Heating costs could force difficult choices for Maine seniors.

This is a heating season that most of us, at least in my generation, have never seen before. We have witnessed 100 percent or more increases in gasoline and heating oil prices, as well as increases in necessary consumer goods and medications, all within a relatively short period of time.

For those fortunate enough to have the financial ability to withstand the current economic situation this winter, they might not have to drastically change their living habits. This is untrue for a number of senior citizens in our state.

This winter, state and local government agencies will have their resources stretched in trying to provide assistance to our seniors to stay warm. Law enforcement agencies throughout the state will find themselves on the front lines, when called to help those in need.

In order to understand the situation facing us this winter, we must understand the makeup of our state. Here are some cold, hard facts: Residential homes in Maine are among the oldest in the nation, and 80 percent of homes are heated with oil or kerosene, at an average annual cost of $4,700 to $5,300.

What is also troubling is the makeup of our senior citizen population. In Androscoggin County, there are more than 14,900 residents 65 years or older total, or approximately 14 percent of population. More than 1,500 seniors live below the federal poverty level, and approximately 6,400 suffer from medical disabilities.

Where do our seniors live?

Maine is second in the nation with 56 percent of its seniors residing in rural areas, compared to 21 percent nationally. Approximately 30 percent of Maine seniors also live alone, of which 11 percent lack access to motor vehicles.

Given this information, we see this situation cannot be ignored. In my conversations with seniors in rural portions of Androscoggin County, they have always voiced concerns about their ability to pay for medications and food.

Today, with this energy crisis, medication and food costs are almost secondary. Staying warm this winter is the top priority. And I don’t mean keeping homes at 70 degrees – I’m talking a chilly 55 to 60 degrees. I have heard about some seniors trying to maintain their homes at 40 degrees by huddling around their kitchen stoves with blankets.

This is totally unacceptable.

Our agency is contacting all town offices to confirm all emergency telephone numbers on file in our dispatch center are current. These numbers will include the town’s General Assistance coordinator, as well as information about communities with warming centers. Our objective is to establish protocol for deputies to follow, when responding to “out of heat” calls or similar emergencies to ensure assistance is provided as soon as possible.

Law enforcement and emergency personnel need everyone’s help this winter to keep our seniors safe. Foremost, make sure your home has all emergency telephone numbers ready and available. Know your neighborhood and make it a point of knowing if someone resides alone or is isolated from the neighbors.

A sure sign something is amiss is an absence of smoke from a chimney, especially during the coldest parts of a day.

If something is suspicious, don’t hesitate to call your neighbor to check on them. If you feel uncomfortable in calling or visiting the home, call your local law enforcement agency and they will check it out.

The big mistake is doing nothing. Another common mistake is assuming if a person needs help, they will call on their own. Most seniors I’ve had the pleasure to speak with are proud; many would rather try to make it on their own, their own way, before inconveniencing anyone.

Sometimes their choice of independence is the wrong choice.

Guy P. Desjardins is sheriff of Androscoggin County.