CHARLESTON – A delegation of senior citizens from Tucker County traveled to the state capitol in Charleston recently to rally for benefits including in home services for seniors. The group met with elected officials to show their support of benefits for seniors in the state.
Mary Helmick, from Davis, said she enjoyed the trip to Charleston – her first time visiting that area.
“It was fun to meet the new folks and see the delegates from Tucker County,” Helmick said. “We talked about the cuts and let the officials know that we wanted them to keep benefits especially those for in home care for seniors.”
Mary Mullenax, who made the trip to Charleston, said more than 800 seniors from across West Virginia gathered for the rally.
“It was a pleasure to represent Tucker County and to let officials know how important some of the issues are for seniors,” Mullenax said. “We want them to keep our benefits. In home care is a life line for us. It is a cost effective life line.
“They have proven statistics that it is much more cost effective to take care of folks in their own home as compared to putting them in an institutional setting,” Mullenax said. “There was a banner on the steps of the capitol and a bell. The representatives signed a proclamation that they will help promote more senior services.”
Mullenax said some of the cuts were made in programs that are economic money savers.
“It’s not just about the quality of life, which is really important,” Mullenax said. “It also feeds into the economy. These programs help seniors and they create jobs which helps support West Virginia’s economy. It’s amazing. I hope it doesn’t get any worse.”
Mullenax said she learned senior transportation is taking big cuts.
“There are restrictions on where you can go, how many times you can go there and other things like that,” Mullenax said. “Private companies are now taking over running these programs and the rules have changed.”
Silver haired legislature member Lois Miller said her group picks a topic and helps petition for it with the legislators.
“This is my third year in the group,” Miller said. “There are representatives from across the state. Tucker County has one representative in this.”
Miller said the Tucker County Senior Center has lots of activities including dance, knitting and exercise. She said 13 seniors made the trip to Charleston.
“It is lots of fun,” Miller said. “We might start back up in playing games and cards.”
The Tucker County Senior Center is located at 206 Third St. in Parsons. Additional information is available by calling 304-478-2423.
