By Barb Nadeau –
The needier you are the more access to technology you have a need to survive these trying times.
Senior citizens, especially the oldest among us, are not usually considered the most computer-savvy individuals. They sometimes struggle with cell phones and learning about the newest apps, they may not understand how to set up a Roku or Netflix account.
Many seniors do stay up to date with the latest innovations, however, those individuals who are on a very restrictive income or those who have never used cell phones, laptops, or tablets, may find it difficult to assimilate to computers. In addition, those who are dealing with loss of income, extreme poverty, and those dealing with mental or emotional illnesses, may find gaining access to technology difficult.
What can they turn to for help? Senior Services Associates Information and Assistance staff members can help. Seniors can seek help from other social services agencies such as counseling services with the VNA of the Fox Valley, or the Association for Individual Development. Seniors can reach out to faith-based organizations such a the St. Vincent De Paul Society, or Catholic Charities, however where an individual lives, or the individual’s personal circumstances, will have a bearing on their choice of agencies.
For those over the age of 60, Senior Services Associates, Inc. of Kane, Kendall, and McHenry Counties is a great first choice. For the past four-and-a-half years, I served as a volunteer coordinator for Senior Services Associates, Inc. working in Southern Kane and Kendall Counties. As such, I helped many older adults find meaningful volunteer projects in the communities in which they live, and I helped many non-profit agencies find dedicated volunteer support. I have had the opportunity to interact with staff members at Senior Services about many client needs and have watched the brainstorming occur when there is a senior in need. The care coordinators, the information and assistance staff members, supervisors, reception and office members, and volunteer service personnel, as well all can offer insight into resources available in our local communities and can work together to handle issues that affect our older adult clients.
Through these past several years, I have watched this team work together to solve problems, find funds to help, and pull together resources and other agencies to find solutions for senior clients. The value of networking with partners is played out on a daily basis in the offices of Senior Services.
Sometimes problems just get highlighted and insight into issues that cannot be addressed come to light. One example focused on helping low-income seniors who were not comfortable with computers to gain access to their Social Security fund balance and online banking. Often organizations and companies unwittingly and unknowingly discriminate against seniors with access to discounts, preferred customer cards, and other promotions, because program participants need an E-mail address.
Librarians can help too. Plano Community Library Adult Services manager, Jeanne Valentine, said, “We have people in regularly who want to use our computers, but who don’t know how to get online. It depends on what it is and what their abilities are. We are happy to help them with basic information, and assistance depending on what they need and what their abilities are,” Valentine said. “Some folks come in once a week just to check their E-mail because they need to handle business transactions. We do try hard and while I cannot say with confidence that all libraries do, we really make an effort to help our patrons here.”
Valentine commented that this internet access is a really important element for people in need. “We cannot do everything for them and we prefer they maintain their privacy, but we will help as much as we can,” she said.
As time goes on and our concept of connectedness increases, it is important to note that not everyone has the same level of access. Health care providers, insurance companies, and even private businesses, need to be receptive to the needs of their clients and to the possible gaps in connectivity and access to information. In the meantime, Senior Services Associates, Inc. can help guide older adults to community resources that can help.
Barb Nadeau has worked in television, radio and print with Nelson Multimedia, Inc. with volunteer coordination through Senior Services Associates, Inc., and most recently as the external affairs manager for the Voluntary Action Center of DeKalb County. She is a freelance writer and television host. Barb can be reached at bvnadeau@gmail.com.