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Resources for Rural Residents

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, one in five people who are 65+ live in rural communities. Some have lived there all their lives, but many have recently chosen to leave their urban homes in search of a lower cost of living, less traffic, etc. COVID also helped convince a few older adults that living in close proximity to their urban neighbors is not always a good thing.

If you live in a rural community, getting the care you need to age in place will become more important — and possibly more challenging to find. Some of the challenges include:

Transportation options are limited. For older adults who can’t or don’t drive, easy access to transportation options such as train, bus, rideshare, taxi, etc., allows them to remain independent and self-reliant. That is why living in a remote setting, away from the convenience of urban transit, can be problematic. These options aren’t readily available.

Access to quality health care is diminished. According to a recent study, a growing number of rural hospitals in the U.S. are vulnerable to closure. That means that rural residents’ access to quality health care is also at risk. Older adults in rural communities will need to drive longer distances to visit doctors and keep up with routine screenings and procedures. It may also mean more reliance on telehealth technology and tools.

Social isolation is more prevalent. We frequently hear about the benefits of aging in place, but there is a concern that it also can lead to more isolation. In rural communities, where neighbors are farther apart, that concern is compounded.

Technology tools, training, and internet bandwidth are limited. If rural seniors have to rely more on telehealth options to connect with health care providers and online communication tools to visit with friends and family, they will have to find ways to acquire technology devices, skills, and bandwidth. 

Home services and repairs are unreliable. In large urban areas, the number of home service providers is plentiful, as are pricing options, specific specialties, and skill levels. With fewer potential customers in rural areas, service options may be more limited.

The good news is that helpful resources exist but vary from community to community:

Faith communities. Churches, synagogues, etc., typically offer activities and support services for their older congregants. They may have a built-in trust factor, too, because the people who run the programs and the people who participate may already be established, friends. 

Nonprofit organizations. Volunteers and nonprofit organizations can be life-savers in the absence of traditional service providers. For example, “drive a senior” services are usually free and can be reserved via phone. These services require advance notice and serve specific geographic locations with specific boundaries. Community libraries and/or activity centers may offer additional resources.

Volunteer service network. Neighbors and community members will often volunteer their time and talent to help older adults. Neighbors-helping-neighbors activities could include errands, meal preparation/delivery, and small household projects. 

Community leadership. Whether your community has a mayor, village head, or city council, government leaders usually have knowledge and insight about local, state, and federal resources for older adults. 

If you live in a remote area, but close to your family, it may be easier for you to get the help you need to explore available resources. If, however, you live miles away, exploring options takes a little more time, but online research and telephone connections can lead to very valuable support solutions.

 

Healthy Hive

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