APPLE PROJECT TAKES BITE OUT OF PAPERWORK

Roberta Conner of Cape Girardeau retired nine years ago, long ago enough to wonder if life insurance provided by her former employer still is effective.

Knowing her former employer also modified the terms of employee coverage since her departure, Conner had some concerns she needed addressed.

Thanks to the APPLE Project, Conner's questions have been answered.

The APPLE Project was launched in February with a $34,243 grant from the Senior Citizens' Services Fund through the older adult outreach programs of the Department of Human Environmental Studies at Southeast Missouri State University.

The project is the result of a survey by the Senior Citizens' Services Fund Board in which older adults identified a need for assistance with their paperwork.

Through the project, clients may receive assistance with many types of forms and documents including applications, personal paperwork, legal and environmental.

It also will network clients with other information and referral resources if needed.

The APPLE Project is free and open to Cape Girardeau County residents, ages 60 and over.

"I have worked with people in all income ranges and from a wide range of socioeconomic backgrounds," said Wanda Wyatt, APPLE Project coordinator, adding all information exchanged with clients is confidential.

"I think it's a worthwhile project," said Conner who recently received assistance from the program.

Wyatt contacted the life insurance company through which Conner had her policy, inquiring about its terms.

She later relayed this information to Conner.

"A lot of times, people don't know what (insurance policies) they have and what they mean," Wyatt said. "I'm here to help them with filling out or understanding any type of paperwork."

Wyatt said she can help senior citizens with a range of forms including insurance, Medicare and Medicaid. She also can help seniors with pension benefit applications, bills and bank statements.

Wyatt can help educate seniors on living wills and durable power of attorney, referring clients concerned with these matters to an attorney through the Area Agency on Aging.

"I don't make decisions for them," she said. "But I can help them with their options."

After Conner's first experience with the APPLE Project, she again contacted Wyatt for help with her will.

Together, they reviewed the document and also explored the option of a living trust.

"She takes time and explains things to you," Conner said.

Allyne Bodenstein of Jackson echoed Conner's sentiments. Bodenstein recently sought assistance through the APPLE Project as the caretaker of personal business for her aunt and uncle, Lorne and Alma Piercey of Jackson. Bodenstein contacted Wyatt upon her uncle's recent release from a local hospital.

During Bodenstein's initial inquiry, Wyatt provided references for a home health aide and the county nurse. She also provided information on locating a shower seat.

"My uncle was in the hospital, and so many bills were coming in," Bodenstein said.

"Wanda later helped me sift through Medicare forms, called to get some explanation of benefits and filed several claims.

"I think the APPLE Project is a necessity," Bodenstein added. "Out in the villa (the Jackson Villa) where I live, a lot of those elderly people have papers stuffed in their drawers that need to be filed. I think it's something more people should look into."

Many forms sent to senior citizens are never filed because they are too complex. In addition, many senior citizens are reluctant to ask their children living miles away to help with their paperwork.

"It's important to them that they can remain independent," Wyatt said.

That's where the APPLE Project can help.

Clients may receive assistance by appointment in the APPLE Project office at 805 N. Sprigg. Transportation can be provided. Appointments may be made by calling (314) 290-5694.

In addition, visits to the homebound and senior centers are available through the project.

"It has really been a rewarding job," Wyatt said. "I've been presented with some very challenging situations. But many clients have left feeling, `I might be able to handle this on my own now,'" she said.

"You feel like you really accomplish something for a person."