Idaho Agency on Aging.
The number of services provided by Idaho Agency on Aging offices is extensive. Case managers and volunteers provide outreach, information, guidance, and support to seniors citizens, the elderly, and older Idaho residents. Assistance programs are offered with compassion and confidentiality.
Caregiver Services can provide relief and resources to those who are caring for a relative. Support from care giving is extensive, and can range from personal visits from caregivers, periodic phone calls, to people buying groceries on a senior’s behalf. Some services can even help people pay their bills or help them manage money. The caregivers themselves can receive respite, information, training, decision support, problem solving alternatives, and social support. The Agency on Aging center in Idaho may be the best place to contact for information and details on the available programs.
Information is provided from Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act, or MIPPA. Seniors can access details on changes in Medicare wellness benefits, disease prevention and Medicare Part D annual enrollment changes.
For example, receive education which is for Medicaid and Medicare beneficiaries. It gives them information about the necessity of enrolling annually for the federal government Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage insurance. Learn about discount and savings programs such as “Extra Help”, which can help people pay for the Medicare prescription drug plan. Information and tips can be provided on how to save money on Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and/or Part B (medical insurance) premiums. Also get assistance with completing applications.
The federal government funded and volunteer Senior Medicare Patrol Program helps individuals get reassurance that they are billed correctly. The SMP program helps senior citizens and Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries prevent, detect, and deal with health care fraud and scams. It is mostly run by volunteers, and highly trained SMP staff assist Medicare beneficiaries and their families.
Work with a specialist to detect deceptive or illegal health care practices, such as overcharging on bills, providing unnecessary or inappropriate services, or double-billing. The Senior Medicare Patrol Program will educate the public, consumers, and seniors on other types of fraud and scams as well. Learn about financial exploitation tactics, identity theft, and mail, telemarketing and computer scams. Most of the advice and services are even offered to people who speak limited English.
Applications and information on the Senior Community Service Employment Program is available at agency of aging offices. This job and employment program can help unemployed, low-income seniors obtain occupational skills through job training and also actual work experience. Positions are available across many towns and cities in Idaho.
A case manager will be assigned to participants who enroll in this program. Together you will work on the development and implementation of an employment plan. If you are qualified and successful with the plan, you may be able to be placed at a government agency or non-profit where they will provide the participant with a part time job and the training that comes with it. The client will receive subsidized wages, possibly other benefits and after a period of time people will be required to transition into unsubsidized, full time employment.
Agency on Aging offices and social workers provide Case Management services. This is offered for senior citizens, disabled adults, older individuals, and their families. Get help in accessing services that have the goal of keeping older individuals in their home.
Case management includes assessing needs including psychological, physical, and social needs of the individual, developing service plans, and coordinating delivery of services and assistance programs.
The Homemaker Program is for people in Idaho who are 60 years of age or older. The program provides care for the elderly and older persons to help them maintain, strengthen, and safeguard their personal functioning and allow them to live in their own homes or apartments. Services include banking and bill paying, housekeeping, meal planning and preparation, prescription medication management, and running personal errands.
Free Information, Referrals and Assistance is offered, and it can help bring people and services together. Specialists can provide information and assistance on current resources that are available in towns and cities across Idaho. Case managers from agency on aging offices can link seniors and the elderly to assistance programs and opportunities that are available. Some information offered may be for emergency financial assistance programs or public aid.
Home delivered and congregate meals are offered from pantries, kitchens, and local non-profits. Home delivered, or meals on wheels, are low cost (or maybe free) hot nutritious meals that are delivered to homebound seniors age 60 years or older, the disabled, and spouses as well. In addition to getting food, the drivers who deliver the meals make daily contact with the individual and therefore provide companionship. They also check on the well-being of seniors they visit. Congregate meal sites are located across Idaho in places like churches, Agency on Aging offices, and senior centers. Most serve a daily lunch to individuals age 60 or older. At these locations seniors come together to enjoy a meal, participate in health programs, meet friends, learn about other local services. Some Senior Centers in Idaho even have transportation available from your home to the center.
Outreach Services are coordinated by the Idaho Area Agency on Aging. It is a service that identifies older individuals, seniors, disabled adults and their families. Outreach means they will be provided education and encouraged to use existing services and apply for government benefits. Assistance is also provided in accessing appropriate services or applying for government programs.
Transportation is sometimes available to those elderly Idaho residents who have no other means of transportation and need a ride to say a doctor appointment or critical shopping trip. Preference is given to seniors and older adults with limited economic resources and/or who are also minorities. Personal assistance for those seniors or individuals with limited physical mobility is provided as well if needed.
The Agency on Aging transportation services and volunteers can provide low cost rides to and from social services, places of employment, medical and health care appointments, meal sites, senior centers, and food shopping sites.
For more information or assistance, dial 1-800-926-2588. Staff will direct seniors to the options that are available to them.
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