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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Shirley Freyer
Concordia Lutheran Ministries
Tel: 1-724-352-1571 x8266
sfreyer@concordialm.org

Seven Tips for Seniors During Difficult Economic Times

Cabot, PA – During difficult economic times, seniors are often a group that is hit especially hard, since many are on a fixed income. With over 127 years of experience in working with this respected group, Concordia Lutheran Ministries has a number of suggestions for seniors struggling through tight financial times.

Shop around: If you have multiple grocery stores in your area, pay attention to the weekly specials and spend the extra time to get the best deals at both places. Join the frequent shopper programs for additional savings as well. Some stores even have days set aside for senior citizen discounts

Plan your menu ahead of time: Consider making a weekly menu and sticking to it when grocery shopping – this helps eliminate impulse purchasing and can help you cut back on waste. Since grocery shopping for one or two people is difficult, consider using a main ingredient twice in the same week (like having chicken parmesan on Monday and grilled chicken salad on Wednesday).

Consider downsizing: The expense of caring for a full house can have an effect on both your pocketbook as well as your health. Downsizing to a retirement living situation may be the best option at this point in time. Concordia offers several levels of care to facilitate those who have made the decision to receive a helping hand, including assisted living and worry-free apartments for retirees.

Evaluate transportation expenses: As a senior, there are a number of ways to cut costs in the area of transportation. Check your current insurance premiums and compare them to the competition. Look for long-time driver discounts and find a safe driving for seniors class – which Concordia offers periodically – they lower your rates by an average of five percent annually. Last, ask yourself if a car is still a necessity. Many senior living communities like Concordia offer shopping trips and rides to local physicians. Also, services like the BART bus are available.

Stay busy, get creative: Entertainment is an area many seniors cut back on during tough economic times; however, a little creativity can go a long way. Evaluate how many channels you actually watch – maybe you can scale back your cable plan. Consider starting a card group or book/movie club with friends. When hosting a dinner, make it a themed pot luck, so you’re not making all the food yourself.

Be flexible with travel plans: Many retirees enjoy traveling in their extra free time, and as expensive as roaming the country can be, there are ways to cut costs. Join free frequent traveler programs (just be wary of scams). Be flexible with your departure and arrival dates – many hotels and airlines will give significant discounts during the week to fill a block of rooms or flight. Start planning early and look for discounts, especially by looking at flight costs from nearby airports traveling to the same destination. Conversely, often you can find the best deals by booking a week before your trip.

Save energy around the house: Don’t fall into the trap of turning your heat off too soon in the year – When the typical Pennsylvania late-March snowfall comes, the cost to warm your home can actually be more than if you would have just turned the thermostat down one degree all winter. Things like replacing your furnace filter every three months, using ceiling fans, and operating heat-generating appliances in the evenings and in succession can help reduce energy bills as well.

For seniors interested in downsizing to a retirement living community, Concordia Haven Apartments is offering free, personalized tours and open houses for individuals wishing to learn more. Concordia Assisted Living is offering the same invitation for those who feel they may need a slightly higher level of care.

As one of a few CARF-CCAC accredited Aging Service Networks in the country, Concordia offers more services than any other senior care provider in the region, including adult day services, assisted living, home care, hospice, pharmacy, rehabilitation services, retirement living, skilled nursing, and medical equipment sales.

For more information on any of Concordia’s services, call toll free 1.888.352.1571.