Today’s news stories speak volumes. Seniors struggle to make ends meet . . . more elderly find they can’t afford not to work . . . baby boomers are forced to support parents. A growing number of seniors are struggling financially. Forced to choose between meals and medications, homeowners insurance and healthcare, or cable and paid care—in Ventura County alone, a whopping 39 percent of seniors don’t have enough retirement income to adequately meet their basic needs, according to the Elder Index. I think most of us know that the difference between the poverty level and the true cost of basic needs in California is dramatic. Federal poverty guidelines for a single senior renter in Ventura County is approximately $12,000 in gross annual income, and for a senior couple with a mortgage, that level is under $16,000. But according to the Elder Index, established in 2010 by the UCLA Center for Community Economic Development, the real cost of living for a single senior renter is $24,000...

Jessica and her husband are worried about their elderly neighbors, Bill and Rachel. Living alone and in their 80s, Bill and Rachel have been staples in the neighborhood for years. Rachel, who is a beautiful woman and prides herself on her appearance, has appeared outside her house each day wearing the same stained dress. When talking to neighbors, Rachel looks at them with fear in her eyes and says that she can no longer think straight. Bill, who is in great physical shape, received a warning from his golf buddy: “No more driving or I take away your keys.” Bill has been running red lights and getting lost on his way home. Bill and Rachel’s son Ted lives in the Midwest and just came home for a visit. A few of the neighbors expressed their concerns to Ted, and after observing burned pots and unpaid bills Ted extended his trip. He is scheduling doctor appointments and looking for resources to help. Bill, Rachel and their son Ted are part of the two fastest growing groups in...

Jessica and her husband are worried about their elderly neighbors, Bill and Rachel. Living alone and in their 80s, Bill and Rachel have been staples in the neighborhood for years. Rachel, who is a beautiful woman and prides herself on her appearance, has appeared outside her house each day wearing the same stained dress. When talking to neighbors, Rachel looks at them with fear in her eyes and says that she can no longer think straight. Bill, who is in great physical shape, received a warning from his golf buddy: “No more driving or I take away your keys.” Bill has been running red lights and getting lost on his way home. Bill and Rachel’s son Ted lives in the Midwest and just came home for a visit. A few of the neighbors expressed their concerns to Ted, and after observing burned pots and unpaid bills Ted extended his trip. He is scheduling doctor appointments and looking for resources to help. Bill, Rachel and their son Ted are part of the two fastest growing groups in...