Areawide Aging Agency programs.
Operating across the counties of Canadian, Cleveland, Logan, and Oklahoma, the Areawide Aging Agency is a leading organization for senior citizens as well as the elderly to contact for help. They provide clients access to a Help Line for information or referrals, and they also provide a number of services ranging from the Healthy Aging Initiative to Meals on Wheels.
It is recommended to call the Aging Help Line. This is available as an emergency assistance line for older adults who are in a crisis situation. The organization will provide referrals to heating and cooling bill assistance during times when the weather conditions are extreme, whether it’s hot or cold. The line also direct callers to food, medical care, housing, medications, and much more.
This is the organizations version of the Information and Assistance Line. It helps caregivers, older adults and medical professionals who work with them to access the services that are most appropriate for their needs. The Help Line has also compiled and published a Survival Kit for Seniors, which is a resource directory with pages of listings on charities, public aid, and more.
Some other agencies in Oklahoma County will also lend out donated medical equipment, and also help seniors obtain eyeglasses, wheel chairs and other items that are not covered by Medicare or any other private health insurance program. No matter what type or amount of assistance someone is seeking, applicants must meet income eligibility requirements and other program criteria. Funding from any Areawide Aging Agency partner is limited and dependent on donations from businesses, private citizens, sponsorship's, government grants, and community support.
The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Service from Areawide helps individuals residing in long-term health care facilities and assisted living centers. It is available across Cleveland, Oklahoma County and city and other regions. The Agency on Aging will be advocating for them and protecting their rights by exploring problems, solutions, and recommending corrective action.
The success of the Ombudsman Program is dependent on the help that the non-profit gets from volunteers. If anyone can, please donate or sign up to join the organization in the mission of meeting the needs of those who in need of support as well as dependent on the system.
Free hot nutritious meals, recreational activities, consumer information and health and wellness programming are available to adults aged sixty and older through various Senior Nutrition Programs. The resources from Areawide Aging Agency of Oklahoma County also provide outreach, homemaker services, and home-delivered meals.
The program is for seniors who are unable to leave their homes to eat at a local meal sites. Logan County residents should dial 405-282-1803. In Cleveland County, dial 405-321-3200. Aging Services of Canadian County has an intake line of 405-422-1426, or call Oklahoma County Senior Nutrition Program at 405-949-2709.
Dozens of local non-profit organizations and churches participate in the Mobile Meals of Oklahoma County Program. Volunteers are key to this service. They will be preparing and delivering at least one meal each day to homebound seniors in their organizations’ service areas.
The OHAI - Oklahoma Healthy Aging Initiative is Areawide's health promotion grantee. The staff from the organization will be presenting Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP) workshops and other classes to seniors and the disabled that promote better health throughout the four county Areawide service area.
As part of this process, CDMSP’s month long workshops were developed to educate chronic disease sufferers (regardless of their age) as well as their caregivers in regard to improving their health. Specifically, the sessions provide clients the tools they need for making daily tasks more manageable, managing pain and fatigue, as well as setting realistic goals.
That that federal government funding for this program is provided in part through an Administration on Aging grant to the Department of Health and Human Services’ Aging Services Division of Oklahoma. It pays for people over the age of 60, as they can take advantage of CDSMP workshops at no charge.
Other sessions are held too across Oklahoma City. The DSMP - Diabetes Self-Management Program is for those from the service area with Type 2 diabetes. There is also support given to their caregivers. The workshop also focuses on the importance of the appropriate use of medication, exercise for maintaining and enhancing strength and endurance; as well as healthy eating. Participants share their experiences, develop weekly action plans and help clients solve problems as they create and carry out their self-management programs.
Areawide Aging Agency Eat Better Move More is a service that includes mini-talks on healthy living. Topics addressed include nutrition and walking; the importance of dietary fiber; the benefits of eating more fruits and vegetables; how dairy foods affect bone health; sensible portion sizes and more.
Areawide offers an array of support services in Canadian and Oklahoma County for family caregivers and grandparents. If they are taking care of youth, they can sign up for respite services, counseling sessions, training, information and referral, and more. As part of this is the Sunbeam Family Services Caregiver Fundamentals Program, which presents workshops in Cleveland, Canadian, Oklahoma and Logan Counties. Workshop content includes counseling, resources, assistance, respite services, and ongoing support.
Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma, or LASO, is a non-profit partner of the organization. The corporation offers free legal aid to seniors and low-income residents of Oklahoma. LASO does not discriminate based on age, color, race, religion, national origin, or disability.
Aging Services, the Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma, Inc. and the Oklahoma Department of Human Services collaborate in the operation of OK-SPLASH. This is a service that provides free legal information, advice, representation and referral for people aged 60 and older. Due to limited funds, all requests may not be accepted by OK-SPLASH, but all callers are provided with referrals, even if free legal representation is not available.
Embark from Areawide Aging Agency, formerly known as Metro Transit, makes use of funding to provide the Transportation Program for Older Adults in Oklahoma County. There are many providers under contract with Embark, such as Community Action, RSVP and the Daily Living Center. The service is available to older adults with limited or no access to transportation to shopping, meal sites, doctors’ appointments and other necessary destinations.
For more information of food, transportation, and other services, Areawide Aging Agency is located at 4101 Perimeter Center Dr. in Oklahoma City. The main phone number is 405-942-8500.
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