ROSS program works to keep senior citizens self-sufficient

Kimberley McGee

Friday, Nov. 16, 2001 | 3:49 a.m.

On a recent afternoon at the Howard Cannon building at 340 N. 11th St., seven senior citizens sat at computer terminals.

Some were there to learn how to use the Internet and e-mail to communicate with their families, others to brush up on their word-processing skills to be able to publish poetry or write business letters.

All were there to improve their quality of life.

The senior class is one of many that is offered by the Resident Opportunities and Self-Sufficiency program, hosted by the Housing Authority of the city of Las Vegas.

"I'm excited to see what comes from this," said Trudy Turner, a senior participating in the ROSS program. "I'm ready for anything."

Seniors who live independently and are given the opportunity to increase their knowledge live longer, happier lives, Laura McGee, director of operations for the LVHA, said.

"With just a little help they can get what they need but still be OK to live in their own home without (24-hour) assistance," McGee said. "It means a lot."

ROSS offers assistance to the more than 1,000 seniors who live in public housing in Las Vegas.

The program provides such services as educational seminars, computer training classes, medical assistance and advice about Social Security and Medicare.

More than 600 local seniors living in LVHA-owned public housing use the program, which is funded by a $237,600 federal grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Seniors often have to make major life adjustments, even if they aren't yet ready, McGee said, which is when ROSS can be most useful.

Recently an elderly woman enrolled in the ROSS program called McGee in a panic. She told McGee that her driver's license had been revoked because it was no longer safe for her to drive due to failing health.

"Imagine having to give up that much independence," McGee said. "She was devastated."

McGee dispatched a field assistant to the woman's home to assure her that she would have access to transportation and to answer any other questions.

"We form really close bonds with our seniors," McGee said. "You work with them almost every day to make sure they are doing OK."

ROSS counselors also assist seniors in locating programs that will help them, such as free language, computer and craft classes; utility, food and transportation assistance; and medical treatment or supplies.

Community businesses pitch in annually to help the ROSS program, McGee said. Last year Sierra Health Services donated eight electric wheelchairs, much-needed walkers and canes and other equipment to the ROSS program.

"If (seniors) need something and they don't know where to go, we come in and show them what they can do and how," McGee said. "And there's a lot of programs out there that can help."

ROSS employees often provide the simplest assistance. They will drive to a frustrated senior's home and untangle complicated mounds of paperwork and bureaucratic red tape that many must contend with daily.

"We will make calls for them, sit on hold, work out whatever is holding up their (assistance)," McGee said. "We want to catch the problem before it becomes a big problem and they can't afford to pay their rent and get evicted."

Seniors who rely on Social Security or other government aid regularly battle long forms and confusing deadlines, McGee said.

It can be very daunting and frustrating to someone who needs that assistance to pay the rent, utilities and buy groceries, she said. Little money is left over for entertainment, and with that, depression can set in, which is a concern for elderly people.

"These services can make life a little better, easier," McGee said. "It's good to know that there is someone out there you can turn to who you can rely on to help you. That's us."