Last modified: Tuesday, November 18, 2008 2:40 AM EST State cuts may mean longer wait for seniors BY JIM HAND SUN CHRONICLE STAFF Local elderly residents looking for help in the home may have to wait for services because of state budget cuts. Bristol Elder Services, which provides home care for more than 1,700 elders from Fall River to the Attleboro area, said it is creating a waiting list for those who want help. Lydia Rego-Gendreau, director of special programs, said the agency does not yet know exactly how much of an impact state budget cuts will have on services, but it is clear some people will have to wait. She said she still wants to encourage elders to apply for services because there are some exceptions that require immediate services and vacancies do occur. In a letter to area newspapers, agency director Nancy Munson also encouraged residents to apply for aid despite the waiting list. "The sooner an individual applies and receives a waiting list ranking, the sooner he or she will begin services," she said in the letter. "Certain clients, including protective services clients or those at extreme risk without services, may bypass the waiting list and enroll in the home care program. We hope to be able to serve some new clients each month." The agency sends workers into the homes of elderly residents who have difficulty caring for themselves. The workers do grocery shopping, housework, prepare meals, and bathe residents who need help, she said. Rego-Gendreau said the agency has had to create waiting lists in the past when there were budget problems. The agency is waiting to hear from the state on exactly how steeps the cuts will be, she said. Gov. Deval Patrick has cut about $900 million from the state budget in reaction to projections of a deficit and dwindling revenue. The cutbacks hit every executive department in the state, including the Executive Office of Elder Affairs, which helps fund agencies such as Bristol Elder Services.