Programs

 
Apprise

Trained volunteers will meet persons at any local senior center to assist with Medicare and Medicaid, completion of reimbursement forms, Medicare and supplemental insurance, and completion of applications for Property Tax/Rent Rebates and PACE.  The volunteers are available to discuss supplemental insurance options and to advocate for persons facing appeals on benefit denials.  Call your nearest SENIOR CENTER to schedule an appointment.

Nursing Home Transition

Nursing Home Transition (NHT) is the process of assisting and empowering people who want to move from a nursing facility back to a home of their choice in the community.  NHT includes: providing outreach and education to consumers, nursing facility staff, families, and community, members about NHT; identifying individuals who want to move out of nursing facilities as consumers of the NHT process; educating consumers so they have information they need to make well-informed decisions about their transition; empowering consumers to direct their own transition; connecting consumers to the services and resources they have identified and chosen as needed supports for living independently in the community; advocating for consumers to ensure that their transition plan is what they want and need, or providing them with the tools to be self-advocates if they so desire.

Domiciliary Care

This program offers a protected, community based living arrangement for adults (age 18 and over) who are unable to live independently due to physical, visual, or mental impairment.  A Dom Care Home is a private residence, with family-like atmosphere, which has been inspected and approved by Agency care managers as being qualified to provide room, board, personal care services and a supportive environment for consumers placed in their homes.  Agency care managers monitor the homes by periodic visits to assure quality of care and stability of placement.  The appropriateness for placement into a Dom Care Home is based on the consumer's care needs.

Federal Family Caregiver Support

This program provides services to assist in reducing stress and burdens for consumers and caregivers.  Reimbursement could total up to $500 each month, if the consumer meets the necessary guidelines under this program, allowing consumers and caregivers to purchase allowable supplies, pay for personal care, respite care, etc.  Up to a maximum of $2,000 could be used for minor renovations and purchasing needed equipment based on household income and a cost sharing scale.  Documentation is required.

State Family Care Giver Support

This program is unique in that the needs of caregivers are specifically evaluated as part of an assessment process.  Provisions are made under this program similar to the Federal Family Caregiver Support Program with reimbursements available up to $200 each month.  $2,000 could be available for minor renovations and needed equipment under this program also.  A cost sharing scale will be used to determine allowable benefits. Documentation is required.

OMBUDSMAN

The Ombudsman Service is available to all County residents of nursing homes, personal care homes, and in-home service recipients to receive complaints regarding the level and quality of care received.  Complaints may originate from the residents, their families, or the care facility.  The Ombudsman conducts an objective and non partisan investigation, and attempts to resolve conflict at the local level through mediation.  To become a volunteer or make a report, please contact the Area Agency on Aging at 814-443-2681 or 
800-452-0825 and speak to an intake worker.

PDA Waiver Program

The PDA Waiver Program was designed for people age 60 and older.  Under this program, home and community based long-term care services can be provided to you as an alternative to nursing home care.  It is called a "Waiver Program" because services are funded through a special waiver of certain Medicaid restrictions, allowing payments typically used for nursing home care to be used for home-care services.  If you are interested in finding out more about the PDA Waiver Program send an e-mail ltinsmith@somersetaaa.org

Prime Time Health


Information on a variety of health related subjects and opportunities for participation in planned activities are made available to empower the senior citizen to enhance their general physical and mental health.  It is structured to allow for community guidance regarding topics and events that are offered in the program.  Activities are integrated with those programs regularly offered in senior community centers and are scheduled in other communities, dependent upon the interest of a particular community.  Videos and printed materials are available for loan to senior citizen groups and community organizations.

Protective Services


To make a report or ask questions or tell information about a situation please contact the Area Agency on Aging and speak with an intake worker during working hours at 814-443-2681 or after hours contact the ACCESS line at 814-443-3639 or 1-800-452-0218.