BELLINGHAM, Wash. — The recent murder-suicide of a Ferndale couple who were overwhelmed by medical bills weighed on the minds of people at the annual Whatcom Senior Day at Hovander Park Wednesday.
Ryan Blackwell with the Northwest Regional Council in Bellingham says help is available and points to the recent case of a man who came to them in tears after having to sell the house to pay for his wife’s surgery.
Blackwell said staffers were able to help him find affordable housing and connect him to family caregiver supports.
Statistics show 25 million Americans over age 60 live at or below the poverty line, and suicides among men spike over age 65.