By Browning Brooks

FSU Communications Group

Almost half of Florida's homebound elders can't always get basic medical care.

About the same numbers can't get transportation to the doctor.

And more than half sometimes can't pay for prescription drugs they need.

In Tampa, Orlando, Miami, Fort Myers, Pensacola and Tallahassee, an FSU survey showed the same depressing findings.

"They're also putting too much faith in Medicare and Social Security for nursing home care, and not enough in social-service agencies that could help them with everyday life," said FSU social work Professor Linda Vinton, who conducted the study for the Committee on Aging of the National Association of Social Workers, Florida chapter. It surveyed 867 shut-ins 60 and older -- people who are not usually vocal about their needs.

"We used volunteers, many of whom were elderly themselves, to distribute questionnaires to recipients of 'meals on wheels' programs," Vinton said.

"I was pretty dismayed by what we learned: 43 percent of those questioned said they could not afford to go to a doctor when necessary and 52 percent said they could not always afford the medications they needed."

Only 58 percent said they had access to medical transportation.

"If older people don't take their medicines and end up in acute care, then we all pay more," Vinton said.

When asked how they would pay for nursing-home care if it became necessary, 20 percent of the respondents guessed they would use their monthly income; 8 percent had private insurance they believed would cover the cost; 29 percent said they would rely on Medicaid; 13 percent said savings; and 5 percent would depend on family members to pay.

"Most disturbing was the fact that 40 percent said they really did not know how they would pay for nursing-home care and 51 percent thought Medicare would cover the cost," Vinton said. "In fact, after certain conditions are met, Medicare only pays the full cost of skilled nursing facilities for 20 days."

On another sad note, she said, "36 percent... said they did not know who they would turn to if they needed more help doing everyday things. That shows there still is a stigma there about seeking help from social services."