Throughout my life I was taught to respect others, do the next best right thing in every circumstance, work smarter not harder, to use money as a tool to provide for my family, my community, my church, myself and ministry, and to learn the concepts of creating surplus that could be used for investing for the future while protecting the things outside of a persons control. In that I believe that people should develop strategies to live well today, have reserves for the unexpected, have goals, dare to dream and be generous. By developing a Holistic Strategy for today, tomorrow, and the future a person can accomplish almost anything.   

Generally speaking, a person who is receiving Medicaid / PASSPORT services, are able to receive the care products they need in later life.  Affording a supply of disposable undergarments is not a problem for this group of older adults struggling with the sensitive issue of lack of bladder control.

What about those who are living on a modest income and are not eligible for Medicaid/PASSPORT? What do they do when they cannot afford an adequate supply of disposable undergarments? 

In an article entitled, “Treatment of Overactive Bladder and Incontinence in the Elderly,” loss of bladder control affects “…30% of the community-dwelling and 50% of the institutionalized elderly.” If the census projection is correct there are 22,100 Erie County residents, age 60+. This means approximately 6,000 older adults, are living independently, with bladder incontinence.

Although not all 6,000 lack the money to purchase their own products, there are those who cannot afford enough for what they need.  Thanks to Steven Patterson, CKA ®, FIC, CLTC ® and Melissa Miller, J.D., Serving Our Seniors was given 2,000 pair of disposable undergarments to distribute to those who need, but cannot afford disposable undergarments. Thank you, Steven & Melissa,!  Your kindness in addressing this sensitive issue is appreciated much more than you will ever know.