There are 59,807 people over age 60 living in the Tri-County area and 21,306 people over age 75. One in four of the elderly population in our community has a mobility or self-care limitation. In the Tri-County area, 13.25% of those over 60 years of age are living at or below 125% of the poverty level. Many seniors are extremely poor living on a fixed income of $600 a month. Research shows that the over-65 segment of the population is the fastest growing age segment. Nutritional needs change in the elderly. According to a nationwide survey of doctors and nurses, 25% percent of older Americans are malnourished.
The elderly population in our community is struggling to maintain their independence as they cope with declining ability to function adequately in everyday activities. They are experiencing cognitive functioning changes and major losses of physical health, social companions, and economic security. These problems are worse when elders are monolingual in Spanish, are unable to read or write, and do not drive or have access to transportation.
In 1977, The Tri-County Office on Aging began funding Cristo Rey's Senior Program to meet the needs of the Spanish Speaking elderly who were unable to access their traditional services because of language, culture, transportation and other barriers. Our program provides a senior day center, meal program and information and referral. We are the only Hispanic Senior program in our community. On October 19, 2001 our program received an award for the best senior's program in Michigan by the Hispanic Elderly Coalition.
Cristo Rey's congregate meal site offers participants meals that are nutritiously balanced. Other added benefits of our program include nutrition screening, education, information and referral and outreach. Services in our setting are designed to foster independence and/or enhance health and well being through improved nutrition and increased mental and social interaction. Meals are used as an opportunity to check on the health of the older person, as well as to provide some regular conversation and human contact.
Cristo Rey Senior Program provides:
Meals - Meals are prepared onsite. It is an alternative to Meals on Wheels, which is designed for homebound seniors. Dinners are are served to the community four times a week. The Tri- County Office on Aging approves the menus as meeting senior nutrition requirements. Each meal has 3 oz. of meat, 2 half-cup servings of vegetables and fruits, bread, butter, and a half-pint milk.
Transportation - An agency van provides transportation for Tri-County residents to attend our program. Senior volunteer drivers transport elderly clients to our program.
Information and Referral Services - Cristo Rey program staff assists Spanish-speaking seniors in accessing community programs and services. Our program coordinator is bilingual and translates forms and letters; assists with medical needs, MEPPS prescription assistance; SSI and SSDI entitlements; Medicare and Medicaid forms; and home care services. Low-income Spanish-speaking elderly who have difficulties reading and writing would be unable to access these community resources without this case management service.
Health Care - We provide translations and interpretations, assessment of medical needs, make appointments, and provide presentations on chronic disease management, hearing and blood pressure testing.
Physical Health - We provide an exercise program with cultural music twice a week.
The Senior Program is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. It provides a focal point where older persons can socialize and enjoy various activities in the areas of education, creative arts, recreation, advocacy, leadership development, employment, health, nutrition, social work and other supportive services to enrich their lives. Current activities include: Bingo, loteria (Mexican Bingo), seasonal parties, field trips, religious services, crafts, piñata making, and other projects as requested or needed.
