The Golden Inn & Village (GIV) will provide much needed benefits for seniors and the community, but have you ever considered its additional advantage? That is, how GIV will reduce costs to the government — SAVING YOUR TAX DOLLARS?
Every time a senior is sent to a nursing home when they only need help with everyday tasks, their care costs our government approximately $30,000 a year. If you begin to multiply this amount by the number of seniors in or soon to be sent to a nursing home, the amount is in the billions of dollars. Our nation and area are in crisis.
Today in the California Tri-Counties of Santa Barbara, Ventura, and San Luis Obispo, more than 5,000 people over the age of 75 are living on Social Security alone. The over 85 population is also rapidly increasing. Santa Barbara County’s over 85 population increased by 32% from 2000 to 2010 according to the U.S. Census Bureau and that number is expected to skyrocket over the next 10 years. Government assistance for seniors cannot possibly keep up with the demand of our aging — and growing —population.
GIV is designed as one solution and a model for the growing crisis that we are now facing. Affordable housing is not a gift or a hand out; it’s pay back. It’s innovative facility and program design maximizes community engagement and resources for the health, safety and dignity of our seniors and especially our senior veterans and those we refer to as “orphaned seniors” — those with no one left to care for them.
Independent living is a vital option for seniors who crave independence but would like the peace of mind of community living. Seniors residing in a familiar, supportive and friendly environment helps to keep them active and engaged throughout their later years. Even for those who have lived here for a lifetime, housing and even minimal care are becoming unaffordable. Through GIV, we’re truly building our seniors a new future.
For more information, please read Rona’s “Gray Matters” column on Noozhawk, Opening Our Eyes to Invisible Seniors. You can also review the National Council on Aging’s analysis in What’s Inside the Presidents’ 2016 Budget Request. Be proactive. Write your government leaders to raise awareness about our growing numbers of seniors and the need for innovation when it comes to aiding those who need help the most.
