Dental work would improve senior’s overall health
A 63-year-old woman living in an apartment in the 79935 area reached out to the Area Agency on Aging with several concerns. After listening to her description of concerns, her primary issue is her dental health. She suffers from gastrointestinal problems that have led to weight loss, overall physical deterioration, tooth loss, and limited mobility.
She believes her dental issues are caused by a combination of her medication and her inability to eat properly. She reports having rotting teeth, gaps where teeth have fallen out, and a foul odor due to these issues. She knows she has cavities and needs extensive dental work to restore her ability to eat normally. She cannot afford the necessary dental care, even with a sliding fee scale made available to her at her local clinic.
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Due to her fixed income, she can cover rent, utilities, medications, and some groceries but has no funds left for dental care. She has two sons who live nearby and help her by bringing dinner most evenings. Due to her physical condition, she is afraid to drive and relies on her sons for transportation to doctor’s appointments, grocery shopping, and other personal matters. She says that she feels bad for bothering her children, as they have their own lives and are barely getting by themselves, but knows that without their help, it would be difficult to manage her life. She prays they never get tired of helping their mother.
She often describes herself as an old woman because she feels much older than her actual age. Yet, despite her ailments, she remains hopeful and believes in better times ahead. She recalls her healthier days when she could do things for herself, which keeps her motivated.
She says, “I know that life can be hard, but I remember when I was healthier and able to do things for myself. Those memories keep me going and fighting to not give up. God is good, and I can do all things through Him. I want to get better.”
Providing assistance with dental care would significantly impact her life, improving her overall health and greatly enhancing her quality of life.
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How you can help
The Senior Fund has helped elderly residents for more than 25 years. It is a partnership between the El Paso Times, the Rio Grande Area Agency on Aging and the United Way of El Paso County.
Residents can donate by visiting unitedwayelpaso.org and clicking the donate button on the home page.
Checks can be made to United Way of El Paso County, designated for the Senior Fund and mailed to 100 N. Stanton St. El Paso, TX 79901.
The Rio Grande Area Agency on Aging coordinates services for those seeking assistance. United Way handles donations, reviews expenses and helps provide transparency on how the funds are used.
For questions about the Senior Fund, particularly how to apply for assistance or donate items related to the profiled seniors, contact the Area Agency on Aging at 915-533-0998.
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