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VCMRF Ventura County Medical Resource Foundation

As we continue to focus on helping these children, we seem to forget about the grandparents/seniors in their lives. These grandparents/seniors suffer the same fate the children do; they do not have access to dental or vision care, nor can they afford the services.  Like a lot of grandparents/seniors/ older adults, they put the needs of their children and grandchildren first, resulting in neglect to their own health which can place their life in peril.  We are reaching out to these grandparents and other low-income seniors/older adults to make sure they are taking care of themselves so they can be there to provide for their family.  The goal of the Senior Resource Program’s (SRP) system of care is for patients to be seen and treated by oral health or vision care donors in the city they reside in, as well as by the same provider in order to build a system of trust.  As a result, appointments are easily and regularly scheduled, and relationships are developed with the doctor, who provides them with a dental home and prevention education to help prevent future dental emergencies.   

 

VCMRF’s goal is to provide dental and vision services to low-income, vulnerable children under the age of 19 (CRP) and low-income seniors 62 and older, through the Senior Resource Program (SRP).  The numerous children and seniors referred to the CRP/SRP each year reconfirm the pressing need for these programs; however, budget cuts at local, state and federal levels are literally dissolving the few health care programs available to these low-income, underserved children and seniors. 

 

To learn more about the Senior Resource Program, download our flyer:

Senior Resource Program Flyer (English)

Senior Resource Program Flyer (Spanish)

 

If you would like to make a referral for a senior/older adult in need, or know someone who would like to refer to our program, please complete the referral form below (clients cannot refer themselves):

Senior Resource Program Referral Form 

 

Patient Testimonials:

  • I want to thank the doctor for his wonderful service.  I also want to thank the Ventura County Medical Resource Foundation for processing my referral and for the assistance provided.  Thanks again for all your help!

 

  • This letter is to express my heartfelt thanks for referral to your dental program and the wonderful dentist who helped me.  From the time I arrived in his office I was treated beautifully.  He checked my teeth, fixed a chip from my front tooth, x-rayed my teeth, and cleaned them.  The doctor listened to my background story – careers, family, etc. and was interested in what I told him.  He is not only a great dentist, but a great man as well.  I could not have been in better hands or gotten better care.  Thank you, again, for the referral to him and getting me the treatment, I needed but couldn’t afford.

 

  • Dear Dr. & Staff – my husband and I want to thank you for your kindness and taking good care of us.  Hope you and your staff have a happy new year.

 

  • I want to thank my doctor for his great service.  I had an eye exam and had a great experience.  I also want to thank the Ventura County Medical Resource Foundation for the referral and all they assistance they provided.  Thanks again for the great service. 

 

  • Thank you so much for seeing my husband.  He has had bad teeth for a while now.  Since seeing you he feels so much better.  Please continue seeing him, he is in the hospital right now, but he wants to continue with your service.  Thank you, again, he really needed your help.

 

  • Dear Dr. – thank you for the caring and professional work on my dental needs at the age of 94.  I have been to many dentists and regard you the highest.  I have family and will recommend your services.  Bless you.

 

  • I wish to thank your foundation for helping me in this time of need.  The doctor was very good, a real good person and when he sees clients you know they will be taken care of.

 

  • Thank you for the wonderful service provided by everyone in your office. Everyone was very professional and made me feel comfortable during my visit. I will refer everyone who ask me if I know a good dentist in Ventura County. I got a tooth filled and his dental assist explained everything to me. I am not a fan of going to the dentist, but I did not feel stressed with anyone.

 

  • I was referred to a dentist, and I went to my appointment and it was very successful.  He did complete x-rays, he fixed a small chip in my front tooth, and provided me with an extensive cleaning.  I truly appreciate all your help in setting up this appointment and following up with me throughout the entire process.  It looks like I will just be going back for check-ups, as needed.  I just feel so good about the experience, and all that the doctor and you did for me, thank you, again.  

 

STATS

Insight Center for Community and Economic Development, March 2013, reported that forty-seven percent of older adults (65+ years) in California are struggling to make ends meet.  Yet, the official poverty measure identifies only 8% of these 1.76 million seniors as being in need.  With fixed incomes and ever increasing costs, the others often fall through the cracks of our public support systems, unable to qualify for many programs. 

 

The California Elder Economic Security Standard Index measures how much income is needed for a retired adult age 65 and older to adequately meet his or her basic needs, including, housing, food, out-of-pocket medical expenses, transportation, and other necessary spending.  With the average Social Security payment of $12,100 this is not enough to live on, and yet, one out of three seniors in California relies exclusively on Social Security to cover their basic costs.

 

Many elders fall through the cracks.  With the Federal Poverty Line being $10,890, and for an elderly renter living alone in Ventura County, the Elder Index is approximately $24,967/year which puts them far below what it costs to make ends meet.   That’s over 31,000 elders struggling to make ends meet in Ventura County.  In contrast, per the Federal Poverty Line (FPL), only 4% (3,000) of Ventura County elders are considered “poor,” with an annual individual income below $10,210.  But a large number of other elders (28,000 or 35%) fall into the “eligibility gap,” with incomes above the FPL, but below the Elder Index.  These elders don’t have enough money to cover their most basic needs, but have too much to qualify for many public programs.

 

Women living alone are more economically vulnerable.  Historically, women have earned less than men.  Today they still earn, nationally, an average of 78 cents for every dollar a man earns.  Without a partner to share the expenses, and in the face of increasing costs and fixed incomes, 1 out of every 2 elder women living alone in Ventura County are struggling to make ends meet.   Nearly 8 out of 10 Latino elders in Ventura County have incomes below the Elder Index.  Although, non-Latino White elders are doing better, 43% are still economically insecure. Elders living alone are the most economically vulnerable. 

 

Over 6 out of 10 elder renters living alone in Ventura County are trying to survive on incomes below the Elder IndexClose to half of elders living alone who own their home, but are still paying off a mortgage, are unable to meet their basic needs.

 

Senior Population Projections for Ventura County – 2010-2050

The 2010 U.S. Census, stated that 2,300 senior males and 4,200 senior females are living in poverty in Ventura County.  Health inequities, including poor health status, disease risk factors, limited access to oral and vision care, and lack of education, are interrelated and reported among individuals with social, economic, and environmental disadvantages.   

 

The goal is for VCMRF and its partners to improve the current level of oral and vision care for Ventura County children and seniors by continuing to improve, in partnership with others, access to needed health care for the most vulnerable and underserved residents of Ventura County.

 

According to Healthy People, oral health is essential to overall health.  Good oral health improves a person’s ability to speak, smile, taste, tough chew, swallow and make facial expressions to show feeling and emotions. However, oral disease, from cavities to oral cancer, cause pain and disability for many Americans – especially those who lack access to care. 

 

Many low-income seniors do not have access to ongoing preventive oral and vision programs.  The goals are 1) To increase awareness of the importance of oral and vision health to overall health and well-being, 2) To increase acceptance and adoption of effective preventive interventions and to reduce disparities in access to dental treatment services, and 3) To increase annual checkups with the same patient to create a comfortable environment ans sense of community.

 

When people grow older they are more susceptible to oral and craniofacial diseases and conditions, such as gum diseases, oral and facial pain and oral, mouth and throat cancer.   People who have the least access to preventive services and dental treatment have greater rates of oral and vision diseases.  A person’s ability to access oral health care is associated with factors such as education level, income, race and ethnicity. 

 

Remembering the Senior Healthcare Screening Program

A Partnership with Ventura County Public Health (from VCMRF’s 2010 Annual Report)

 

A large number of people who live in low-income housing are over 75, live alone and have a variety of disabilities and communication barriers, such as hearing impairment. As people age, risk factors for accidents, disease and social isolation increase and contribute to barriers in accessing needed care.

 

For over 7 years, the Senior Healthcare Screening Program has provided underserved seniors with screenings, assessments and interventions that are imperative to chronic disease prevention and management. The experienced, highly-trained Public Health Nurses go to the communities where senior live, making it much easier for them to access health care screenings and prevention education.

 

According to the National Institute of Health, treatment of high blood pressure results in a 59% reduction in age-adjusted stroke mortality and a 50% reduction of cardiovascular disease.  The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening for Diabetes in adults with high blood pressure or high cholesterol to help reduce cardiovascular events and mortality.

 

This program has saved countless lives.  Our goal is to reach out to over 1,000 men and women over the age of 50, of all races, at 13 different locations within the County.  The health screenings will be provided 5 days per week and will take place at 3 locations in Oxnard, 2 in Camarillo and 1 each in Fillmore, Ojai, Santa Paula, Moorpark, Piru, Ventura, Thousand Oaks and Simi Valley.