Looming cuts threaten senior services

Having already taken a 5% cut in funding from the county and the loss of a state-funded program, further cuts to Golden Hour Senior Center's budget may impact services and its operating hours.

Jackie Grubb, the center's executive director, said the cuts have already led to the loss of one staff position at the center, while the state has completely defunded the Wyoming Home Services program, which assists house-bound seniors with their household chores. However, Grubb said she was told to brace for further funding cuts from the county in the future. This comes as the state's leaders consider further cuts, many of which focused on the Wyoming Department of Health. The department is a key funding source for initiatives benefiting seniors and senior centers throughout the state.

Gov. Mark Gordon initiated a budget cutting program July 1 which aims to save the state $2.75 million each biennium. The WyHS program was axed as part of that initiative. While assisting seniors with home chores was part of the function, the WyHS program's main goal was to help seniors living in their homes and keep them out of senior homes and care facilities.

"Last year the Medicaid program paid for 64% of all the nursing home stays in the state at a cost of $140 million. In-home services, such as the ones provided by the WyHS program are proven to delay the need for nursing home care and offer cost savings to the state. Our state is aging as fast or faster than any in the country. Our long term care costs will only continue to rise as time goes on," Sam Shumway, the AARP director for Wyoming said in a post on AARP Wyoming's website.

While its budgetary funds have decreased, the need for services provided by the senior center has only grown. According to a press release from the center, it has served more than 200,000 meals through its drive-through lunch service since the start of the coronavirus pandemic. While it the pandemic continues to impact its operations, the center's staff has found a way to offer limited activities for its patrons.

As local and state budgets continue to tighten, Golden Hour has been forced to seek alternative funding for its services. The center will host a drive-through fundraiser to help fund its services Friday evening.

"Hopefully, the community will step up to support us," Grubb said. "Everyone has a senior in their life ... this is something we need in the community."