BENEFIT COUNSELING - LEGAL ASSISTANCE Certified Benefits Counselors provide accurate relevant information regarding Medicare, Medicad, Social Security, Disability, Veteran's Benefits, Railroad Retirement, Medigap Supplement Insurance, HMO's, Long-Term Care Insurance, COBRA, Advance Directives, Money Management, Discrimination, Abuse, Neglect, Exploitation, Immigration Issues, Consumer Issues, Entitlement Progams, Utility Assistance, Prescription Assistance Programs, Teacher's Retirement, Fraud and Scams. The Area Agency on Aging provides, Benefits Counseling services to those 60+, as well as those who are otherwise eligible for Medicare. Certified Counselors have resources and backup available through the Texas Department on Aging, Texas Department on Insurance and Texas Legal Services.
Area Agency on Aging
CARE COORDINATION - CASE MANAGEMENT
Recognizing the challenges faced by a growing number of people, Congress approved the National Family Caregiver Support Program as part of the 2000 Older Americans Act Reauthorization. This program calls for all states, working in partnership with Area Agencies on Aging and local community services for family caregivers, including:
INFORMATION ABOUT RESOURCES
ASSISTANCE TO FAMILIES IN LOCATING SERVICES
CAREGIVER TRAINING, PEER SUPPORT AND COUNSELING
RESPITE CARE PROVIDED
SUPPLEMENTAL SERVICE ON A LIMITED BASIS
Case Management is a part of the community-based care system offered by the Area Agency on Aging. A trained staff person assesses the need and resources of the client and link him or her to a full range of short-term services. These services include:
Homemaker
Emergency Response
Personal Assistance
Limited Home Modification
Meals and Health Mainenance
Area Agency on Aging
INFORMATION AND ASSISTANCE
The Information and Assistance program is designed to help people understand their problems and make informed decisions regarding possible solutions. This service is also a valuable tool for usage by family members living in other regions of the country serving as caregivers for their parents. They may access these programs through a Toll Free 800 number and receive information on appropriate resources available within their community.
Area Agency on Aging
LONG-TERM CARE
OMBUDSMAN PROGRAM
Authorized by State and Federal laws, the long-term care Ombudsman is a specially trained and certified volunteer who advocates for quality care in Texas Nursing facilities, Personal Care and Assisted Living facilities. An Ombudsman has the resources of the Texas Department on Aging and other Agencies to help complaints by residents and staff. A professional staff Ombudsman closely supervises the volunteers and provides information to residents and families about rights and procedures of care for residents of these facilities.
Area Agency on Aging
LONG-TERM CARE
OMBUDSMAN PROGRAM
Authorized by State and Federal laws, the long-term care Ombudsman is a specially trained and certified volunteer who advocates for quality care in Texas Nursing facilities, Personal Care and Assisted Living facilities. An Ombudsman has the resources of the Texas Department on Aging and other Agencies to help complaints by residents and staff. A professional staff Ombudsman closely supervises the volunteers and provides information to residents and families about rights and procedures of care for residents of these facilities.
