WARNER ROBINS -- About 80 senior citizens came out Wednesday for an informational fair sponsored by 8th District U.S. Rep. Austin Scott, R-Ga.

Representatives of 22 agencies, ranging from Social Security and Medicare to the Houston County library system, were on hand at the Wellston Center to answer any questions seniors had about where they can turn for services.

Alice Johnson, field representative for Scott, said many times seniors don’t know about organizations that can help them at no cost.

“Some of the agency representatives said they just enjoyed talking to each other because when seniors make contact and they can’t help them, then they can send them to someone who can,” Johnson said.

Scott opened the fair by assuring seniors his office was committed to helping all regardless of whom they voted for.

Some of the other agencies on hand included the Veterans Administration, Adult Protective Services, the Red Cross, Houston Healthcare and the Houston County Health Department.

The Warner Robins Police Department was on hand to talk about safety for seniors. Rebuilding Together, a nonprofit, gave information about how low-income seniors can get help with home repairs.

Johnson said the most common question from seniors involved the Medicare prescription drug benefit. They provided information to help seniors pick the best plan for them.

Sylvia Adams of Warner Robins said she came because she wanted to question why it took so long to get the Veterans Administration to help with her bedridden husband. She is now getting home health care, but she said it took a year to get it.

“The grace of God,” is what she said got her through the year without help.

Some came to pick political bones. Frank Gadbois said he wanted to question Scott about his opposition to President Obama’s health care law, but Scott had left by the time Gadbois arrived.

Johnson said seniors were also assured that any changes to Social Security and Medicare would only impact those under 55.

Changes such as raising the age of eligibility are being considered to ensure the solvency of the two programs.

To contact writer Wayne Crenshaw, call 256-9725.