Alabama Agency on Aging senior assistance programs.
Seniors in Alabama can receive information, referrals, guidance, and other aid from the Area Agencies on Aging. Several centers (listed below) operate across Alabama, and resources can help or even just guide seniors and the elderly when they need assistance.
The Alabama Medicaid Waiver for the Elderly and Disabled can help senior clients retain their independence and stay in their own homes. The program provides services to seniors that allow them to live safely in their own homes or apartments or as long as it is appropriate rather than a nursing home.
Case managers from the various Area Agencies on Aging offices in Alabama work with qualified clients to help them develop a care-based plan according to the clients’ health care or medical needs. Depending upon the results of this plan, and the care they need, participants may receive aid including free home-delivered frozen meals, personal care, companion services, homemaker, respite, or adult day care. In some cases, seniors may qualify for rent or housing assistance vouchers from government programs such as section 202 housing.
Information on Medicare benefits and insurance counseling is offered from the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). Specialists, coordinators and insurance counselors that are part of SHIP can assist people in making informed choices about their medical bills and insurance.
Counselors from the Alabama State Health Insurance Assistance Program provide free information that will help consumers make informed choices on their health care and insurance benefits. All counseling records and advice provided to clients is strictly confidential. SHIP also works with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, local Area Agencies on Aging offices, and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
The program can help people get information on government and private health care services such as Medicare Advantage, Medigap, Medicare, Medicaid, Long-term care insurance and other medical assistance programs.
Not only can SHIP offer details about benefits available in your geographic area, but they can also provide free assistance in evaluating Medigap and other Long-term care insurance policies. Many times referrals to other program or agencies can be offered. Taken advantage of these various government programs is one way to save money on your medical and dental bills. Dial 1-800-243-5463
The Legal Assistance program of Alabama provides older adults with access to a statewide system of legal professionals and attorneys. They can help in dealing with legal issues faced by seniors, including Preparation of Legal Documents, applying for Public Aid, offer free advice and counseling, Community Outreach, and Representation.
Legal Assistance works to protect seniors, secure their rights, advise them on benefits and help ensure the dignity of older persons. The legal program is administered by the Alabama Department of Senior Services through 13 Area Agencies on Aging. Priority is given to low income, older individuals with greatest social and economic need, low-income minority older individuals, Native Americans, and also older individuals who live in rural areas. Dial 1-800-243-5463 to learn more about legal support provided by your Area Agency On Aging.
Food, Nutrition and Wellness for seniors is offered, as adequate and high quality nutrition is especially important for older adults and seniors because of their increased vulnerability to chronic diseases and illnesses. Adequate nutrition can help retain their ability to live at home in the community, and can ensure they continue to access food and nutrition services.
The Alabama Area Agency On Aging helps deliver millions of meals to seniors, and during 2011 almost 4 million meals were provided. The meals, most of which are free to qualified elderly, must provide up to one-third of an individuals needs.
For those who are homebound, Home Delivered Meals are offered too. These are provided, mostly by volunteers, to an eligible client at their home.
Congregate meals are offered in community centers across Alabama, including churches, senior centers, and non-profit centers. The free, healthy meals, social activities, and groceries are offered. At the same time, many seniors can gain access to information from the community on other benefits, such as financial assistance and case management.
At the same time a meal is offered, also take advantage of the Nutrition Education programs. These services promote better health by providing culturally sensitive and accurate nutrition, physical fitness, or related health information and instruction.
Free prescription medication can be provided by the Alabama SenioRx/Wellness program. This is offered for individuals who are age 55+ or older, and who have disabilities and who have been diagnosed with chronic medical conditions requiring daily medication. The Alabama Department of Public Health works with Area Agency On Aging offices to help people prevent more serious health problems and also help them manage chronic illnesses.
The SenioRx/Wellness is a free or low cost prescription drug assistance program that helps thousands of qualified low income and senior Alabamians receive free prescription drugs directly from pharmaceutical drug manufacturers. The program is offered for residents who have no prescription drug insurance coverage, who are at least 55 years of age with chronic medical conditions, and who meet low income guidelines.
Employment and job programs are provided in Alabama by Senior Community Service Employment Program. Those with poor employment prospects and who are at least 55 years old may be able to be placed into a part time job. The United States Department of Labor and the Older Americans Act provided grants for this jobs program.
Locations of Alabama Area Agency on Aging offices near you
East Alabama Area Agency on Aging supports seniors in Calhoun, Cherokee, Clay, Coosa, Cleburne, Randolph, Talladega, Etowah, Chambers, and Tallapoosa counties. 1130 Quintard Ave Ste 300, Anniston, Alabama 36202. Phone (256) 237-6741
South Central Alabama Area Agency on Aging - Bullock, Butler, Crenshaw, Lowndes, Macon, and Pike counties. Location is 5900 Carmichael Place, Montgomery, Alabama. (800 243-5463).
Middle Alabama Area Agency on Aging - Blount, Chilton, Shelby, St Clair, and Walker Counties. Address is 15863 Alabama Highway 25, Calera, AL.
South Alabama Regional Planning Commission - Baldwin, Escambia, and Mobile Counties. Beauregard Street, Mobile, Alabama. 800 243-5463
If your town or county isn’t listed above, call the Alabama Department Senior Services at 1-800-243-5463 for information.
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