Agency Fact Sheet

Mission Statement:

            The mission of the Council on Aging is to provide services that will enable senior citizens to live in their own homes independently, for as long as possible.

Eligibility Requirements:

            Resident of Putnam County, age 60 years or older

Funding:

The Council on Aging is supported from many sources.  The most important support is at the local level.  Funds received from a countywide levy support approximately 70% of all operations.  Donations are received from area churches, individuals, and organizations.  State and Federal grants also supplement services. The Council on Aging is a United Way funded program.

Services:

All services are free and offered regardless of income level.  Assistance provided includes Transportation, Outreach, Chore, Telephone Reassurance, Caregiver Library, and Information and Referral.

            Transportation:

            Transportation is a program designed to transport persons 60 and older to and from community   facilities and resources for the purpose of applying for and receiving services, reducing isolation, and otherwise promoting independent living.  Transportation is provided from private residences and from assisted living facilities within Putnam County.  Clients are transported in 4 agency vans, 3 being wheelchair accessible, and 3 agency cars.  Transportation is provided for the following types of trips in order of priority:  (1)  Medical appointments, (2)  Senior Dining Program, (3)  Trips to Social Service Agencies, (4) Grocery Shopping, (5) Personal Business, such as banking, paying bills, etc., and (6)  Visits to Hospital or Nursing Home..

            Outreach Services:

            A licensed social worker is available to help clients in completing paperwork and cutting the “red tape” for Medicare Part D, Medicare Reimbursements, Fuel Assistance Programs, Food Stamp Applications, Home Weatherization Programs, Home Delivered Meals, Golden Buckeye Applications, etc.  Assistance can be provided in your home or in the office.  Outreach workers also seek out vulnerable elderly clients in the service area, to assess their needs and inform, guide, and link them to the services available in the community.

Chore Services:

Chore services are available to those older persons who are unable to arrange or perform household tasks necessary to remain in their own homes.   Chore services performed shall include simple household repair, heavy housecleaning, and seasonal needs.  Examples include leaf raking, cleaning spouts and eaves, trimming shrubs and bushes, shampooing carpets, washing windows, small paint jobs, etc.

Telephone Reassurance:

Telephone Reassurance is designed as a “check on a client’s well-being”, as well as providing companionship and conversation.  A pre-arranged daily telephone call is placed to the client.  If a client does not answer after several attempts, emergency contacts will be notified, an outreach worker will go to the home, or the appropriate medical personnel will be contacted.

            Caregiver Library:

            A Caregiver Library is available at the Council on Aging office.  The library contains instructional and illness specific books, videos, and CD’s pertaining to topics of interest for caregivers and their loved ones.  Items can be “checked out” or viewed at the Council on Aging office.

            Information and Referral:

            The agency serves as a “clearing house” by networking with other social service agencies and public and private entities to gather information and disseminate data to our clients and their families in order to meet the needs of senior citizens.  If we find we do not offer a service requested by a potential client, we refer him or her on to the appropriate agency.