A Day in the Life of a Senior Visiting the Area Agency on Aging

Author

Pikes Peak Area Agency On Aging (PPAAA)

Posted on

Oct 27, 2013

Book/Edition

Colorado - Colorado Springs

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Alison comes into the PPACG Area Agency on Aging with concerns about her mother, Jean, who has just relocated to Colorado to be nearer to Alison and her family. Jean, 73, has been under a great deal of stress, associated with her recent move to a new community. Alison, who works full-time, isn't able to manage all of Jeans needs and finds that she needs some support herself, as she tries to learn about resources in the community for her mother and herself. Alison and Jean are directed by staff to talk to the team at the Area Agency on Aging, whose focus is serving seniors and their family members. Jean and Alison start with the PPACG Family Caregiver Support Center, where the case manager meets with them one-on-one for over an hour, listening to them both share their concerns and asking follow-up questions that will allow him to make the best referrals possible. The case manager recommends that Alison attend one of the classes for caregivers offered by the center, to better her help both Jean and herself, as she navigates the new changes in both of their lives. As part of the conversation, it becomes clear that Jean needs some extra help at home and may qualify for assistance through Medicaid. A center manager from the PPACG Information & Assistance Center joins the conversation and agrees to meet with Jean at a later date, to help her with completing a Medicaid application. The center manager tells Jean and Alison that if they are ever interested in local assisted living residences, they can talk to the PPACG Ombudsman team and learn about what is available in the community. The center manager also provides Jean with a Yellow Book, which has over 800 agency and business listings that serve seniors. Jean also needs to see a doctor and receive new prescriptions for the insulin she takes daily to treat her diabetes. Alison's family doctor does not accept Medicare, and since Jean is on a fixed income, she must use a doctor that will accept Medicare as payment for her appointments. A counselor from the PPACG Senior Insurance Assistance office is invited to join the conversation. She is able to provide Alison and Jean with a list of doctors in the Pikes Peak Region who accept Medicare. The PPACG Senior Insurance Assistance counselor also helps Jean choose a new Medicare plan, one that provides good coverage for the medications that she takes to treat her diabetes and has the least out of pocket cost to her. Jean and Alison leave the PPACG Area Agency on Aging feeling well-informed and supported. They feel as if they have just joined a team, and that everyone is working together to help them to help themselves.
Editors Note: Article submitted by Carrie Schillinger of Pikes Peak Area Council of Governments Area Agency on Aging She may be reached at 719-471-7080 x135

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Medicare & Medicaid Information 14 S Chestnut, Colorado Springs, Colorado, 80905

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Area Agencies on Aging 14 South Chestnut, Colorado Springs, Colorado, 80905

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