Sewell hosts senior healthcare forum in Camden

Congresswoman Terri hosted a panel discussion on Monday with representatives from agencies focused on services for seniors at the Dorothy Nunn Senior Center in Camden, Wilcox County.

“We know that seniors across Alabama and the nation are being squeezed by the high cost of living,” she said, adding that everyone has a right to retire with dignity. 

Seniors should not be forced to “choose between putting food on the table or purchasing life-saving medications,” Sewell said. 

Sewell touted resent legislation that puts caps on the cost of insulin and on prescriptions, particularly for seniors.  

Delia Brand, director of Area Agency on Aging, part of the Alabama Tombigbee Regional Commission, pointed to their Senior Nutrition Program, which has partnered with senior centers throughout their 10-county service area to share programs like theirs for prescription medication assistance and helping get seniors into nursing homes. 

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Kylle McKinney, Public Affairs Specialist for the Social Security Administration, said Social Security nationwide has gone to an appointment-only system for service because of the increase of people seeking assistance and a shrinking workforce. That has caused long wait times for walk-in clients. He directed those needing help to the website www.socialsecurity.gov or to call 1-800-772-1213. 

Rural Health Medical Program Nurse Practitioner Clarissa King said they provide “primary care services, dental services, podiatry services and mental health services” in five counties and they take people who are uninsured. Being federally qualified community health center, Rural Health will not turn anyone away.  

King said Rural Health is based at 101 Park Place in Selma, but they have clinics in Marion, Uniontown, Demopolis, Thomasville, Monroeville, Pine Apple, Camden and Thomaston. 

For seniors who are in extreme rural areas, who may not know how to use computers and internet and may not even have service or who do not have phones, Sewell said suggested churches and civic organizations need to step in to help. Transportation is an issue in some rural areas, but most of the agencies have transportation services.  

Sewell introduced her staff who were in attendance and told everyone that their job “is to advocate for you.” She said her office can take federal cases like Social Security issues and can advocate in cases on state and local levels. All the contact information for her offices is available on her website, www.sewell.house.gov.