commonwealth Fund found that these changes create ripple effects that affect the economies of entire communities, not just low-income households. 'For example, some of the food purchased in Georgia may have been grown in Kansas or processed in Tennessee, so lower grocery purchases in one state may cause losses in other states,' the Commonwealth report stated. 'A nurse who loses her job at a Louisiana clinic might reside in Texas; thus, a job lost in one state could create economic losses in another.' While the 'One Big Beautiful Bill Act' proposes extending tax cuts from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, it does not include provisions to eliminate taxes on Social Security benefits, contrary to some expectations. The bill does introduce a new $4,000 standard deduction for seniors aged 65 and older, providing tax relief for individuals with adjusted gross incomes of $75,000 and couples with incomes of $150,000 annually. However, the substantial tax cuts and increased spending outlined in the proposal are projected to add approximately $3.8 trillion to the national debt over the next decade. This significant increase in the deficit raises concerns among financial experts about potential future tax hikes to address the fiscal imbalance. 'If the proposal is passed, it could increase taxes on retirement income, making Roth conversions and smart withdrawal strategies more important than ever,' Cirksena said. 'The best move right now is do not wait. Review incomes, run scenarios and add some flexibility into your plan. Better to adjust early than react late.' Editor's note on political coverage: GOBankingRates is nonpartisan and strives to cover all aspects of the economy objectively and present balanced reports on politically focused finance stories. You can find more coverage of this topic on More From GOBankingRates Mark Cuban Warns of 'Red Rural Recession' -- 4 States That Could Get Hit Hard 4 Housing Markets That Have Plummeted in Value Over the Past 5 Years 10 Genius Things Warren Buffett Says To Do With Your Money This article originally appeared on Trump's 2026 Budget Proposal: 4 Things Retirees Need To Know Sign in to access your portfolio
