Back2-1-1 When in Uncertain Times for Older Adults
Article submitted by Staff at www.SeniorsResourceGuide.com
For more information on resources for older adults with low to moderate income check out our Questions to Ask Series on www.SeniorsE-Guide.com
In these very uncertain times, abrupt and negative change can spring with little or no warning. Who doesn’t know someone who has suddenly lost a job, healthcare, or housing? While friends and family usually have no end of well-meaning advice, I’ve found precious little that I can “take to the bank”.
We want to be able to pick up the phone, like we would with a 911 emergency because, let’s face it: at first, doesn’t this feel like a crisis? Happily, at least for Coloradoans there is a number: 211.
Dialing 211 connects you to a United Way Agency, Adult Resource Care Help (ARCH) representative who, after a brief and confidential, personal assessment will connect you with the agency best suited to provide emergency resource assistance. Oftentimes, it can be the local county Health & Human Services department. But regardless of need, you’re now on file with someone in your court.
What you’ll need to know:
This Adult Resource Care Help (ARCH) service is only available to seniors sixty or older with an exception allowed for those with a documented disability, eighteen or older. You will be expected to give your name, age, address, phone number, an estimate of income and, of course, the reason for the call. Again, confidentiality, being very important to ARCH, is assured. Occasionally, a Colorado Springs cell phone caller will be routed to the Denver office. If this happens, call 719-955-0742.
No one can guarantee immediate resolution of anything. But a call to 211 will start the ball rolling with professionals for whom your welfare has been their business for over one hundred years.
And remember to check out the Questions to Ask Series on www.SeniorsE-Guide.com.