INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — The Indian River Foundation for the Elderly recently presented a $5,000 check to Indian River County Health Administrator Miranda Hawker to help cover indigent healthcare cost for county residents age 55 and older.
The Foundation is a 501(c) (3) tax exempt corporation formed to assist seniors. Since its inception in 1967, the Foundation has contributed more than $600,000 to help the County’s elderly and infirm residents.
To help seniors live with dignity, the Foundation’s programs help protect low income seniors from the ravishing effects of poverty and neglect by providing basic necessities like prescription drugs, medical supplies, eyeglasses, dentistry, cataract surgery and other critical needs that affect quality of life. Matching grants were recently made by the Foundation to facilitate Cataract Surgery.
According to Paul Johnson, Foundation Chairman, “Sadly, our low income seniors fall between the cracks due to the dwindling size of families who once traditionally cared for the elderly. In Florida, no governmental agency is specifically set up to provide comprehensive care for seniors.”
Since people are living longer, health and mobility issues are increasing and driving up the cost of health care. Seniors who are no longer able to work are often the hardest hit. Even in Indian River County, one of the wealthiest counties in Florida, many seniors on fixed incomes are unable to meet the basic needs of daily living.
Seniors often have to make tough choices they shouldn’t have to make: “Do I buy food or medicine?” “Do I turn off the air conditioner and lights so I can pay my electric bill?” “Can I continue to live independently or move into subsidized housing?”
Foundation board members include Paul Johnson, Chairman; Talmage Rogers, Vice-President; Arlene S. Fletcher, Secretary/Treasurer; Michael Kissner; Jeff Smith; Karl Steene; and Ernestine Williams.
In 2015, The Foundation will consider making matching grants to the Indian River County Health Department – “Florida Health Indian River County.” Matching grants will in effect double gifts made to support health care for indigent seniors.
For information on donations or matching grants, contact Arlene Fetcher or any board member of the Indian River Foundation for the Elderly, P.O. Box 2488, Vero Beach FL 32961.