I would like to reply to Jerry Crouch, retired CPA, whose letter appeared in the Public Forum on March 21. First of all, congratulations on your successful retirement and I’m glad you enjoy eating out, opera, concerts, etc. But I am amazed that you think seniors just spend their Social Security cost-of-living raises on luxuries.
I know four families whose retirement consists of one spouse caregiving and one spouse care receiving. These families are dealing with the same brain disease that affects movement, cognition and some bodily functions. It is called Lewy Body Dementia; it is progressive and incurable.
These seniors get their retirement “entitlements,“ Social Security and Medicare — entitlements because they paid into the programs for 40 or 50 years. But out-of-pocket medical expenses, unreimbursed medical products, prescription drug copays and payment for occasional respite care more than take any cost-of- living raises.
So my suggestion, Mr. Crouch, is to donate the extra money you don’t need to the Lewy Body Dementia Association. You might also want to put a little aside, in case you find yourself suddenly falling, unable to get to the bathroom in time, seeing people who aren’t there and having trouble remembering things.
Vivian Newth, Millcreek
