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If you have a question about available programs and services or you would like to know more about Aging Services, please send us an e-mail at: SLCOAgingServices@slco.org
Q1: My Mother is 87 years old and is becoming quite frail. She lives by herself. She needs more help and assistance than my husband and I can provide for her. Can Aging Services help me?
Answer: There are several programs and services that my be able to help your Mother. The best way to access these is to contact Aging Services' Outreach Program at 468-2480. A Case Worker will discuss you Mother's situation with you and make referrals to appropriate services. If necessary, the Case Worker will arrange to visit with you and your mother in person to perform a more in-depth assessment.
Q2: How old do I have to be to be eligible to participate in Aging Services' programs?
Answer: For most services you must be at least 60 years old. If you are under 60 years old but your spouse is 60 or over, you are also eligible. The age of eligibility for some services is younger, however: Retired & Senior Volunteer Program -- 55 years Senior Employment Program -- 55 years Home & Community Based Services (Medicaid) Waiver -- 65 years The Alternatives Program -- 18 years
Q3: Do you charge for the services you offer?
Answer: Most services are available on a 'suggested donation' basis. We do not deny services to someone if they are unable to make a donation. All donations are used to expand programs and provide additional services. The Alternatives Program does charge a fee for its services; the fee is based on a sliding scale that is tied to level of income. The Medicaid Waiver may require an individual to 'spend down' their income in order to be eligible for assistance.
Q4: How can I find out more about the different programs and services that Aging Services offers?
Answer: Contact the Outreach Program at 468-2480 for information about the wide range of programs and activities that Aging Services provides.
Q5: I have a question about my Medicaid coverage. Can you help me?
Answer: Yes, the Health Insurance Information Program can help you. Call 468-2480 or 1-800-662-9651 or toll free SHIP at 800-541-7735 for information about eligibility, coverage and spend down issues.
Q6: My Father lives in a nursing home. I'm concerned about the level of care he is receiving. Who can I call?
Answer: The Long Term Care Ombudsman Program investigates complaints involving care in nursing homes in Salt Lake County. The Ombudsman can be contacted at 468-2854.
Q7: I'm 83 years old. My husband died last year. I really want to remain independent and continue living in my own home for as long as I can. Where can I turn for help and information that would enable me to keep my independence?
Answer: Contact the Outreach Program at 468-2480 for information about the services and assistance available through Aging Services that can help you remain independent and continue living in your own home.
Q8: I have a little bit of free time on my hands and would like to become a volunteer. Can you help me find a place where I can use my skills and abilities to help others?
Answer: Call the Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP). RSVP placements are available both within Aging Services and in a variety of other agencies in the community. You can reach the RSVP Program at 468-2490. They have numerous volunteer opportunities in the community and would be glad to find the one that best suits you.
Q9: My elderly neighbor lives alone. Lately he seems to be losing weight. Since his wife died I'm not sure that he is eating all that well. He has no family and I and his other neighbors work during the day so there is no one to help him prepare a meal. Is he eligible for Meals on Wheels?
Answer: To be eligible for Meals on Wheels a person must be at least 60 years old, homebound and unable to prepare their own meals. To find our more about the Meals on Wheels Program call 468-2480.
Q10: I'm retired but am finding that my retirement check is inadequate for all my bills. Can Aging Services help me find a job so I can make ends meet?
Answer: The Senior Employment Program helps job seekers over the age of 55 years find employment. The Program can assist you with in finding a job in several ways. Staff will help you conduct a skills inventory and assessment and work with you to prepare a resume, hone your interviewing skills, and connect you with job openings in the community. On-the-job training placements are also available. To schedule an appointment with the program call 468-2785.
Q11: I'm having problems with a legal matter and cannot afford to hire an attorney to help me. Do you provide legal assistance and counsel?
Answer: Aging Services contracts with Utah Legal Services for assistance on senior's legal problems. Legal Services can be reached at 328-8891.
Q12: I've noticed some bruises on the older woman who lives down the street from me. I think her children may be abusing her. Can anything be done to help her?
Answer: If you have reason to suspect that an older person is being abused, exploited or neglected the situation should be immediately reported to Adult Protective Services at 264-7669.
Q13: My Aunt lives in Terre Haute, Indiana. She is getting quite old and frail. How can I find out about any services that may be available to assist her in her hometown?
Answer: The National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (NAAAA) has established the Eldercare Locator, a toll-free 800 number for identifying the information and referral services provided by aging programs all across the country. Individuals calling this service have access to more than 4,800 state and local information and referral service providers, identified for every ZIP code in the country. The Eldercare Locator -- (800) 677-1116 -- is available on weekdays, 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (EST)
Q14. Can I attend any center - regardless of where I live?
Answer: A participant may attend any center in the County and many do. Your membership card will work in the scanning system where ever you attend. Let the staff know where ever it is you first visit. That puts you into the system at that particular Center.
Q15. How much does it cost?
Answer: Senior Centers operated by Salt Lake County work on a donation basis. You are encouraged to donate $2.00 for the noon day meal. Other activities sometimes have a requested donation to participate.
Q16. What types of activities are available at the senior centers?
Answer: Each center is unique and tries to develop activities that appeal to the participants who attend. For sure you will find a variety of exercise classes, classes to stimulate your mind and help you learn new skills. Languages, crafts, music, computers are just a few of the many possibilities. Newsletters published by each center provide a schedule of activities.
Q17. How do I become involved in my senior center?
Answer: It couldn't be simpler. Stop by any center and introduce yourself at the front desk. You will be invited to take a tour and get to know the staff and perhaps a volunteer to help you get acquainted. We ask you to fill out a simple membership form and will provide you with a membership card that we will ask you to scan whenever you visit the center. Scanning helps us know who we are serving.
Q18. Do the senior centers provide transportation to and from?
Answer: Transportation is available at each center. It is provided for people who are not able to attend without transportation. There are boundaries established for each center which help us make the project more efficient and cost effective. The Center closest to you will help you learn about getting a ride. We ask for a small donation for the ride.
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