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The shame is often greater than the need: Poor senior citizens often do not allow themselves to be helped

2022-12-20T15:11:05.646Z


The shame is often greater than the need: Poor senior citizens often do not allow themselves to be helped Created: 12/20/2022, 4:00 p.m By: Michaele Heske Many pensioners have to count pennies, especially at this time of inflation and the energy crisis. ©Oliver Bodmer The readers' aid organization Light in the Hearts supports seniors in financial difficulties Dorfen – When everything gets mor


The shame is often greater than the need: Poor senior citizens often do not allow themselves to be helped

Created: 12/20/2022, 4:00 p.m

By: Michaele Heske

Many pensioners have to count pennies, especially at this time of inflation and the energy crisis.

©Oliver Bodmer

The readers' aid organization Light in the Hearts supports seniors in financial difficulties

Dorfen

– When everything gets more expensive, things get cramped for many older people.

Too tight.

It is difficult for those affected to talk about it, because up to now they have somehow managed to make ends meet.

The seniors prefer to forego eating and live on potatoes and turnips.

Or sit in the cold apartment because energy prices are exploding.

That is the fear of social contact points in villages.

Most seniors in Dorfen and the surrounding area are embedded in a functional family system, and their relatives also support them financially if necessary.

But there are also pensioners who have no one: childless or widowed, poor, sick and lonely, says Brigitte Fischer, a Caritas employee.

"The gap is widening," fears the social worker from Dorfen.

Significantly more seniors are affected who can no longer make a living.

But this generation in particular finds it particularly difficult to seek help.

Just recently, Ms. S., 72 years old, was with her in the office on Johannisplatz.

"For months, the woman from Dorfen tried to get by on her own." She draws a pension of 1,100 euros a month, from which taxes and health insurance contributions are deducted.

Her apartment costs 650 euros, cold.

"We have applied for additional basic security, now she has the opportunity to go to the Tafel," explains Fischer.

Months of deprivation lie behind the elderly lady – the shame was greater than the need.

Going to the table is still embarrassing, says Monika Rudolf.

"Many have a ticket, but don't dare to come." With rising inflation, the fear of being looked at by passers-by is steadily decreasing.

“But people over the age of 60 find it harder to accept help.

On the one hand they are more modest in their way of life, on the other hand they are embarrassed.”

Together with her volunteer team, Rudolf gives out groceries to the needy every Thursday.

If Tafel employee Brigitte Museler comes into contact with seniors, for example on the phone, she tries to convince those affected to accept help: "Elderly people are often lonely, especially when they are poorer.

Many no longer have families.” For years, Museler got in his car and visited all those who were ill or handicapped.

“People are happy about the food.

But we also chatted, that's good." The oldest affected person is over 80.

More seniors are currently coming to the social clothing store, says Ursula Czepelc, chairwoman of the Dorfen nest egg.

There is no talk of a financial imbalance in which you may find yourself.

"We would like to help, but we can't get to the older people." This association was founded to provide financial support to villagers in need.

Anyone who is registered in Dorfen can get help, says Cepelec.

"We also grant loans, for example if someone cannot pay the rent."

The nest egg has also helped seniors who need a walker, for example.

And employee Hermannsdorfer adds: "People in need can call us - we'll make an appointment.

Nobody will notice," she promises.

Affected seniors could also look around for Christmas presents in the extensive range of second-hand shops: “We have enough toys in our range for the grandchildren or winter clothing for children and adults.”

Seniors officer Simone Jell-Huber can only speculate: "You can't tell from the people whether they are in financial need - there is so much shame to reveal themselves." Her predecessor Doris Minet, who recently received the city's citizen's medal therefore appeals to the elderly: "Get in touch, there's no shame - nobody should starve over the Christmas period."

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My space

She herself grew up in poor circumstances, says Minet.

"Anyone can get into trouble through no fault of their own - that's no shame." But all the helpers at the contact points agree: There is poverty in old age in villages too and many older people who urgently need monetary support because of inflation and the energy crisis.

light in hearts

The readers' aid organization of the Erdinger/Dorfener Anzeiger supports elderly people in need through no fault of their own in the district.

Donations can be made to the account (number 17 111) at Sparkasse Erding.

Account holder: Zeitungsverlag Oberbayern.

IBAN: DE54 7005 1995 0000 0171 11. Donation receipts can be issued on request.

Please note this with your address on the transfer slip.

The names of the donors will be published.

If you do not want this, please also note it on the transfer.

Source: merkur

All news articles on 2022-12-20

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