Quote:
Originally Posted by JoeS21
Housing
I've also heard that elderly disabled housing is alright, and not at all as bad as the non-elderly non-disabled housing projects. You can apply for section 8's in any town, not just your own in case you didn't already know that. If you dial 211, they may have additional suggestions.
Gifts
If I were in your position, I would not buy any gifts. I would only send out cards with heartfelt letters telling everyone a little about my year, that I'm having a substantial financial hardship so I'm sorry I'm not sending a gift, and that I wish them a wonderful Christmas and wish them well in whatever they've been doing lately. If you don't have time to write everyone a letter, perhaps you could make one nice card with pictures and a one quality letter that can be sent to everyone. (I've been watching the Suze Orman Show and it seems that buying gifts is a huge extremely common pitfall for people, and especially for women, trying to get out of debt.)
Therapy
Some people head to free 12 step groups when they can't afford therapy. It's not the same as therapy, but sometimes better than nothing at all. You will be able to share your problems, listen to others, and possibly find supportive people. There's a 12 step group for just about everything these days from debt to emotions anonymous.
Medical
Don't get me started.... USA really needs a public insurance czar to go out and listen to the problems that elderly and disabled people are facing with insurance. There's no way this system could be so messed up if anyone truly gave a.....
I hope things get better for you.
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Housing-Section 8 housing is no good. People are not placed in different homes according to their disability in my town. Last check I was told that applications were no longer being accepted, that the program was on indefinite hold.
Gifts-My income has not changed and how do you explain that you are not giving gifts to children that don't have much going for them, a 13 year old at that vulnerable age, a 9 year old boy and 6 year old twin girls? My dysfunctional family would no doubt talk aloud in front of the kids about "why grandma is selfish now and only cares about her own Christmas" or worse. Yes, it is sad and pathetic. I can eek out 4 gifts, just no more. I formerly bought gifts for everyone so just getting 4 is nothing. I really hate being unable to buy for everyone. Plus the decorations for the home are out of reach almost completely. The whole thing is about money and materialism I realize. It is all rather disgusting and is pretty dysfunctional too. I've been trapped in that pattern too long.
Therapy-I am still looking for therapy options occasionally when I get up the nerve to call and be rejected. I have to be psyched up to do it, not when I am already down.
Medical-You are so right, we do need a medical czar to evaluate and try to cure this very sick system. The powers that be are acutely aware that the elderly often have to choose medicine vs. food. They know that medication costs are outrageous. Some spend most of their income on medicines. So far I have carefully made sure that I am only taking the inexpensive generics that are $4 a month. If I had to get an expensive med I would be sunk. I barely make it through the month, often I have to borrow money the week before payday and then pay it back the first of the month. I did run out of groceries every month. Right now I am living off the groceries I have left for the month. Forget about affording the most healthy, organic fruits and fresh vegetables. Whole food is great but ridiculously expensive. One month I was able to afford fresh salmon there...ONCE. Fresh fish and antibiotic free meats are double and triple the cost.
Climbing down off my soap box...