By Joel Keller
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

Due to the increased cost of doing business, this is an era of belt-tightening for state governments, and social programs like senior services are usually the first things that get cut. According to USA Today, ten states are cutting spending for senior services this year, while 16 plan to stay steady, and 24 plan to make small increases that won’t outpace both the increase in expenses and the growth of that state’s senior population. New Jersey’s department of health and senior services has proposed a 10.3% cut in their budget for fiscal year 2009.

Less money for senior services means that programs such as social activities at municipal senior centers, meal deliveries to housebound seniors, and transportation for health care may be either cut, or their providers will be forced to charge the seniors they serve fees for service.

Erickson promoting successful aging
But at Cedar Crest, a retirement community in Pompton Plains, N.J., the message is “steady as she goes.” In fact, if you live there and you have a new idea for an activity or service, you might be surprised at the warm reception you’ll get.

“The executive team leads the community by listening to residents and knowing what their needs are,” says Cathy Guttman, executive director of Cedar Crest. “Our number one goal is resident satisfaction.”

All Erickson communities are privately funded, which means they’re not subject to the vagaries of state budgets. And while the communities are subject to the same cost increases that state agencies are, the executive team works to make sure they provide the same services they’ve always provided. That includes funding clubs and activities. “To live by (Erickson’s) mission, which is sharing our gifts and promoting successful aging, it’s something that we’d need to figure out,” says Guttman.