What is the Area Agency on Aging (AAA)?
TARCOG is designated as our region’s Area Agency on Aging (AAA), part of a nationwide network under the direction of the U.S. Administration for Community Living and funded through the Alabama Department of Senior Services. The director of TARCOG’s AAA is Sheila Dessau-Ivey.
As the region’s AAA, Sheila said TARCOG plans and delivers services that address the needs of people age 60 and older in DeKalb, Jackson, Limestone, Madison and Marshall counties.
To provide an overview of services, Sheila grouped them into three broad categories, beginning with health and wellness services, which include:
Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC): TARCOG provides comprehensive assistance for a wide range of needs, including guidance on healthcare and prescription benefits, as well as connections to local resources for nutrition, transportation, long-term care and wellness. This is the starting point for accessing services.
Aging at Home: The Medicaid Waiver Home and Community-Based Care (HCBC) program provides services for seniors and individuals with disabilities, allowing them to live safely and independently in their homes and communities.
Health & Wellness: TARCOG supports senior centers that provide nutritious meals, recreation and exercise programs, and other activities that promote healthy lifestyles. TARCOG also assists with applications for food assistance.
Prescription Assistance: Qualifying individuals age 55 and older can receive prescription medications at low or no cost through the SenioRx program.
State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP): SHIP helps Medicare beneficiaries make informed choices by providing information about available benefits and resources.
When it comes to caregiver and residential services, Sheila said TARCOG offers the following programs:
Alabama Cares: Part of the National Family Caregiver Support Program, Alabama Cares supports family caregivers as they care for their aging loved ones — and themselves.
Long-Term Care Ombudsman: TARCOG’s long-term care ombudsmen advocate to improve quality of life and protect the health, safety, welfare and rights of residents living in long-term care and assisted living facilities.
Sheila said TARCOG’s AAA also provides several additional services, including:
Legal Services: TARCOG has an attorney who assists with various legal issues, including Medicare and Medicaid matters, income maintenance, long-term care, powers of attorney and advance health directives, and basic estate planning.
Senior Employment: The Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) is a community service and work-based job training program for older Americans operated through a U.S. Department of Labor grant.
Sheila said TARCOG offers programs and services designed to meet specific needs within the aging community.
“At TARCOG’s Area Agency on Aging, we are committed to improving the quality of life for seniors and individuals with disabilities,” Sheila said. “Together, our goal is to build healthier, happier communities, one person at a time.”
She encourages anyone who would like more information about a program or service — or who needs help but doesn’t know where to turn — to contact TARCOG at 256-830-0818.
