Area Agency on Aging Receives Funding to Expand Services for East Texas Seniors through COVID-19 Pandemic
Area Agency on Aging of East Texas • August 5, 2020
Planned Increases Underway for Meal Program, Support Services, and Alzheimer’s Program Support
ETCOG’s
Area Agency on Aging (AAA) program has received a total of $2,695,330 in COVID-19 Families First Coronavirus Response Act Funds. The Families First Coronavirus Response Act, signed into law by President Trump on March 18, 2020, provided the additional funding for the nutrition services programs authorized by the Older Americans Act of 1965. The need for these services, particularly home-delivered and packaged meals, has increased as community measures to slow transmission of COVID-19 have closed meal sites and have left many family caregivers unable to assist their older loved ones. A total of $628,039 has been received for the East Texas AAA senior nutrition program and will be expended through our home-delivered and congregate meal programs. The congregate meal program has transitioned to “grab and go” at all meal sites for safety purposes. A total of $2,067,291 was received for other AAA service delivery programs.
“Our leadership has been consulting with staff, community partners, and queried recipients of services during this pandemic to identify the most significant needs for East Texas seniors,” said ETCOG’s Director of the Area Agency on Aging, Bettye Mitchell. “We are expanding our policies to be more flexible in a COVID-19 environment, and are increasing service capacity to serve more seniors through information and referral services, the senior nutrition program, emergency food relief, public transportation support, and Alzheimer’s services.”
“The East Texas AAA’s CARES Act investment in vital senior support programs and services provides one example of ETCOG’s overarching commitment to help our region’s citizens, and businesses recover from the devastating effects of COVID-19. You can expect to hear more from us soon as we seek additional ways and means to support our jurisdictions and all East Texans,” said ETCOG Executive Director David Cleveland.
The AAA has comprehensive plans to expend the COVID funds to assist seniors within East Texas through September of 2021. The plan is subject to modification as continual guidance is received from the Texas Health and Human Services Commission.
Plans for expansion of AAA services include, but is not limited to:
- Increasing Case Management
and Caregiver Support
services for clients receiving in-home assistance. These provide up to 12 weeks of services for an average of 8-12 hours per week, depending on the need and programs served.
- Expanding Case Management services to seniors living at home who do not have a caretaker or family member to provide services.
- Expansion of health and wellness education forums to aid in senior diabetes management, chronic pain management, and tai chi to improve balance, stability, pain management and flexibility in older people.
- Providing outreach and awareness of the availability of services to homeless individuals in the region by increasing existing partnerships with the Salvation Army, Goodwill, the Highway 80 Rescue Mission, and homeless coalitions.
- Expanding transportation services through increasing sponsored senior trips through ETCOG’s rural transit provider, GoBus, and authorizing more services for special needs populations, including piloting individualized transportation for critical need patients.
- Expanding Alzheimer’s services to programs in Smith, Van Zandt, and Gregg counties by awarding grants to purchase ID bracelets for Project Lifesaver, increasing Respite services for relief to caregivers, supporting educational forums, and authorizing services for Alzheimer’s patients to attend day activity programs.
- Purchasing needed equipment for senior nutrition providers.
- Serving clients who have been on waiting lists for the AAA direct delivery nutrition programs.
- Assisting with purchases for emergency services for seniors in need of food, housing assistance, utilities, medical supplies, medical equipment, etc.
- Partnering with Workforce Solutions East Texas to help promote AAA services to veterans and the senior workforce who have financially been adversely impacted by COVID-19.
Seniors aged 60 or older who are in need of assistance are encouraged to contact the AAA by calling 1-800-442-8845
or visiting our website for more information.
Throughout May, the Area Agency on Aging of East Texas (AAA) will join organizations nationwide in celebrating Older Americans Month (OAM). This month-long observance honors the contributions of seniors in our communities. To mark the occasion, AAA will host and collaborate with local organizations for four special celebration events across East Texas, held at senior centers and community hubs. These events will highlight the importance of connection and the role strong relationships play in maintaining a vibrant, healthy senior population. OAM is a national initiative led by the Administration for Community Living. This year’s theme, “Flip the Script on Aging,” challenges outdated perceptions and encourages a fresh perspective on aging. It promotes a shift in how society talks about, understands, and supports older adults, empowering communities to embrace aging in a more positive and inclusive way. Join Us for These Community Celebrations! The following OAM events are open to the public and will feature food, entertainment, door prizes, and valuable information about services available to East Texas seniors: 📅 May 7 – Henderson Community Building, 302 Fair Park, Henderson | 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM 📅 May 15 – First United Methodist Church, 225 Lovers Ln, Athens | 9:30 AM - 2:00 PM 📅 May 16 – Jefferson Senior Center, 111 W. Broadway, Jefferson | 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM 📅 May 21 – Harrison County Agrilife Extension Office, 2005 Warren Drive, Marshall | 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM The AAA advocates for seniors and provides essential services, including benefits counseling, case management, health education, nutrition programs, referrals, and Ombudsman support for those in assisted living. These services promote independence and dignity, helping seniors remain in their communities. For event inquiries, call (903) 218-6500.
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