The East Central Kansas Area Agency on Aging will serve as the single, highly accessible, point of entry for older Kansans living in Anderson, Coffey, Franklin, Linn, Miami, and Osage counties that are seeking help in maintaining their health, independence, and dignity.

In pursuit of healthy lifestyles and dignified self-sufficiency for the aging population, the East Central Kansas Area Agency on Aging will coordinate and provide varied programs and services paid by federal, state, and local dollars, as well as, client contributions and co-pays, and other grant/contract sources. All programs are age related, and income may be considered.

The Area Agency on Aging will serve as the single point of entry for all services, benefits, and resources for those aged 60 and over. In home service programs include the Senior Care Act, Older Americans Act Programs, and the Medicaid Frail Elderly Waiver for Home and Community Based Services (also known as HCBS). These arranged services will be provided by a licensed home health agency.

The Area Agency on Aging staff extends a personal touch by assessing each client's needs, recommending and scheduling in-home services to individuals 60 years of age and older to prevent premature nursing home care. Through a confidential assessment conducted in the home, the staff provides personal attention to each qualified client. Older individuals are happy in their own surroundings and want to remain independent as long as possible. Case management is provided for those individuals who need in-dept help coordinating services. Here is a brief description of the primary services provided by the Area Agency on Aging:

Assessment

A comprehensive assessment covering functional and cognitive abilities, health, available supports, and financial ability to pay will be conducted in the home at no charge.

Bathing

Personal care services provide a trained personal care attendant to assist with bathing activities to help ensure safety and hygiene for clients still at home.

Case Management

This service places a trained and knowledgeable case manager with a client needing additional assistance in accessing appropriate services or resources. A case manager will know all that's available to meet the needs of the client.

Chore Services

Some of the services for which help can be provided are:

* Heavy housework

* Yard work

 * Deep cleaning

Custom Care

If there is a special need not met by a formal service or resource, the Area Agency on Aging may have funds available to meet those unique needs.

Health and Wellness

Access to health information and wellness activities may be available. These activities are designed for older adults to maintain a healthy lifestyle in order to remain as independent as possible.

Housekeeping

Light housekeeping services, designed to focus on the kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, and living area where a client spends the majority of time are provided. This service may also include meal preparation, laundry, shopping, and other errands.

Information and Assistance

Information and Assistance can be provided over the phone or by a visit to our office. Current information on opportunities and services available and assistance in making referrals to other agencies are provided.

 Insurance Consultation

Volunteers are available to help with your health insurance questions or sort through your health insurance claims and unpaid bills. Various publications are available concerning insurance and

Medicare Supplement Insurance.

Please contact our agency to request a specific publication.

Intergenerational Program

Service between older adults and young people generates mutual respect for human dignity, values, and history. With Heart by Heart, older adults and students serve together to create, develop, and sponsor integrated service. This year students and older adults will both be saying...."I MADE A DIFFERENCE!"

Legal Assistance

Kansas Legal Services provides legal advice, counseling, and representation. They are experienced and knowledgable, and keep current on changes in elder law. They do not provide representation for criminal cases.

Lifeline

Personal emergency alert devices can provide an extra measure of confidence and safety to an older adult living alone. The Area Agency on Aging can assist in getting a Lifeline (or other emergency alert system) into the home.

Linkage to other services

One of the primary services provided through the Area Agency on Aging is the coordination of services, resources, and benefits through the various programs available to adults aged 60 and over. Meals A nutritious meal is served at 27 sites in our six-county area. If you are unable to attend a site due to physical or social limitations, a meal can be delivered to your home.

Medical Equipment

The Area Agency on Aging can help provide necessary equipment to enable an individual remain in the home with greater safety. Examples of the types of equipment could include a bath bench, or stool riser, or bedside commode. This equipment may potentially be paid through one of our in-home service programs.

Nursing Facility Pre-admission

Due to both federal and state regulations, no person may enter a nursing facility without a pre-admission screening, which in Kansas is called the CARE assessment. There is no charge for this assessment and it can be done in the client's home.

Personal Care

 Assistance with bathing, grooming, and dressing may be provided by a trained personal care attendant.

Prescription Drug Assistance

Some people have to choose between buying their prescriptions and paying for groceries or other bills. We want them to have just what the doctor ordered. The Prescription Drug Program (PDP) is perfect for those people who: * Don't have Medicaid, and * Don't have private insurance that pays for prescriptions, and * Aren't eligible for Medicare and the Medicare Part D benefit, and * Don't qualify through the Veteran's Administration.

Respite

Relief for the caregiver is referred to as respite. This service will allow a paid attendant to be in the home with a loved one so the caregiver can have a temporary break from the caregiving responsibilities.

Support Groups

The Area Agency on Aging has information regarding the various support groups available within our six county service area.

Tax Form Assistance

Trained volunteers are various locations are available during tax season to provide free assistance in completing and filing tax forms.

Telephone/Visiting

One of our unique and special programs pairs individuals needing a phone call for assurance or a friendly visitor with volunteers trained and ready to assist.

Transportation Coordination

This service coordinates with providers of transportation for a person who requires help in going from one location to another, using a vehicle. Each county has a transportation system available for its senior citizens.

Volunteer Programs

Many volunteer opportunities are available through different programs to assist older adults in remaining independent and in their own homes. Contact us at 1 800 633-5621 from within the state or 1 785 242-7200 if outside the state or calling locally for additional information.