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State Rep visits elderly at the WG senior center
Cohn keeps working on many senior domestic violence problems
By Kate Carter
Serious concerns over proper care and health insurance for the state's growing senior population was one of the topics discussed by seniors in Willow Glen last month with their state assembly representative.
Rep. Rebecca Cohn, a Democrat who represents Willow Glen, Los Gatos, Saratoga and Cupertino in State Assembly District 24, visited the Willows Senior Center July 27. Cohn, the chairwoman of the Assembly Standing Committee on Aging and Long-Term Care, said the visit was among several she has planned for area senior centers.
"We're facing a big challenge," Cohn said, referring to a growing senior population. "I'm a baby boomer. There will be 10 of us for every person to take care of us and pay for it."
More than 50 people gathered to meet Cohn at the center for an ice cream social. Many of the senior visitors were from the Willow Glen Villa senior apartment complex, 1660 Gaton Dr., and the complex provided the ice cream. Cohn and her staff gave a fluorescent light bulb to each guest. Cohn said Phillips Corp. donated the bulbs and that she would be distributing about 1,000 of them.
Elected last November, Cohn said California's energy crisis has been the biggest surprise of the job. But she continues to devote her attention to issues of concern for her, including those affecting seniors and victims of domestic violence.
Since she took office, Cohn has seen the first bill she has sponsored signed into law by Gov. Gray Davis. The bill requires defendants in domestic violence cases to be present at their arraignments so they can receive 45-day restraining orders. Another of her bills, that has passed in both the state assembly and senate, would require police officers to ask if a weapon is present when responding to domestic violence calls.
Cohn focused many of her comments on her concern for seniors' issues, particularly those related to senior care and health insurance, in particular health maintenance organizations. For many of those present who asked questions, those issues were the most important, as well.
"We've got a system that's really broken," she said. "There's a lot of reform that needs to be done there. A system is not well in place that informs you about what your options are or makes that a smooth transition."
Cohn said she is working to help give seniors more options for extended care beyond nursing homes and mentioned the possibilities of community-based options and home care. She also encouraged the seniors to contact her office for information about health and insurance resources.
Jessie Coburn, a resident of the Willow Glen Villa, said it is difficult for her to afford paying fees for doctor's visits, which cost her $50, and prescription drugs, which can cost as much as $30, even though she is a member of California's Medicare program. And, she said, it's getting more difficult to pay her rent at the Villa, which has increased $55 a month to cover rising energy costs, on top of a regular rent increase.
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Willow Glen, California Since 1992
