SARCOA Senior Resource Directory 2009

www.sarcoa.org

Prescription Drug Assistance | Senior Benefits | Nursing HomesAssisted Living | Energy Assistance | Area Agency on Aging ProgramsHospice Care | Alzheimer’s Information | Arts | Leisure

A Project of The senior advocates for the Elderly

Featuring Info On

FrEETAke One

For Barbour, Coffee, Covington, Dale, Geneva, Henry andHouston Counties

2009-2010 edition

senior resource Directory

AREA AGENCY

ON AGING

SARCOA

WWW.SARCOA.ORG 1

2 Senior Resource Directory 2009-2010

AREA AGENCY

ON AGING

SARCOA

Dear Seniors:As our population grows older at an alarming rate it is obvious that there is no safety net

to care for those reaching their later years. Each of us should begin to plan for the future and become familiar with the services, benefits, and opportunities that are available. It is now possible to easily do just that.

Through the efforts of SARCOA’s Leadership Institute for Retirees, these “Senior Advocates for the Elderly” have created this Senior Resource Directory. The directory is a tremendous tool. It puts important information at your finger tips that will assist you on your journey to secure the type and quality of care you or your loved one require and deserve.

It also includes many listings for today’s active seniors.As SARCOA continues to plan and develop solutions for the dilemmas brought about by the aging population, I

encourage you to take advantage of our many resources included in the Senior Resource Directory. If you desire more in-depth information about the Senior Resource Directory or other SARCOA programs please refer to the SARCOA website at www.sarcoa.org or call the SARCOA office at (334) 793-6843 or 1-800-239-3507.

Cordially,

Robert Crowder, Executive DirectorSouthern Alabama Regional Council on Aging (SARCOA)

Greetings:As Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Southern Alabama Regional Council

on Aging (SARCOA), it is my honor to present the second edition of the Senior Resource Directory. The Senior Resource Directory may be used by anyone in need of information regarding senior services. It is the most comprehensive publication in the Wiregrass enabling you and your family to find answers to your questions and to help you navigate the maze of senior services.

On behalf of the SARCOA Board of Directors, I would like to thank the SARCOA staff and the Senior Advocates for the Elderly for having the vision and commitment necessary to

create this much needed directory. This valuable resource will ultimately improve the quality of life of our elderly while promoting their independence and dignity.

Best Wishes,

Mark Culver, ChairmanSARCOA Board of Directors

Southern AlabamaRegional Council on Aging

AREA AGENCY

ON AGING

SARCOA

senior resource Directory2009-2010 edition

To learn more about our services visit our website atwww.sarcoa.org

southern alabama regional council on aging1075 South Brannon Stand Road

Dothan, Alabama 36305

For Barbour, Coffee, Covington, Dale, Geneva, Henry and Houston Counties


sarcoa BoarD oF DirEcTors

Mark Culver, Chairman

Ray Minshew, 1st Vice Chairman

Lamar Turner, 2nd Vice Chairman

Julie Jones, Secretary

Frances Hatcher, Treasurer

BarBourcounTy

Moses Erkins Kenneth Earl Gilmore Jean PriceRebecca Beasley Oscar D. Smith

oFFicErs

coFFEEcounTy

Kenneth Boswell Bernest Brooks Kim Ellis James Grimes Robert Stephens

covingToncounTy

Irene Butler Davy Lindsey Brenda Petty Randy C. Wahl Robert Williamson

DalEcounTy

Billy Blackwell JoAnn GrimsleyEunice HaglerJulie Jones Kurt McDaniels

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gEnEvacounTy

Donna Buchanan Frances Hatcher Ray MinshewWynnton Melton Jeff Sorrells

HEnrycounTy

Winston Griggs JoAnn Smith Franklin Swann Terry Allums Lamar Turner

HousToncounTy

Mark Culver Joe Carothers Curtis Harvey Lomax Smith Pat Thomas

sEnior aDvocaTEsLeADeRShiP inSTiTuTe fOR ReTiReeS

sarcoa BoarD oF DirEcTors Continued

Senior Advocates for the Elderly is a SARCOA sponsored volunteer group helping to vision projects of importance to the seniors of this area and helping to manifest those visions, one at a time. The Senior Advocates are graduates of SARCOA’s Leadership Institute for Retirees. The Leadership Institute, co-sponsored by Troy University - Dothan Campus, provides classes on senior programs and current issues concerning aging. Attendees graduate with an expanded view of the benefits and challenges of aging in the Wiregrass.

This directory and its articles are intended as an overview of resources in the Wiregrass area. It is not meant to be totally inclusive of all resources. You may also access this information on SARCOA’s web site: www.sarcoa.org.

If you would like to submit information for later issues, please contact SARCOA at 334-793-6843 or 1-800-239-3507 or fax 334-671-3651 or write to: SARCOA / 1075 Brannon Stand Road / Dothan, Alabama 36305. You may also send an email to: [email protected].


TaBlE oF conTEnTs

Southern Alabama Regional Council on Aging (SARCOA) Programs ...... 10Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation ........................................................... 12 Elder Abuse and Domestic Abuse ........................................................ 12 Substance Abuse ................................................................................ 12 Exploitation ....................................................................................... 13 Fraud and Identity Theft (Article) ....................................................... 13ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE ............................................................................. 16 Alzheimer’s Disease ............................................................................ 16 Understanding Dementia, Senility and Alzheimer’s Disease (Article)... 16 Adult Day Health Care for Early Stage Alzheimer’s Patients .................. 17 Alzheimer’s Units at Nursing Homes or Long Term Care Health Facilities . 18Arts, Education, and Leisure .................................................................. 18 Arts ................................................................................................... 18 Education – Colleges and Universities................................................. 19 Leisure – Golf Courses ........................................................................ 19 Leisure – Libraries ............................................................................. 20 Leisure – City Parks and Recreation .................................................... 22 Leisure – State Parks .......................................................................... 21Financial ................................................................................................. 22 Trying to Decide When to Retire? Make an Informed Decision, An article by Social Security.......................................................... 22 Energy Assistance .............................................................................. 23 2.2% Electric Exemption Program ................................................. 23 Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) ................ 24 Project Share ..................................................................................... 24 Free Garbage Pick-Up ......................................................................... 24 Telephone Assistance – Lifeline and Link-Up ...................................... 24 Credit Counseling ............................................................................... 25 Tax Preparation Assistance ................................................................. 25Food, Nutrition and Meals ...................................................................... 25 Farmers Market Program .................................................................... 26 Meals, Home Delivered (Meals on Wheels) .......................................... 25 Brown Bag Program ........................................................................... 26 Farmers Market Program (article) ....................................................... 26 Hungry to Help Sponsored Meal Program............................................ 26 New USDA Food Pyramid .................................................................... 27Government Programs ........................................................................... 27 City Government ................................................................................ 27 County Government ........................................................................... 28 Alabama Cooperative Extension .................................................... 29 Department of Human Resources .................................................. 28 Emergency Management Agency .................................................. 29 Public Health Departments ........................................................... 29 Local District Offices ........................................................................... 30 State Government .............................................................................. 30 Federal Government ........................................................................... 30 Alabama Medicaid – General Eligibility Information (Article) .............. 31Health Care ............................................................................................. 33 Adult Day Health Care ........................................................................ 33 Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program ............................ 33 Dental Health .................................................................................... 33 Diabetes Assistance ............................................................................ 33 Diabetes Coalition .............................................................................. 33 Health Care Screening and Health Care Education ............................... 33 Health Clinics ..................................................................................... 33 Health Organizations ......................................................................... 34 Home Care ......................................................................................... 34 Hospice (article) and Hospice (Directory Listings)........................... 36,38 Hospitals ........................................................................................... 38 Kidney Dialysis Assistance and Kidney Dialysis (Directory Listings) ...... 40

Mental Health Care ............................................................................ 40 Prescription Assistance ....................................................................... 41 Public Health Departments ................................................................ 41Hearing and Vision Impairment Assistance ........................................... 41 Hearing and Vision ............................................................................. 41 Hear Now…Providing the Gift of Hearing ........................................... 42 Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind Dothan Regional Center (AIDB) .. 42 Alabama Regional Library for the Blind & Physically Handicapped ....... 42 Free Bibles on Tape ............................................................................ 42 Seniors EyeCare Program .................................................................... 44Housing .................................................................................................. 44 Housing Authorities and Public Housing ............................................. 44 Low-Income and Senior Housing ........................................................ 45 Public Housing (article) ...................................................................... 45 Section 8 Housing – Housing Choice Voucher Program ........................ 46 Property Taxes and Homestead Exemption .......................................... 46 USDA Rural Development ................................................................... 47 USDA Rural Development Offices Serving Southeast Alabama ............. 48 Weatherization Assistance Program for Your Home ............................. 48Information and Referral ....................................................................... 49 Helpful Information Available............................................................. 49 Public Service Information ................................................................. 49 Retirement Boards ............................................................................. 49Long-Term Care ...................................................................................... 50 The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program .......................................... 50 The Continuum of Care ....................................................................... 51 Residents’ Rights and Responsibilities ................................................ 52 Paying for Long-Term Care .................................................................. 56 Long-Term Care Facilities by County .................................................... 60 Long-Term Care Facility Features Chart ............................................... 65 Choosing the Right Nursing Home ...................................................... 66 Check Sheet: Choosing the Right Nursing Home .................................. 68Medical Equipment and Supplies ........................................................... 67 Personal Emergency Medical Alert and Response Systems ................... 67 Pharmacies and Medical Equipment Suppliers .................................... 67Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation ..................................................... 76 Rehabilitation .................................................................................... 76 Rehabilitation at Nursing Homes or Health Care Facilities .................... 76Senior Programs, Services and Groups .................................................. 77 Assistance Sources ............................................................................ 77 Employment For Seniors..................................................................... 77 The Senior Aides Program .................................................................. 78 Geriatric Care Management ................................................................ 78 Grandparents .................................................................................... 78 HRDC – Human Resource Development Corporation ............................ 78 Legal Services .................................................................................... 78 OCAP – Organized Community Action Programs .................................. 79 Senior Centers .................................................................................... 79 Senior Groups .................................................................................... 80 Support Groups .................................................................................. 80 Active Advantage from the Medical Center Enterprise ......................... 81 Medical Center Barbour Senior Program (Eufaula) ............................... 81 Lifetime Health Services at Wiregrass Medical Center in Geneva .......... 82 Mizell Senior Advantage .................................................................... 83 Senior Discovery – Southeast Alabama Medical Center ....................... 83 Senior Fall Prevention Considerations ................................................. 83Transportation ....................................................................................... 84 Transportation and Transportation Assistance ..................................... 84Volunteer Opportunities ........................................................................ 84

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2.2% Electric Exemption Program ......2224-Hour Addictions Referral Network ...12504 Loan & Grant Program .....................47Abbeville Housing Authority ................45Abuse ..............................................................12Active Advantage (Medical Center Enterprise) ..............................................81Acts of Kindness .........................................75Addus Health Care .....................................33Adjustment and Person or Family Counseling ..............................................41ADT Security Companion .......................66Adult Day Cares ..........................................17Adult Day Health Care ..............................50Agnosia ...........................................................17AIDS / HIV Waiver Program ....................32AIDS, Montgomery Outreach - Dothan ......................................................34Al Anon Family Groups ............................12AL Cares Program .......................................10AL Dept. of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) ............48AL Medicaid – General Eligibility Information ............................................31AL Medicaid Agency .................................31AL Power Co. .................................................23AL Public Service Commission .......24,49AL Quality Assurance Foundation (AQAF) ......................................................52AL Regional Library for the Blind & Physically Handicapped ......................42AL Securities Commission ......................13AL Shakespeare Festival ..........................18AL State Utility Consumers Advocate Office .........................................................24AlaWeb Pioneer Security ........................67Alcohol/Drug Treatment Referral ........13Alcoholic Anonymous ..............................12Alfred Saliba Family Health Clinic .......33Alfred Saliba Family Services Center ...49Altacare of Dothan ....................................40Alzheimer’s & Dementia Help Line .....17Alzheimer’s Disease ..................................16Alzheimer’s Disease – Course of the Disease .....................................................17Alzheimer’s Disease – Non-Neurological Symptoms .........17Alzheimer’s Disease – Psychiatric Problems ..........................17Alzheimer’s Resource Center.................16Alzheimer’s Support Groups .................80Alzheimer’s Units / Nursing Homes ....18American Association of Retired Persons (AARP)......................................79American Cancer Call Center .................34

American Cancer Society ..................34,77American Cancer Society, Mid-South Division ....................................................85American Heart & Stroke ........................34American Kidney Fund ............................34American Red Cross Offices ...................34Amnesia .........................................................17Apartments for Rent .................................48Aphasia ...........................................................17Apraxia ...........................................................17AQAF Medicare Helpline .........................52Area Agencies on Aging, What is .........12Area Agency on Aging – SARCOA .......10Arts ...................................................................18Assistance Sources ....................................49Assisted Living Facilities ...................51,60Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America ....................................................34Attorney General, Office of ....................24Aurora Ministries ........................................42

Baptist Village ........................................45,79Bar Association............................................77Better Business Bureau ............................49Bibles on Tape ..............................................42Blind and Physically Handicapped .....42Books by Mail, Enterprise Public Library ................................................20,41Bradford Health Services ........................13Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program ..............................33Brown Bag Program ..................................25

Cancer Friends .............................................80Cancer Information Service ...................34Cancer Survivors Network ......................34Caregiver Program, AL Cares ................11Case Management ...............................11,42Case Management Program ..................42Catholic Social Services – Dothan ...77,84Center for Counseling & Human Development .........................................40Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services ....................................................30Central Registration Depository (CRD) ..........................................................13Charles Parramore Center ......................40Chipola College Theatre ..........................18Christian Mission Centers– County Offices .......................................25City Government ........................................27Clayton Family Health Center ...............33Clean “n” Serene-Narcotics Anonymous ............................................13Clearing House, Eufaula ..........................23Coffee County Adult Day Care ..............17

Coffee County Arts Alliance ...................18Coffee County Training Center .............40Colleges and Universities .......................19Columbia Baptist Ministry Center .......77Comfort Care ................................................38Community Action Agencies (OCAP) ...79Community Action Association of AL ...49Companion Services ...........................11,51Con Artists .....................................................13Consumer Credit Counseling Services of AL...........................................................25Continuous Medicaid (Pickle) Program ..32Cooperative Extension–County Offices ..28Covington Area Transit System ............84Covington County Adult Training Center .......................................................40Covington Electric Cooperative ...........23Credit Counseling ......................................24Credit Reports .............................................15Crime Victims Compensation Commission ............................................49Cultural Arts Center...................................18

Davis & Neal, Attorneys at Law.......77,58Day Cares, Adult .........................................33Deaf and Blind, AL Institute for (AIDB)- Offices .......................................................41Dementia .......................................................16Dental Health ...............................................33Dept. of Human Resources – County Offices .......................................29Dept. of Human Resources, AL .............29Dept. of Mental Health and Mental Retardation.............................................40Diabetes Assistance ..................................33Diabetes Coalition .....................................33Diabetes Support Groups .......................79Dialysis Clinics .............................................40Disabled Adult Child Program ..............32Division of Health Care Facilities .........12Do Not Call ....................................................14Donated Dental Services ........................33Dothan Area Botanical Gardens ....18,21Dothan Chamber of Commerce ...........49Dothan Civic Center ..................................17Dothan Dept. of Leisure Services ........22Dothan Opera House ................................18Dothan-Houston Substance Abuse Partnership .............................................13

Education – Colleges and Universities ..19Elder Abuse Hotline ..................................12Elder Law Helpline .....................................78Eldercare Locator .......................................49Eldercare Services ......................................78ElderConnect ...............................................12

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Elderly and Disabled Medicaid Waiver Program ...................................................32EMA – County Offices ...............................29Emergency Management Agency, County Offices .......................................29Emergency Response Systems .............12Employment for Seniors .........................77Energy Assistance ......................................22Energy Assistance, 2.2% Electric Exemption Program ............................22Energy Assistance, LIHEAP .....................23Enterprise Leisure Services ....................22Equifax ............................................................16Eufaula Career Center ..............................77Eufaula Transit Company ........................84Experian .........................................................16EyeCare America .........................................44

Fair Credit Billing Act ................................15Farmers Market Nutrition Program ....26Fast Track Appeal .......................................52Featured Players Theatre Co. .................18Federal Employees Retirement System ......................................................49Federal Government Offices .................29Federal Poverty Guidelines ....................23Federal Trade Commission (1-877-IDTHEFT) ...................................15FEMA ................................................................30Financial Assistance ..................................22Foster Grandparents Program ..............86Fraud and Identity Theft, Securities Fraud .........................................................15Free Bibles on Tape, Aurora Ministries ..42Free Diabetes Educational Classes .....33Free Garbage Pick-up ...............................24

Geriatric Care Management ..................78Global Tracking Bracelets .......................16Golf ...................................................................19Good News Shop ........................................77Goodwill Industries ...................................77Government Programs ............................27Grandparents ...............................................86Grief Support Groups ...............................80

H & S Home Services .................................36Habitat for Humanity ...............................86Health Care Education .......................11,12Health Care Facilities–Nursing Homes ...58Health Care Screening .............................33Health Clinics ...............................................33Health Organizations ...............................34Hear Now .......................................................42Hearing and Vision ....................................41Hearts HomeCare .......................................36

Helping Hands .............................................77Henry County Clinic ..................................40Henry County Day Treatment (Day Work) ..............................................40Hezikiah Movement, Inc. ........................13HIV / AIDS Waiver Program ....................32Home Care .....................................................34Home Delivered Frozen Meals..............11Home Health Agencies ............................76Homemaker Services ................................11Homeownership/Rehabilitation Program ...................................................48Homestead Exemption, What is ...........46Hope for Family & Friends of Alcoholics ................................................12Hospice ...........................................................36Hospital Program .......................................31Hospitals ........................................................31House of Ruth ..............................................12Housing ..........................................................44Housing Assistance Payments Program ...................................................46Housing Authorities and Public Housing ....................................................44Housing Choice Voucher Program ......46HRDC - Human Resource Development Corporations ..........................................78HUD Fair Market Rents .............................46HUD Housing Quality Standards .........46Human Resource Development Corporations (HRDC) ..........................78Human Resources, AL Dept. of .............29Human Resources, Dept. of – County Offices .......................................29Hungry to Help Sponsored Meal Program ...................................................26

Identity Theft ...............................................15Infusion Services ........................................36In-Home Service Program-SARCOA- by County ................................................11Insurance Counseling, SHIP ...................58Insurance, Consumer Division, AL Dept. of ..............................................30Intensive Outpatient Program .............82

Johnny Mack Brown Film Festival .......18Judson Baptist Association Mission Center .......................................................77July 4th Fireworks ......................................18

Kidney Dialysis Assistance .....................40Kids and Kin Program ...............................78

Lakepoint Resort ........................................20Leadership Institute for Retirees– SARCOA ....................................................80

Legal Services Corporation of AL ........78Legal Services Program ...........................11Leisure - Golf ................................................19Leisure – Libraries ......................................20Leisure – Parks and Recreation ............22LHC of South AL ..........................................36Libraries..........................................................20Lifeline, Lifeline Discounts .....................24Lifetime Health Services .........................82LIHEAP ............................................................22Link-Up, Link-Up Discounts ...................24Living Waters Counseling, Inc. ..............40Loaner Telecommunication Equipment ..............................................42Long-Term Care ...........................................50Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program ..50Long-Term Care Resident Complaints ...52Low Income and Senior Housing ........45Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) ................................22

Meals on Wheels, Dothan .......................25Meals, Home Delivered............................25Medicaid for Low Income Families Program ...................................................31Medicaid Transportation Assistance..32Medicaid Waiver Program, Frail and Elderly ..............................................11Medicaid Waiver Program, HIV/AIDS ...32Medicaid, Dothan District Office .........85Medical Call Center....................................49Medical Center Barbour Senior Program ...................................................80Medicare Fraud Hotline ...........................30Medicare Part D ..........................................30Medicare Quality Assurance ..................52Mental Health Care ....................................40Mental Retardation (MRDD) Waiver Program ...................................................32Mental Retardation Day Activity Center .......................................................40Mentally Retarded, Institutional Care Facility for the ........................................31Merle Wallace Purvis Center (Day Work) ..............................................41Mizell Senior Advantage .........................83Montgomery AIDS Outreach–Dothan ...34Music South ..................................................18

Narcotics Anonymous ..............................13National Alliance on Mental Illness - NAMI ..........................................................81National Family Caregiver Support Program ...................................................11National Kidney Foundation, Southern AL Chapter ..........................34

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New Life Christian Recovery Program...13Newton Family Health Clinic .................34Non-Emergency Transportation Program ...................................................32Non-Neurological Symptoms- Alzheimer’s Disease ............................17North American Securities Administrators Association .............13Nursing Homes – Health Care Facilities ...................................................58Nursing Homes and Rehabilitation ....76Nursing Homes / Alzheimer’s Units ....18

OCAP .........................................................48,23Older Americans Act .................................12Ombudsman Program, Long Term Care ..50Opus Nostrum Dinner Theatre .............18Organized Community Action Programs (OCAP) .................................78Oxford Health Care Services ..................36

Parks and Recreation ................................22Pea River Electric Cooperative ..............23Personal Care Services .............................11Phishing .........................................................15Pickle Program ............................................32Post Hospital Extended Care (PEC) Program ...................................................31Pregnant Women and Children Program ...................................................31Prescription Assistance ...........................41Prescription Drugs – SenioRx Program 41Project Share ................................................23Property Taxes and Homestead Exemption ...............................................46Prostate Cancer Support Group– SAMC .........................................................81Psychiatric Problems – Alzheimer’s Disease .....................................................17Public Health Depts. - County Offices...29Public Health, AL Dept. of.......................30Public Housing ...........................................45Public Service Information .....................49

QI .....................................................................58QMB .................................................................56

Railroad Retirement Board ....................49Rate Rider SSI ...............................................23Red Cross Offices ........................................23Rehabilitation ..............................................76Rehabilitation Services, AL Dept. of ...34Renal Care Group (RCG) ...........................40Rental Voucher Holders ...........................46Rescue Mission ............................................77Respite Care Services ...............................11

Retired and Senior Volunteer Program .. 5Retirement Boards .....................................49Retirement Systems of AL ......................49Retroactive SSI Medicaid Program .....32RSVP Offices .................................................86

Salvation Army Offices .............................77SARCOA Programs .....................................10SARCOA Training for Caregivers ..........81SARCOA-Southern AL Regional Council on Aging ...................................2-5, 10-12Section 504 Loans ......................................47Section 8 Housing ......................................46Securities Fraud ..........................................13Senior Advantage - Mizell Memorial Hospital ....................................................80Senior Advocates for the Elderly– SARCOA ...................................................... 5Senior Aides Program ..............................78Senior Centers .............................................78Senior Circle, Medical Center, Enterprise ................................................25Senior Discovery - SAMC .........................80Senior Fall Prevention Considerations ...83Senior Groups ..............................................80Senior Services, AL Dept. of ...................30Senior Therapeutic Health Unit ...........40Seniors EyeCare Program .......................44SenioRx Offices ...........................................41SenioRx Prescription Drug Program ..11Sheriff’s Dept. – County Offices ............16SLMB ................................................................58Smoke Detector Program .......................42Social Security Administration Offices ..30Social Security Numbers & Cards ........30South Central AL Mental Health Center ..41Southeast AL Community Theater (SEACT) .....................................................18Southeast AL Dance Company (SEADC) ..19Southeast AL Reg. Planning and Development Comm. .........................78Southeast Reg. Cancer Screening Prog ..33Southern AL Reg. Council on Aging (SARCOA) ..................................2-5, 10-12Spectracare ...................................................41Spirit of Women ..........................................33SSI .....................................................................30STAR Program ..............................................42State Government Offices ......................30State Parks.....................................................21Stroke Support Group ..............................81Substance Abuse ........................................12Supplemental Security Income (SSI) ...32Support Groups ..........................................80Swamp Gravy ...............................................19

Telemarketers ........................................14,15Telephone Assistance, Lifeline and Link-up .....................................................24The Ark ............................................................77The Clearing House ...................................49The Haven......................................................13The Ordinary People Society (TOPS) ...77Theatre............................................................21Trans Union ...................................................16Transportation Assistance ................32,84Tricare for Life ..............................................30Tricare Information Service ...................30Tri-County Medical Center .....................34Tri-State Community Orchestra (TCO) ...19

UAB Cancer Answer ...................................40UAB Finder ....................................................33UAB Health System ....................................40Understudy Dinner Theatre ...................19US Postal Service ........................................14US Railroad Retirement Board ..............49USDA Food Pyramid..................................27USDA Rural Development ......................47USDA Rural Development Direct 502 Program ...................................................48USDA Rural Development Offices .......48

Vaughn Towers ............................................45Veterans - Lyster Army Hospital ...........38Veterans Administration Outpatient Clinic ..........................................................34Veterans Affairs – County Offices ........31Veterans, Disabled American, Chapter 87 ..............................................84Visiting Angels ............................................36Vocational Rehabilitation Services .....42Volunteer–SARCOA–Senior Advocates... 5Volunteer Opportunities ........................86

Weatherization Assistance Program for Your Home ..............................................48Wesley Manor Methodist Meals on Wheels, Dothan ....................................25Westgate Tennis Center ...........................22Widows or Widowers Program .............32Wiregrass Adult Care, LLC .......................33Wiregrass Area Food Bank .....................77Wiregrass Caregivers ................................36Wiregrass Electric Cooperative ............23Wiregrass Mental Health–Spectracare (Clinic) .......................................................41Wiregrass Museum of Art .......................19Wiregrass Transit Authority ...................84Wiregrass United Way ..............................49Women’s Financial Information Program ...................................................14

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DirEcTory oF aDvErTisErsAABON ............................................................71AARP ................................................................75Addus HealthCare ......................................39Aging and Disability Resource Center .88AL Department of Public Health .........39Andalusia Manor, LLC ...............................53Ashford Medical, Inc .................................73Barnes Healthcare Services ...................35BB Pharmacy ................................................75Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama .....97BNJ Appliances ............................................89Breathing Care Associates ......................35Bryan Pharmacy .........................................96Buy-Rite Drugs ............................................75CareSouth HomeCare Professionals ..37Covenant Hospice ......................................63Crowne Health Care of Eufaula ............63

DeepSouth Home Medical Equip ...........73ENTcare ...........................................................87Eye Center South ........................................43Flowers Hospital Senior Circle ...Inside FrontGood Morning Mattress Center ...........92Harris Security Systems ...........................74Hartford Health Care and Rehab .........53Henry County Health and Rehab ........59Home Instead Senior Care ......................35Gulfcoast Home Medical Equipment .75MetLife ............................................................90Mike’s Southside Pharmacy ...................73Oakview Manor Health Care Center...59Oxford HealthCare .....................................37PeoplesSouth Bank ...................................90Pharm•a•care Florala Pharmacy...........74Seniors Reverse Mortgage ....................... 1

Southeast Alabama Medical Center .. BCSoutheast Eye Clinic ..................................43Southeast Vein and Laser Center ........94Southern Hearing Associates ................43Southern Heritage Funeral Home and Crematory ......................................90Spiritual Enrichment Center ..................87Stone Creek Landing ................................53St. Peter AME Church ................................95Walk-In Tubs .................................................74Ward Wilson Memory Hill .......................91Westside Terrace Health and Rehab ...55Wiregrass Adult Care ................................35Wiregrass Hospice .....................................61WTVY ...............................................................63Yvonne Gabrielson, RN, JD, Attorney at Law ....................................93

SARCOA is the Area Agency on Aging serving Barbour, Coffee, Covington, Dale, Geneva, Henry and Houston counties of Alabama. To make a referral for any of the programs of SARCOA or for more information call (334) 793-6843 or 1-800-239-3507, write to SARCOA, 1075 S. Brannon Stand Road, Dothan, Alabama 36305 or visit SARCOA’s website: www.sarcoa.org.

SOUTHERN ALABAMA REGIONAL COUNCILON AGING (SARCOA)

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THE Programs oF sarcoaTHE Frail ElDErly anD DisaBlED mEDicaiD waivEr Program is designed to provide services for elderly and disabled low-income people, who, without assistance, might have to be cared for in a nursing home.

To qualify for the program, prospective clients must be either on or eligible for “full” Alabama Medicaid and meet certain standards of medical need established by Medicaid. The Medicaid Waiver Program provides clients the following services, which are paid for by the Alabama Medicaid Agency.• Case Management – the Case Manager coordinates

services; provides needs assessments and information; and assists with referrals, benefits and entitlements.

• Homemaker Services – general household activities, which include meal preparation, food shopping, errand running and routine household care.

• Personal Care – bathing, dressing, ambulation, light housekeeping, emotional security, feeding, and supervising the self-administration of medications.

• Respite Care – provided to individuals unable to care for themselves on a short-term basis offering relief to the person normally providing the care.

• Adult Day Health Care – allows the caregiver to work or to have time for other interests. Limited transportation is provided to and from the Day Care Center.

• Home Delivered Frozen Meals – are delivered to the home once per week. The client must have a microwave or oven for heating the meals and freezer space for storage.

• Companion Services – provides supervision to functionally impaired adults who live alone and assistance with housekeeping and personal grooming tasks.

sEnior cEnTErs - SARCOA supports 38 senior centers in the Wiregrass. The Senior Centers offer a variety of activities and programs as well as hot nutritious meals to enjoy with friends. Home delivered meals, transportation and volunteer opportunities are also available. To be eligible, a person must be 60 years or older or the spouse of an eligible senior.

THE long-TErm carE omBuDsman Program hears and mediates complaints concerning residents

of nursing homes and assisted living facilities. The Ombudsman is a trained, certified and impartial third party who investigates complaints and assists in their resolution.

THE sEniorx PrEscriPTion Drug Program assists seniors age 55 and older with applying for assistance programs offered by pharmaceutical manufacturers. Those eligible:• Areat least55yearsof age (unlessdeemeddisabled

by Social Security and in their 24 month Medicare waiting period.)

• HaveNOprescriptiondrugcoverage.• Haveachronicmedicalcondition.• ArelegalresidentsofAlabama.• Haveanannualhouseholdincomelessthan$21,660

/1Personor$29,140/2(2009).

THE lEgal sErvicEs Program provides advice and counsel to people age 60 and over for non-criminal matters such as simple wills, powers of attorney, advance health care directives and consumer assistance. Assistance is also provided on Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, health insurance issues and public education on the rights of seniors.

THE in-HomE sErvicE Program - Each of the seven counties served by SARCOA has an In-Home Service program assisting homebound, older individuals, age 60 and over, with shopping, minor chores and other homemaking activities within their home if the senior is unable to do these tasks.

alaBama carEs (naTional Family carEgivEr suPPorT Program) provides services that help caregivers continue caregiving efforts which will allow care-recipients to remain in the community for a longer period of time. The services are: • InformationandAssistance(inobtainingservices).• Counseling to help Caregivers cope through caregiver

support groups which meet once a month in Dothan and Eufaula. Meetings provide caregivers new information and coping skills to help with caregiver stress.

• RespiteCare to giveCaregivers a break: AdultDayCare; Respite Care in the home; Assisted Living Respite Care.


• Supplemental Services to fill the gaps such assponsorships for Emergency Response Systems; incontinent and other caregiving supplies.

The eligibility categories are:

• Caregiversofanyagewhoprovidecaretoindividualsage 60+.

• Caregivers age 55+ caring for children age 18 oryounger.

• Grandparents or other familymembers (aside fromparents) age 55+ caring for a disabled person age 19-59.

ElDErconnEcT provides trained professionals in each of the 13 Area Agencies on Aging who educate seniors and caregivers about home and community based services available in their area. Our goal is to help you make smart choices by providing information about what services are available in your community and which services best fit your needs.

wHaT is an arEa agEncy on aging?

In 1965, Congress enacted the Older Americans Act to coordinate community-based programs for older citizens. Its objectives were to assist senior citizens in

finding adequate housing, health services, dignified long-term institutional and in-home care and to act as an advocate for job opportunities. Amendments to the Act in 1972 increased its range to include a nutrition program for the elderly and in 1973 required states to establish Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) to coordinate federal and state programs with local efforts. There are Area Agencies on Aging nation-wide to assist seniors in finding the services they need to remain independent and safe in their home as long as possible.

An Area Agency on Aging is a public or nonprofit private agency or office designated by the State to carry out the Older Americans Act at the local level. Like its counterpart at the State level, an Area Agency on Aging serves both as the advocate and visible focal point in its planning and service area to foster the development of more comprehensive and coordinated service systems to serve older individuals. It is through the Area Agencies on Aging that most Older Americans Act services are funded, implemented, coordinated, expanded and updated.

For more information, please call your Area Agency on Agency which is the Southern Alabama Regional Council on Aging (SARCOA) at 1-800-239-3507 or 334-793-6843 or if you live in an area outside of Barbour, Coffee, Covington, Dale, Geneva, Henry or Houston countiescall:1-800-AGE-LINEor(1-800-243-5463)orvisit: www.sarcoa.org.

ElDEr aBusE anDDomEsTic aBusEElder Abuse Hotline 800-458-7214

Division of Health Care FacilitiesDept. of Public Health 800-356-9596

House of RuthP.O. Box 968 Dothan, Alabama 36302 334-793-2232

suBsTancE aBusE24-Hour Addictions Referral Network 800-577-4341

Al Anon Family Groups Hope for Family & Friendsof Alcoholics888-4-AL-ANON(888-425-2666)www.al-anon.alateen.org

Alcoholic Anonymous P.O. Box 1931Dothan, Alabama 36301334-792-3422800-920-3236www.aadothan.org

ABUSE, NEGLECT AND EXPLOITATIONAlso see Department of Human Resources under Government Programs.

WWW.SARCOA.ORG 13

SUBSTANCE ABUSE Continued

ExPloiTaTion ~ fRAuD AnD iDenTiTy ThefT

sEcuriTiEs FrauDAll investors should keep their guard up anytime anyone

offers an investment opportunity. It pays to remember that if an investment sounds too good to be true, it usually is. Older Americans are the number one target of investment con artists. Stockholders and financial planners who engage in abusive practices often seek out the elderly. The files of state securities agencies are filled with tragic examples of senior citizens who have been cheated out of savings, windfall insurance payments, and even the equity in their own homes. Such victimization can be avoided by following ten self-defense tips for older AmericansbytheNorthAmericanSecuritiesAdministratorsAssociation,Inc.(NASAA).

1. Don’t be a “courtesy victim”. Older Americans are of the generation that was taught to be courteous at all times to

phone callers, as well as people who visit them at home. Con artists do not hesitate to exploit the good manners of a potential victim. Remember that a stranger who calls and asks for your money is to be regarded with the utmost caution. You are under absolutely no obligation to stay on the telephone with a stranger who wants your money. It is not impolite to explain that you are not interested and hang up the phone. Save your good manners for friends and family members, not swindlers.

2. Check out strangers touting “strange” deals. Trusting strangers is a mistake that all too many older Americans make when it comes to their personal finances. Say “no” to any investment professional or con artist who presses you to make an immediate decision, giving you no opportunity to check out the salesperson, firm and the investment opportunity itself. Extensive background information on investment salespeople and firms is available from the Central Registration Depository (CRD) files available from your state securities agency. Call 1-800-222-1253 or write: Alabama Securities Commission, 770 Washington Ave., Suite 570, Montgomery, AL 36130-4700. Almost all investment opportunities must be registered for sale in the state in which you live. Your state securities agency can tell you if the investment opportunity is properly registered. Before you part with your hard-earned savings, get written information about the investment opportunity, review it carefully, and make sure you understand all the risks involved. A favorite tactic of telemarketing con artists is to develop a false bond of friendship with older Americans. Swindlers know that many senior citizens are eager to have someone to talk to on the phone - even a complete stranger. Dealing with a stockbroker or financial planner, do not be swayed by offers of unrelated advice and assistance that are merely efforts to develop a sense of friendship or dependency. If you are lonely and in need of companionship, don’t make the mistake of seeking it from someone whose only real interest is to get his or her hands on your money.

3. Always stay in charge of your money. A stockbroker, financial planner or telemarketing con artist who wants your money will be more than happy to assure you that he or she can handle everything, thereby relieving you of the need to watch over and protect your nest egg. Beware of any financial professional who suggests putting your money into something you don’t understand or who urges that you leave everything in his or her hands. Constant vigilance is a necessary part of being an investor. If you understand little about the world of investments, take the time to educate yourself or involve a family member or professional, such as your banker, before trusting a stranger who wants you to turn over your money and then sit back and wait for results.

Alcoholic AnonymousCovenant Hospice Enterprise, Alabama 334-347-9585

Bradford HealthServices 114 Adris Place Dothan, Alabama 36303 334-671-1677

Clean “n” Serene Groupof Narcotics Anonymous - Wiregrass Club112NorthHerringSt.Dothan, Alabama 36303Information/Beeper –334-793-3843

Dothan-HoustonSubstanceAbuse Partnership 812 S. Appletree St. Dothan, Alabama 36301 334-699-2813

Hezikiah Movement Inc.(A spiritual resource forpeople and communitiesrecovering fromsubstance abuse.)Southeastern – 334-796-4214National– 410-598-8113

Narcotics AnonymousRegional – 800-467-7314

National Alcohol/DrugTreatment Referral800-454-8966

New Life ChristianRecovery Program 317N.MainSt.Enterprise, Alabama 36330 334-393-5641

The Haven 831 John D. Odom Rd. Dothan, Alabama 36303 334-794-3771


4. Never judge a person’s integrity by how they sound. All too many older Americans who get wiped out by con artists later explain that the swindler sounded like such a nice man or woman. Successful con artists sound extremely professional and have the ability to make even the flimsiest investment deal sound as safe as putting money in the bank. Some swindlers combine professional sounding sales pitches with extremely polite manners, knowing that many older Americans are likely to equate good manners with personal integrity. The sound of a voice, particularly on the phone, has no bearing on the soundness of an investment opportunity.

5. Watch out for salespeople who prey on your fears. Con artists know that many older Americans worry they will either outlive their savings or see all their financial resources vanish overnight as the result of a catastrophic event such as a costly hospitalization. It is common for swindlers and abusive salespeople to pitch schemes as a way for older Americans to build up their life savings to the point where such fears are no longer necessary. Fear and greed can cloud your good judgment and leave you in a much worse financial posture. An investment that is right for you will make sense because you understand it and feel comfortable with the degree of risk involved.

6. Exercise particular caution if you are an older woman with no experience handling money. Ask a con artist to describe his ideal victim and you are likely to hear the following two words: “elderly widow”. Sadly, many women who are now in their retirement years often received little or no education in their youth about how to handle money. Women of this generation often relied on their husbands to handle most or all major money decisions. Older women, particularly those who have received windfall insurance payments in the wake of their spouse’s death, are prime targets for con artists. Elderly women who are on their own and have little know-how about handling money should always seek the advice of family members or a disinterested professional before deciding what to do with their savings. One resource available nationwide is the Women’s Financial Information Program at the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP). For more information, write: “Women’s Financial Information Program”, AARP Consumer Affairs, 601 E Street,NW,Washington,DC20049

7. Monitor your investments and ask tough questions. Too many older Americans not only trust unscrupulous investment professionals and outright con artists to make initial financial decisions for them, but compound their error by failing to keep an eye on the progress of the investment. Insist on regular written and oral reports. Look for signs of excessive or unauthorized trading of your funds. Do not be swayed by assurances that such practices

are routine or in your best interests. Do not permit a false sense of friendship or trust keep you from demanding a routine statement of your savings. When you suspect that something is amiss and get unsatisfactory explanations, call your state securities agency and make a complaint.

8. Look for trouble retrieving your principal or cashing out profits. Many older Americans have little ongoing need for investment funds, while others require returns that are paid out regularly in order to supplement limited incomes. If a stockholder, financial planner or other individual with whom you have invested stalls you when you want to pull out your principal or profits; you may have uncovered someone who wants to cheat you. Unscrupulous investment promoters pocket the funds of their victims and go to great lengths to explain why an investor’s savings are not readily accessible. In many cases, they will pressure the investor to “roll over” non-existent “profits” into new and even more alluring investments, thus further delaying the point at which the fraud will be uncovered. If you are not investing in a vehicle with a fixed term, such as a bond, you should be able to receive your funds or profits within a reasonable amount of time.

9. Don’t let embarrassment or fear keep you from reporting investment fraud or abuse. Older Americans who fail to report that they have been victimized in financial schemes often hesitate to report because of embarrassment or the fear that they will be judged incapable of handling their own affairs. Some senior citizens have indicated that they fear that their victimization will be viewed as grounds for forced institutionalization in a nursing home or other facility. Recognize that con artists know about such sensitivities and count on these fears preventing or delaying the point at which authorities are notified of a scam. While it is true that most money lost to investment fraud is rarely recovered beyond pennies on the dollar, there are also many cases in which older Americans who recognize early on that they have been misled about an investment are then able to recover some or all of their funds by being a “squeaky wheel”. A good resource for older Americans who fear that they have been victimized is the securities agency in the state in which they live. Residents of Alabama should call 800-222-1253, or write: Alabama Securities Commission, 770 Washington Ave, Suite 570, Montgomery, AL 36130-4700.

10.Beware of “reload” scams. Younger Americans who are ripped off by swindlers are fortunate to the extent that they have the opportunity to pick themselves up and restore some or all of their losses through new earnings. Most older Americans, however, are dealing with a finite amount of money that is unlikely to be replenished in the event of fraud and abuse. The result is a panic that is well known to con artists, who have developed schemes to take

WWW.SARCOA.ORG 15

a “second bite” out of senior citizens who already have been victimized. Faced with a loss of funds, some senior citizens will go along with another scheme (allowing themselves to, in effect, be reloaded) in which the con artist promises to make good on the original funds that were lost and possibly even generate new returns beyond those originally promised. Though the desire to make up lost financial ground is understandable, all too often the result is that unwary senior citizens lose whatever savings they have left after the initial scam and possibly more in the second scam. The above article was adapted from the web site: http://www.asc.alabama.gov.

iDEnTiTy THEFTIdentity theft occurs when your personal identifying

information is stolen and used by someone. Identity thieves can use the stolen information to: open fraudulent credit card accounts in your name, to apply for utilities and cell phones in your name, to borrow money in your name, and to make major purchases such as houses and cars in your name. Identity thieves may even use your identity when arrested or interrogated. Identity theft wreaks havoc on your life because it damages your good name and credit and exposes you to potential financial loss. Below are some things you can do to reduce the likelihood of your identity being stolen. Unfortunately, even if you are constantly vigilant, you could still become a victim of identity theft.

1. Secure your mail.

• Pickupyourmailandnewspapersdaily.

• AskthePostalServicetostopyourmailifyouaregoingto be away.

• Donotdiscardcorrespondencesuchascreditcardoffersor anything else with identifying information; this type of correspondence should be shredded first.

• If possible, place your outgoingmail in a U.S. PostalService receptacle, rather than your own mailbox. The flag on your mailbox alerts identity thieves that you have important documents such as checks and credit card numbers in your mailbox.

• Ifyouwanttocutdownontheamountofunsolicitedoffers you receive, call 1-888-567-8688 to be removed from the database that generates credit card pre-approved offers.

2. Keep your financial information private.

• Carryonlythecreditcardsyouneedtouseatthetime.Leave others in a secure place. In public be aware of people around you who may be trying to read the numbers on your credit cards or checks.

• Limit information printed on your checks, and makesure your checks are stored in a secure place.

• Pickupnewchecksatthebank,ratherthanyourhomemail box.

• Be stingy about giving out account numbers or otherfinancial information to people.

3. Keep telephone calls private and know who you are talking to.

• Be very careful about giving personal information outover the phone, particularly when you are talking on a cell phone or a cordless phone. If you must do so in a public place be aware that people around you may be listening to your conversation.

• Be wary of giving personal information to a personor company that contacts you (as opposed to one you contact). Ask the person calling to give you a number you can call to verify his/her identity, and ask the person to send you any information they would like you to consider in writing.

• If youwant to cut downon the number of sales callsyoureceive,registeronthenationalDoNotCalllistbycalling 1-888-382-1222 or on-line at www.donotcall.gov.

4. Use the Internet carefully.

• Be very careful about giving out personal informationover the internet.Nevergiveoutpersonal informationover the internet unless you are using a secure website. You may be able to determine if a website is secure by looking at the beginning of the web address in your browser’s address bar—it should say https:// instead of http://

• If you make purchases over the internet, use a creditor charge card when shopping online so that you will have the protection of the Fair Credit Billing Act. The Fair Credit Billing Act is a federal law that provides protections to consumers who have billing errors on open end credit accounts. To take advantage of these protections when there is an error on your account, you must contact the credit card company in writing at its “Billing Inquiry” address. Your written notification must be received by the credit card company within 60 days from the date that the first bill with the error was mailed to you.

• “Phishing”(pronounced“fishing”)occurswhenidentitythieves use fraudulent emails and websites, which are designed to look like legitimate banks, retailers, and credit card companies, to obtain your personal information. To avoid becoming a victim of “phishing” be suspicious of any emails you did not solicit which urgently requests your personal information. The companies you do business with already have that information. You should never use the link provided in an email to go to a web


page, instead call the company or type the web address into your browser. Do not fill out forms over the Internet asking for your personal information unless you know for certain that the email is legitimate.

5. Protect your social security number.

• BeverycautiousaboutgivingoutyourSocialSecuritynumber. If someone asks you for it, ask him/her why the number is needed and what will happen if you do not give out the number, etc.

• Donot carry yourSocial Security card in yourwallet.Store it in a safe place.

6. Regularly monitor your credit report.

• Ifyoufindanythingonyourcredit report that shouldnot be there, take action immediately.

• SinceJune2005,Alabamaconsumersareabletoobtain

a free copy of their credit report from each credit bureau once every 12 months by calling 1-877-322-8228 or visiting www.annualcreditreport.com

•Thethreemajorcreditbureausare:

Experian 1-888-397-3742

Trans Union 1-800-680-7289

Equifax 1-800-525-6285

7. If your identity is stolen take immediate action!

• ReportFraudtoallthreeCreditBureaus

• Report theft to local law enforcement and theFederalTrade Commission 1-877-IDTHEFT.

• Immediatelycontactbanks,creditcardissuers,andothercreditors

ALZHEIMER’S AND DEMENTIAalZHEimEr’s DisEasEAlzheimer’s Resource Center 1314 Westgate Pkwy., Suite 2 Dothan, Alabama 36302 334-702-2273

For gloBal Tracking BracElETsHouston County Sheriff’s Dept.144N.OatesSt.Dothan, Alabama 36302 334-677-4899

Dale County Sheriff’s Dept. 100 Court Square Ozark, Alabama 36360 334-774-2335

unDErsTanDingDEmEnTia, sEniliTy anD alZHEimEr’s DisEasEwHaT is DEmEnTia?

Dementia is the permanent, relentless, progressive loss of many intellectual functions. The word “Dementia” comes from the Latin words “de men,” meaning out of mind. Dementia is

caused by death of nerve cells. If a nerve cell dies, it cannot be replaced.Itsfunctionmaybelost.Nervecelldeathiscausedby:

• Alzheimer’sDisease60-70%

• Multiplesmallstrokes15%

• Multipleothercauses10-15%

Five to 20% of elderly patients who appear dementedhave treatable diseases, for example:

• Hormoneimbalance(hypothyroidism)

• Drug-medication-inducedconfusion

• Depression

wHaT is alZHEimEr’s DisEasE?Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is one type of dementia; it is

often used synonymously with dementia. In 1906 German physician, Alois Alzheimer, described the disease in a brain specimen autopsy. There is no clear consensus of why the nerve cells die in the brains of AD patients. Inheritance plays some role:

• 5%clearlyinheritable(autosomaldominant)

• 20-60%mayhaveageneticpredisposition

How many PEoPlE arE aFFEcTED?Approximately 4 million Americans are afflicted with AD.

In Alabama, about 57,000 people have dementia. Alzheimer’s Disease is the fourth leading cause of death among adults in America.Approximately10%ofthepopulationover65years

of age have AD. Forty-seven percent of those over the age of 85 have dementia. This is the fastest growing segment of the population in the United States. Dementia afflicts both men and women in all racial, religious and socioeconomic groups. Sixty percent of all nursing home patients are demented.

wHaT arE THE symPToms?Intellectual losses include:

Amnesia: Loss of memory function. Distinct memories remain clear while recent memories are lost. Patients lose the ability to store the memory of an event as it occurs; for example, a patient may not remember the course of a conversation from one moment to the next.

Aphasia: Loss of ability to understand spoken/written words and/or inability to speak coherently. Patients may get words confused, jabber incessantly or become mute.

Apraxia: Loss of ability to perform pre-programmed motor tasks or tasks that a normal person completes without any concentration. Some examples include: buttoning a shirt, brushing their teeth, writing their name, and eating with utensils.

Agnosia: Loss of ability to remember what things look like, including the face of a close relative and even their own reflection in a mirror.

Psychiatric problems include:

• Majorpersonalitychanges.

• Poorjudgment,irritabilityorinappropriatebehavior.

• 25%sufferfromdepressionthatshouldbetreated.

• 30-40%sufferfromhallucinationsanddelusions.

• 50% of demented individuals will wander or becomeaggressive.

Non-neurological symptoms:

Only the brain is damaged in AD. Other organ systems are not damaged. Patients have a long survival rate because other organ systems are not damaged.

wHaT is THE coursE oF THE DisEasE?Notwopatientsarealike.Nopatient’scourseispredictable.

Early - (3 to 5 years) - Mild amnesia; Good functions at home; Few psychiatric symptoms.

Middle - (3 to 10 years) - Many intellectual impairments; Poor function at home; Many psychiatric/behavior problems.

Late - (5 to 20 years) - Multiple severe intellectual impairments; Nofunctionathome;Totalcare;Lossofbowelandbladderfunction.

FuTurE:Future therapy will try to prevent the death of nerve cells

and maximize the function of surviving nerve cells.

How can FamiliEs coPE wiTH THis DisEasE?• Realizethatdenialoftheproblemwillnotmakeitgoaway.

• Educationaboutthediseaseshouldbethefamily’sfirstlineof defense.

• Seekoutaknowledgeable,caringphysicianwhowillworkwith you to manage the patient’s behavior problems, as well as their physical complaints.

• Planahead.Takecareoffinancialissuesandissueslikealiving will and durable power of attorney.

• Seekoutservicesthatwilleaseyourburdenlikeadultdaycare, Meals on Wheels, and local support groups.

• RememberAlzheimer’sProgramsareheretohelp!

For morE inFormaTion conTacT:• Alzheimer’s&DementiaHelpLine:1-800-457-5679

• Alzheimer’s Resource Center: 334-702-2273 or 1-888-702-8689

• SARCOA-Area Agency On Aging: 334-793-6843 or1-800-239-3507

Early sTagE alZHEimEr’s aDulT Day HEalTH carE ProgramsElba Adult Day Care 128 Court Ave. Elba, Alabama 36323-1727 334-897-3151

Coffee County Adult Day Care 106 Douglas Brown Cir.Enterprise, Alabama 36330 334-393-7919

Wiregrass Adult Care, LLC P.O. Box 338 Dothan, Alabama 36302 334-792-0022

WWW.SARCOA.ORG 17

Crowne Health Care of Eufaula 430 Rivers Ave. Eufaula, Alabama 36027 334-687-6627

Enterprise Health and Rehabilitation 300 Plaza Dr. Enterprise, Alabama 36331 334-347-9541

Florala Health and Rehabilitation 23621 Goldenrod Ave. Florala, Alabama 36442 334-858-8585

Henry County Healthand Rehabilitation 212 Dothan Rd. Abbeville, Alabama 36310 334-585-2241

Oakview ManorHealth Care Center 929 Mixon School Rd. Ozark, Alabama 36360 334-774-2631

Opp Health and Rehabilitation 115 Paulk Ave. Opp, Alabama 36467 334-493-4558

Ozark Health and Rehabilitation 312 Bryan Dr. Ozark, Alabama 36360 334-774-2561

Wesley ManorMethodist Home for the Aging 718 Honeysuckle Rd. Dothan, Alabama 36305 334-792-0921

ARTS, EDUCATION AND LEISURE

alZHEimEr’s uniTs aT nursing HomEs or long TErm carE HEalTH FaciliTiEs

Alabama Shakespeare FestivalMontgomery, Alabama800-841-4ASFwww.asf.net

Chipola College TheatreMarianna, Florida 850-526-2761www.chipola.edu

Coffee County Arts AllianceEnterprise, Alabama334-406-1617www.coffeecountyartsalliance.com

Cultural Arts Center 901 S. St. Andrews St.Dothan, Alabama 36301 334-699-2787www.theculturalartscenter.com

Dothan Area Botanical GardensDothan, Alabama334-793-3224www.dabg.com

Dothan Civic CenterDothan, Alabama334-615-3175www.dothan.org

Dothan Opera HouseDothan, Alabama334-615-3175www.dothan.org

Family 4th CelebrationNationalPeanutFestivalFairgroundsDothan, Alabama334-699-1475www.Family4thCelebration.com

Featured Players Theatre Co.Dothan, Alabama334-673-1243www.freewebs.com/featured players

July 4th FireworksFort Rucker, Alabama334-255-2252

Johnny Mack Brown Film FestivalDothan, Alabama334-699-1475www.johnnymackbrownfilmfestival.com

Landmark ParkDothan, Alabama334-794-3452www.landmarkpark.com

Music SouthDothan, Alabamawww.musicsouth.com

Opus Nostrum Dinner TheatreHeadland, Alabama334-693-0846www.opusnostrum.com

Southeast Alabama Community Theater (SEACT)901 S. Saint Andrews St.Dothan, Alabama 36301334-794-0400www.seact.com

arTs


WWW.SARCOA.ORG 19

SEADAC (SoutheastAlabama Dance Company)Dothan, Alabama334-702-7139www.seadac.com

Swamp GravyColquitt, Georgia229-758-5450www.swampgravy.com

TCO (Tri-StateCommunity Orchestra)Dothan, Alabama334-699-2787

Understudy Dinner TheatreDothan, Alabama334-792-1268

Wiregrass Museum of Art 126 Museum Ave. Dothan, Alabama 36303 334-794-3871www.wiregrassmuseum.org

arTs Continued

Enterprise State Junior College600 Plaza DriveEnterprise, Alabama 36330334-347-2623

Lurleen B. Wallace Junior CollegeHwy. 84 E.Andalusia, Alabama 36420334-222-0136

MacArthur State Technical College1708N.MainSt.Opp, Alabama 36467334-493-3573

Troy University - Dothan 500 University Dr. Dothan, Alabama 36303 334-983-0005

Wallace Community College Dothan Campus1141 Wallace Dr.Dothan, Alabama 36303 334-983-3521

Wallace Community College Eufaula CampusP.O. Box 580Eufaula, Alabama 360721-800-343-2426

Wallace Community College Aviation CampusP.O. Box 1209U.S. Highway 231 S.Ozark, Alabama 36361334-774-5113

EDucaTion ~ collEgEs anD univErsiTiEs

roBErT TrEnT JonEs golF Trail - alaBama

RTJ Golf Trail @ Oxmoor Valley100 Sunbelt ParkwayBirmingham, Alabama [email protected]

RTJ Golf Trail @ Ross Bridge4000 Grand AvenueBirmingham, Alabama [email protected]

RTJ Golf Trail @ Highland Oaks904 Royal ParkwayDothan, Alabama [email protected]

RTJ Golf Trail @ Silver Lakes1 Sunbelt ParkwayGlencoe, Alabama [email protected]

RTJ Golf Trail @ Cambrian Ridge101 Sunbelt ParkwayGreenville, Alabama [email protected]

RTJ Golf Trail @ Magnolia Grove7001 Magnolia Grove ParkwayMobile, Alabama [email protected]

RTJ Golf Trail @ The Shoals990 Sunbelt ParkwayMuscle Shoals, Alabama [email protected]

RTJ Golf Trail @ Grand National3000 Robert Trent Jones TrailOpelika, Alabama [email protected]

lEisurE ~ golF coursEs

roBErT TrEnT JonEs golF Trail - alaBama Continued

RTJ Golf Trail @ Hampton Cove450 Old Highway 431Owens Crossroads, Alabama 35763(256) [email protected]

Lakewood Golf ClubOne Grand BoulevardPoint Clear, Alabama 36564(251) 990-6312

RTJ Golf Trail @ Capitol Hill2600 Constitution AvenuePrattville, Alabama 36066(334) [email protected]

anDalusia, alaBama

Evans Barnes Golf CourseLurleen B. Wallace Junior CollegeAndalusia, Alabama 36420(334) 222-8400

Old Pine Golf Course24908 Harmony Church Rd.Andalusia, Alabama 36421(334) 222-3242

cowarTs, alaBama

Roundabout Plantation Course321 Roundabout Dr.Cowarts, Alabama 36321(334) 793-3300

DoTHan, alaBama

Dothan National Golf Club& Hotel7410 South U. S. Highway 231Dothan, Alabama 36301(800) 214-1150

EnTErPrisE, alaBama

Tartan Pines Golf Club423 Tartan WayEnterprise, Alabama 36330(334) 393-8000

EuFaula, alaBama

Red Eagle Golf Course101 Merion Dr.Eufaula, Alabama 36027(334) 687-8003

EuFaula, alaBama Continued

Lake Point Resort State ParkGolf Course104 Lakepoint Dr.Eufaula, Alabama 36027(800) 544-5253

ForT ruckEr, alaBama

Silver Wings Golf CourseCombat Road Building 20067Fort Rucker, Alabama 36362(334) 598-2449

gEnEva, alaBama

River Oaks Golf Course203 River Oaks Rd.Geneva, Alabama 36340(334) 684-6190

Abbeville Memorial Library301 Kirkland St. Abbeville, Alabama 36310 334-585-2818

Andalusia Public Library212SThreeNotchSt.Andalusia, Alabama 36420 334-222-6612

Ariton Dot LaneyMemorial Library30 W Main St.Ariton, Alabama 36311 334-762-2463

Ashford Branch Library305 6th Ave. Ashford, Alabama 36312 334-899-3121

Books By MailEnterprise Public Library 101 E. Grubbs St. Enterprise, Alabama 36330 334-347-2636

Elton B. Stephens Library17 School St. Clio, Alabama 36017 334-397-2911

Daleville Public Library308 Donnell Blvd. Daleville, Alabama 36322334-503-9119

Houston Love-Memorial Library 212 W. Burdeshaw St. Dothan, Alabama 36303 334-793-9767

Enterprise Public Library101 E Grubbs St. Enterprise, Alabama 36330 334-347-2636

lEisurE ~ liBrariEs


WWW.SARCOA.ORG 21

Florala Public Library1214 4th St.Florala, Alabama 36442

Emma Knox Kenan Public Library312 S Commerce St. Geneva, Alabama 36340 334-684-2459

Mcgregor MckinneyPublic Library101 E Fulton St. Hartford, Alabama 36344 334-588-2384

Blanche R. SolomonMemorial Library17 Park St. Headland, Alabama 36345 334-693-2706

Louisville Public Library1951 Main St. Louisville, Alabama 36048 334-266-5210

Newton Public Library203 Oates St. Newton,Alabama36352334-299-3316

Ozark Dale County Public Library416 James St. Ozark, Alabama 36360 334-774-5480

Samson Public Library200NJohnsonSt.Samson, Alabama 36477 334-898-7806

lEisurE ~ liBrariEs Continued

coFFEE counTy

Clark Theatres Cinema I & II 600 Highway 84 BypassEnterprise, Alabama 36330 334-347-3931

Clark Theatres Cinema III & IV West Gate Shopping CenterEnterprise, Alabama 36330 334-347-3811

Clark Theatres College Cinema College Plaza Shopping CenterEnterprise, Alabama 36330 334-347-4911

DalE counTy

Continental Drive-In - Dothan 14200 US Highway 84 WestNewton,Alabama36352334-692-3890

Clark Theatres Cinema I & II -Ozark Martindale PlazaOzark, Alabama 36360 334-774-4224

covingTon counTy

Clark Theatres Cinema III 109O’NealCourtAndalusia, Alabama 36420 334-222-4761

HousTon counTy

Northside Cinema One209 Executive Park DrDothan, Alabama 36303 334-793-4999

Northside Cinema Two 209 Executive Park DriveDothan, Alabama 36303 334-793-4999

Carmike 12 4883 Montgomery HighwayDothan, Alabama 36303 334-836-0813

lEisurE ~ moviE THEaTErs

Blue Springs State Park2595 Hwy. 10Clio, Alabama 36017-3501334-397-4875

Chattahoochee State Park250 Chattahoochee St Park Rd.Gordon, Alabama 36343334-522-3607

Frank Jackson State Park 100 Jerry Adams St.Opp, Alabama 36467334-493-6988

Florala State Park1099 Fifth StreetFlorala, Alabama 36442334-858-6252

Lakepoint Resort104 Lakepoint Dr.Mailing: P.O. Box 267Eufaula, Alabama 36072334-684-6677 or 800-544-5253

lEisurE ~ sTaTE Parks

DoTHan

Dothan Area Botanical Gardens 5130 Headland Ave. Dothan, Alabama 36303 334-793-3224

Dothan Dept. of Leisure Services P. O. Box 2128 Dothan, Alabama 36302 334-615-3700

Landmark Park P. O. Box 6362 Dothan, Alabama 36302 334-794-3452

Eastgate Park 334-793-0290

Westgate Park 334-793-0221

Westgate Tennis Center 334-793-0399

Waterworld 334-793-0297 or 793-0368

oTHEr counTiEs

Abbeville Parks and Recreation 334-585-6444

Andalusia Parks and Recreation 334-222-2714

Ashford Recreation 334-899-5958

Daleville Recreation 334-598-3111

Elba Parks and Recreation 334-897-6833

Enterprise Leisure Services 334-347-1211

Enterprise Parks and Recreation 334-348-2682

Eufaula Parks and Recreation 334-687-1213

Geneva Parks and Recreation 334-684-9323

Headland Recreation 334-693-3365

lEisurE ~ ciTy Parks anD rEcrEaTion

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCEFrom the Social Security adminiStration: Trying To DEciDE wHEn To rETirE? makE an inFormED DEcision By Mark Kelly, Social Security Technical Expert in Dothan

When thinking about retirement, one of the first questions most people have is, “What is the best age to start receiving retirement benefits?” There’s no one “best age” for everyone and, ultimately, it is a personal choice. You should make an informed decision about when to apply for benefits based on your individual and family circumstances.

Things to consider are your current financial needs, health, family longevity, whether you plan to work after you retire, future financial obligations, the amount of your benefit, and other income. Do you have investments to draw from when you need extra money? Will your savings last as long as you expect to live?

Keep in mind that people are living longer. About one out of every four 65-year-olds today will live past age 90, and one out of 10 will live past age 95. If you decide to

retire early, at 62, or any time before your full retirement age, you’ll get your benefits sooner, but the benefits will be reduced for the rest of your life. Your monthly benefit will last as long as you do. So the reduction in monthly payment for taking early retirement can add up over the life of your benefits.

Your decision can affect your spouse and family, too. If you die before your spouse and dependent children, they may be eligible for survivor’s benefits. But if you take early retirement, their payments will be based on your reduced benefit amount.

When you reach your full retirement age, somewhere between 65 and 67, you can work and earn as much as you want and still receive your full Social Security benefit payment. If you are younger than full retirement age and your earnings exceed certain dollar amounts, some of your benefit payments during the year will be withheld.

On the other hand, if you put off retirement benefits until after your full retirement age, your amount will increase. In fact, your benefit amount will continue to go up until you reach age 70 or start receiving benefits, whichever comes first.

When thinking about Social Security, don’t forget Medicare. You should sign up for Medicare three months


WWW.SARCOA.ORG 23

before reaching age 65, no matter when your full retirement age is, even if you decide to delay retirement benefits. Otherwise, your Medicare medical insurance, as well as prescription drug coverage, could be delayed, and you could be charged higher premiums. There is also “extra help” available to some Medicare beneficiaries. This extra help, for people with limited income and resources, will help pay your Medicare prescription drug plan’s monthly premium, as well as deductibles and co-pays.

If you are ready to retire, and if the prospect of waiting in line at a government office does not appeal to you, then save yourself a trip and consider applying for Social Security retirement benefits online. The Social Security website makes the process easy and convenient. Just visit our website at www.socialsecurity.gov/applytoretire. Here you can apply online for your retirement benefits from the comfort of your own home or office.

Also, if you are not quite ready to retire, but are considering the possibility, you may want to visit Social Security’s website to use our convenient and informative retirement planner at www.socialsecurity.gov/retire2/. This tool can help you make the best choice about the right age for you to retire.

EnErgy assisTancE2.2% ElEcTric ExEmPTion Program

This program permits eligible households to qualify for an exemption from payment of the tax on their monthly electric bill. Those qualifying for this program will no longer bebilledthe2.2%tax.Youwillnotreceiveamoneypaymentfrom this program but will save 2.2% of your monthlyelectricity bill. To qualify for this program, you must:1. Be the Head of Household. (Head of Household is

defined as that adult household member in whose name the monthly electric bill is received.);

2. Be 62 years old or older, or between the ages of 18 to 62 and blind or otherwise totally and permanently disabled. If you do not receive a check based on blindness or total and permanent disability, you must present a statement from your doctor saying that you are blind or totally and permanently disabled to engage in gainful employment and give the reason why;

3. Share your residence with not more than one other adult person less than 62 years old. (An adult is defined as a person who is 18 years old or older.);

4. Have a yearly gross income for you and all members of

yourhouseholdof$12,000orless;5. Buy your electricity from a company that collects

the 2.2% Gross Receipts License Tax. (See list ofparticipating electric companies below.);

6. Be an Alabama resident and live in the county where you apply, and be a U. S. citizen or legal alien;

7. Furnish a recent electric bill to show the current name, address, and customer account number in whose name the bill is received;

8. Cooperate with the Department of Human Resources by furnishing the necessary information or verification required to determine your eligibility;

9. Agree to report to your local County Department of Human Resources any change of name or address on your monthly electric bill if you wish to reapply for the exemption.

Where to apply: You must apply at the Department of Human Resources office in the county where you live. You may apply in person or someone may obtain an application form for you which must be completed, signed by the Head of Household, and returned to the Department of Human Resources in the county where you live (See Government Programs). If there are other questions, you may also contact the Alabama Department of Human Resources, 50 North RipleyStreet, Montgomery, Alabama 36130, 334-242-1310.

Who can apply: The Head of Household is the only person who may apply. Even when someone else obtains an application form or assists in completing the form, the Head of the Household must sign it and the form must be returned to the county Department of Human Resources. You must re-certify each year or if you have a change of address.

Companies that collect the 2.2% Gross Receipts License Tax (Apply at your local County Department of Human Resources.)• AlabamaPowerCompany• CovingtonElectricCooperative• PeaRiverElectricCooperative• WiregrassElectricCooperative

In addition, Alabama Power offers the Rate Rider SSI (Supplemental Security Income) —Rate Rider is thediscountofthebasiccustomerchargeof$8.91,whichis available to those persons drawing SSI. You may be entitled to both discounts if you meet the qualifications

forthe2.2%ElectricExemptionprogram(shownabove)and are also receiving SSI. Apply at your local Alabama Power Company office. Please note, the Social Security Numberandnameonyourapplicationshouldbeexactlyas shown on your SSI records.

low incomE HomE EnErgy assisTancE Program (liHEaP)

LIHEAP is a federally funded program to help eligible low-income homeowners and renters meet their home heating and/or cooling needs. There is a sign-up for heating costs in the winter and cooling costs in the summer. Depending on availability of funds, energy assistance may be available at other times of the year.

Applicants must be the head of the household or their spouse. Applicants 60 and older or disabled can authorize in writing an individual to apply for him/her. Applicants must provide proof of gross income for everyone in the household for the month prior to sign-up; social security numbers for all members of the household, and a copy of the latest utility bill showing the account number. If you heat with coal or wood, please contact your local Human Resources Development Corporation (HRDC) or Organized Community Action Program (OCAP) for additional instructions. If applicants do not have income for the previous month, they must provide written verification from a reliable source. It is important to have all required documents on the sign-up date.

Monthly income limits change annually with the Federal Poverty Guidelines. For 2009:• $1,517foroneperson• $2,042fortwopeople• $2,567forthreepeople• $3,092forfourpeople• $3,617forfivepeople• $525foreachadditionalperson

Each applicant must live in the county where the application is completed. If you are a resident of Barbour, Coffee, Geneva, Henry or Houston counties contact your local HRDC for more information. If you are resident of Covington or Dale counties contact your local OCAP office.

ProJEcT sHarE

Project SHARE provides emergency assistance to our elderly and disabled neighbors who need help with their energy bills. Project SHARE is funded by electric utility customers who donate through their monthly

bills. Project SHARE is neighbors helping neighbors. To receive Project SHARE assistance you must be:• Thehead of the household; and age 62 or older or

100%disabled;andunderacertainincomelevel.To apply for assistance, contact the following agency

in your county of residence:• BarbourCounty Clearing House, Eufaula, 334-687-2896• CoffeeCounty Red Cross, Enterprise, 334-347-2461• CovingtonCounty Red Cross, Andalusia, 334-428-2681• DaleCounty RSVP, Ozark, 334-774-8591• GenevaCounty Christian Mission Bargain Center, 334-684-7756• HenryCounty Call RSVP in Dothan, 334-836-1300; make appointment

for RSVP, Abbeville, 334-585-2442 for application.• HoustonCounty Red Cross, Dothan, 334-792-9852

To donate to Project SHARE, you may pledge to contribute any whole dollar amount each month. The amount you select will automatically be added to your utility bill each month.

FrEE garBagE Pick-uPIn 1989 the State of Alabama adopted legislation

requiring each county or municipality to promote and provide for mandatory solid waste collection. In part, the law was established to curtail the illegal dumping and burning of household garbage. Included in the law were provisions to help fixed income households cope with the cost of this service. Included are, “households whose sole source of income is Social Security or SSI benefits.”

To see if your county or municipality provides an exemption from the payment of fees required under this article, contact your local Health Department. An environmentalist with the Health Department can provide information about how, where, and when to apply.

TElEPHonE assisTancE liFElinE anD link-uP

Lifeline—The federal Lifeline program gives income-eligible consumers a discount on monthly charges for basic local landline residential telephone service purchased


WWW.SARCOA.ORG 25

FOOD, NUTRITION AND MEALS

from an authorized landline or wireless service provider. Assistance is limited to one monthly discount per customer.

Lifeline Discounts—Federal Lifeline discounts on phonebillscanbeaslargeas$13.50permonth,dependingon your state and your authorized telephone service provider. Some states provide further discounts to make local telephone service even more affordable.

Link-Up—The federal Link-Up program covers a portion of new service installation or activation fees for eligible consumers and allows consumers to finance connection or activation fees on consumer-friendly terms.

Link-Up Discounts—The federal Link-Up program pays one-half of an eligible consumer’s landline installation or activation fee (excluding the cost of the phone) up to a maximumpaymentof$30per installationoractivation.The Link-Up Program also permits an eligible consumer to finance up to $200 of installation or activation feesinterest-free for up to a year.

Discounts are available under the federal Lifeline and Link-Up programs to qualifying consumers in every state, territory, and U. S. commonwealth.

Avoiding Costly Deposit Requirements—Consumers with financial or credit problems are sometimes required to pay a deposit before they can obtain local telephone service; however, consumers eligible for Lifeline and Link-Up support can avoid costly deposit requirements by requesting free “toll-blocking”. Toll-blocking prevents consumers from making toll calls including, but not limited to, long distance calls from a long distance provider using “1+” or “0+” dialing. Even with toll-blocking, consumers are generally able to place long-distance calls using pre-paid calling cards that require consumers to dial local access numbers and enter protected passwords before placing toll calls.

Irrespective of their eligibility for Lifeline and Link-Up, consumers facing involuntary disconnection of local and other telephone services due to non-payment of delinquent charges should ask their local service provider whether they can continue receiving uninterrupted basic local service if they agree to block access to all services other than basic local service, including toll.

Contact your local landline or wireless telephone company to verify that you are eligible for Lifeline and/or Link-up benefits. If your local telephone company is not authorized to provide Lifeline or Link-Up discounts in your area, contact Alabama Public Service Commission at 1-800-392-8050 or Alabama State Utility Consumers Advocate office at the following address: Office of the Attorney General/Alabama State House/11 South Union Street/Montgomery, AL 36130/334-242-7393. The above article contains excerpts from the following website: http://www.lifeline.gov/lifeline_consumers.html.

crEDiT counsElingConsumer Credit Counseling Services of Alabama2731 Ross Clark Cir., Suite 7 Dothan, Alabama 36301 800-662-6119

Tax PrEParaTion assisTancESenior Circle Medical Center 400NorthEdwardsSt.Enterprise, Alabama 36330 334-347-3046

Elba Senior Center200 Bufford St.Elba, Alabama 36323334-897-3019

Greater Beulah Baptist Church254 Headland Ave.Dothan, Alabama 36303334-792-7761

HomE DElivErED mEals (MeALS On WheeLS)

Christian MissionCenter 481 Geneva Hwy. Enterprise, Alabama 36330-3816 334-393-2607

Hungry to Help -SARCOA1075 S. Brannon Stand Rd.Dothan, Alabama 36305334-793-6843 or1-800-239-3507

Wesley ManorMethodist Meals onWheels718 Honeysuckle Rd.Dothan, Alabama 36305334-792-0921

Meals on WheelsDothan, Alabama334-671-2998


FarmErs markET ProgramSARCOA1075 South Brannon Stand RoadDothan, Alabama 36305334-793-6843 or 1-800-239-3507

FooD assisTancEWiregrass Area Food Bank382 Twitchell Rd. Dothan, Alabama 36303 334-794-9775

Also see - Senior Centers – Each senior center offers home-delivered meals, as well as, hot meals at the center. The Frail Elderly and Disabled Medicaid Waiver program provides breakfast meals and frozen home-delivered meals delivered weekly.

Brown Bag ProgramThe Brown Bag Program of the Wiregrass Area is

a food supplemental program for eligible individuals, 60 years of age or older. It is designed to help provide food to the elderly and the homebound. Seniors are provided with bags of groceries during the third week of each month. There is no cost to the individuals served. Eligibility is determined using the federal poverty level income guidelines. To apply for this program call 334-794-4499 Monday-Thursday, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. or go to www.wiregrassareafoodbank.com.

Counties served are Barbour, Coffee, Dale, Geneva, Henry and Houston. Covington County residents contacttheChristianServiceCenter,403S.ThreeNotchStreet, Andalusia, AL 36420, or call 334-222-3840.

The bulk of the food comes from the Wiregrass Area United Way Food Bank. The food is donated to the Food Bank by wholesalers, grocers, and distributors who receive a charitable contribution deduction on their income taxes and have the benefit of providing good food for needy people. Along with the food obtained from the Food Bank, donations of food are also made by civic groups, religious organizations, individuals, businesses and other organizations.

Funding for the Brown Bag program comes through donations from faith-based organizations, civic groups, individualsandbusinesses.$60($5permonth)providesan individual with this service for an entire year. One-

time donations of any amount are accepted. Concerned people can help by: sponsoring one or more individuals, volunteering at the distribution sites, volunteering to deliver grocery bags to homebound individuals, or helping to find additional sources of donated food, especially fresh produce and bread.

FarmErs markETProgram

The goal of the Alabama Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) is to provide fresh,nutritious, locally grown fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs from farmers markets and roadside stands to low-income seniors. Coupons are provided for individuals 60 years of age and older who are on a limited income, allowing them to purchase fresh produce at Farmers Markets. Qualified recipients may receive only one coupon booklet. Quantities are limited. Booklets are given out in the spring. For more information, contact SARCOA, 1075 S. Brannon Stand Rd., Dothan, AL 36305. Phone 334-793-6843 or 1-800-239-3507.

Hungry To HElPsPonsorED mEal Program

Many homebound elderly 60+ are too frail to shop for food and physically unable to prepare their own meals. Because of disabilities such as arthritis, blindness and heart disease, thousands of southeast Alabama seniors are hungry for your help. With your donation, we can deliver nutritious meals to an elderly neighbor, a senior friend, or a disabled loved one who desperately needs help.

Some homebound elderly live in rural areas outside the delivery area of a senior center. At times, the senior center may not have the staff or volunteers needed to deliver the number of meals required. For situations like these, the meal vendor offers weekly delivery of a 7-pack frozen meal directly to the senior’s door.

If you would like to sponsor a particular homebound elderly person, please contact the senior center nearest to the person’s home. The senior center will be able to assist you with information and enrollment. If you would like to become a meal sponsor or need information about the nearest center, please contact our Hungry to Help coordinator at the SARCOA, the Area Agency On Aging, (334) 793-6843 or (800) 239-3507.

Christian Service Center403S.ThreeNotchSt.Andalusia, Alabama 36420334-222-3840

WWW.SARCOA.ORG 27

GRAINSMake half yourgrains whole

VEGETABLESVary your veggies

FRUITSfocus on fruits

MILKGet your

calcium-rich foods

MEAT & BEANSGo lean with

protein

eat at least 3 oz. of wholegrain cereals, breads, crackers, rice or pasta every day.

1 oz. is about 1 slice of bread, about 1 cup of breakfast cereal or ½ cup of cooked rice, cereal or pasta.

eat more dark-green veggies like broccoli, spinach and other dark leafy greens.

eat more orange vegetables like carrots and sweet potatoes.

eat more dry beans and peas like pinto beans, kidney beans and lentils.

eat a variety of fruit.

Choose fresh, frozen, canned or dried fruit.

Go easy on fruit juices.

Go low-fat or fat-free when you choose milk, yogurt and other milk products.

if you don’t or can’t consume milk, choose lactose-free products or other calcium sources such as fortified foods and beverages.

Choose low-fat or lean meats and poultry.

Bake it, broil it or grill it.

Vary your protein routine- choose more fish, beans, peas, nuts and seeds.

eat 6 oz. every day eat 2½ Cups everyday eat 2 Cups every day Get 3 Cups every day;for kids age 2-8, it’s 2 eat 5½ oz. every day

for a 2,000-calorie diet, you need the amounts shown above from each food group. To find the amounts that are right for you, go to MyPyramid.gov.

Find your balance between food and physical activity• Besuretostaywithinyourdailycalorieneeds• Bephysicallyactiveforatleast30minutesmostdays

of the week• About60minutesadayofphysicalactivitymaybe

needed to prevent weight gain• Forsustainingweightloss,atleast60-90minutesa

day of physical activity may be required• Childrenandteenagersshouldbephysicallyactivefor

60 minutes every day or most days

Know the limits on fats, sugars and salt (sodium)• Makemostofyourfatsourcesfromfish,nutsand

vegetable oils• Limitsolidfatslikebutter,stickmargarine,shortening,

lard, and foods that contain these• ChecktheNutritionFactslabeltokeepsaturatedfats,

trans fats and sodium low• Choosefoodandbeverageslowinaddedsugars.

Added sugars contribute calories with few, if any, nutrients

THE usDa FooD PyramiD

GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS

Abbeville .................334-585-6444

Andalusia ................334-222-3313

Ariton ......................334-762-2222

Ashford ....................334-899-3366

Clio .........................334-397-2723

Coffee Springs .........334-684-9962

Columbia ................334-696-4417

Cottonwood ............334-691-2671

Daleville ..................334-598-2345

Dothan ....................334-615-3100

Elba .........................344-897-2333

Enterprise ................334-348-2601

Eufaula ....................334-687-1206

Florala .....................334-858-3612

Geneva ....................334-684-2485

Gordon ....................334-522-3113

Haleburg .................334-696-2277

Hartford ..................334-588-2245

ciTy govErnmEnT

Headland .................334-693-3365

Kinsey .....................334-793-5409

Kinston ...................334-565-3188

Lockhart ..................334-858-6744

Madrid ....................334-677-3435

Malvern ...................334-793-6537

Napier Field ............334-983-3548

New Brockton .........334-894-5283

Newton ....................334-299-3777

Newville ..................334-889-2222

Opp .........................334-493-4572

Ozark ......................334-774-5393

Pinckard ..................334-983-3517

Samson ....................334-898-7541

Taylor ......................334-678-5079

Webb .......................334-792-0386

ciTy govErnmEnT Continued

Barbour County 1 Court Square, Room 105 Clayton, Alabama 36016 334-775-3284

Coffee County 1055 E. McKinnon#5 County ComplexNewBrockton,Alabama36351334-894-5596

Covington County 23952 AL Hwy 55, Suite 4 Andalusia, Alabama 36420 334-222-1125

Dale County 202 S. Hwy. 123, Suite D Ozark, Alabama 36360 334-774-2329

Geneva County 2765 E. State Hwy. 52 Hartford, Alabama 36344 334-684-2484

Henry County 101N.DoswellSt.,SuiteAAbbeville, Alabama 36310 334-585-6416

Houston County Farm Center Building 1699 Ross Clark Cir, Ste #4Dothan, Alabama 36301 334-794-4108

counTy govErnmEnTalaBama cooPEraTivE ExTEnsion – counTy oFFicEs

Barbour County 276 Hwy. 239 S. (Industrial Park) Clayton, Alabama 36016 334-775-2000

Coffee County 3881 Salem Rd. Enterprise, Alabama 36331 334-348-2000

Covington County 1515 Martin Luther King Jr. Expwy. Andalusia, Alabama 36420 334-427-7900

Dale County 513 Carroll Ave. Ozark, Alabama 36361 334-445-4900

Geneva County 617 S. Commerce St. Geneva, Alabama 36340 334-684-5800

Henry County 507 Kirkland St. Abbeville, Alabama 36310 334-585-2788

Houston County 1605 Ross Clark Cir. S.E. Dothan, Alabama 36302 334-677-0400

DEParTmEnT oF Human rEsourcEs – counTy oFFicEs


WWW.SARCOA.ORG 29

Barbour ...................334-775-3203

Coffee ......................334-894-5556

Covington ...............334-428-2610

Dale .........................334-774-6025

Geneva ....................334-684-5640

Henry ......................334-585-3257

Houston ..................334-677-4740

alaBama cooPEraTivE ExTEnsion – counTy oFFicEs

counTy govErnmEnT Continued

Barbour Co.545 East Barbour St.Eufaula, Alabama 36027 334-688-1387 Contact-Webster Hugh [email protected]

Coffee Co.1065 East Mckinnon St.NewBrockton,Alabama36351334-894-5415 Contact-John C. Tallas [email protected]

Covington County300 West Watson St.Andalusia, Alabama 36420334-427-4911Contact-Kristi [email protected]

Dale Co. 168 South Merrick Ave. Ozark, Alabama 36360 334-774-2214 Contact-Robert Marsh [email protected]

Geneva Co.200 S. Commerce Geneva, Alabama 36340334-684-5677Contact-Margaret [email protected]

Henry Co.101NorthDoswellSt.Abbeville, Alabama 36310334-585-6702Contact-Paul [email protected]

Houston Co.114N.Oates/PODrawer6406Dothan, Alabama 36303334-794-9720Contact-Clark [email protected]

EmErgEncy managEmEnT agEncy – counTy oFFicEs

Barbour County PHD 634 School St. Eufaula, Alabama 36027 334-687-4808

Coffee County PHD 2841NealMetcalfRd.Enterprise, Alabama 36330 334-347-9574

Covington County PHD 23989 Alabama Hwy. 55 Andalusia, Alabama 36420 334-222-1175

Dale County PHD 204 Katherine Ave.Ozark, Alabama 36360 334-774-5146

Geneva County PHD 606 S. Academy St. Geneva, Alabama 36340 334-684-2256

Henry County PHD 300 Trawick St. Abbeville, Alabama 36310 334-585-2660

Houston County PHD 1781 E. Cottonwood Rd. Dothan, Alabama 36301 334-678-2800

PuBlic HEalTH DEParTmEnTs – counTy oFFicEs

FEDEral govErnmEnT

Centers for Medicare &Medicaid Services 7500 Security Blvd. Baltimore, Maryland 21244 800-633-4227

FEMA500 C Street S.W.Washington, D.C. 204721 (800) 621-FEMA (3362)TDD: TTY dial 1 (800) 462-7585for Federal Relay Ser.

Medicare Fraud Hotline 800-447-8477

Medicare Part D 800-633-4227

Social Security Administration (Birmingham) Birmingham, Alabama 800-690-5701

Social Security Administration (Dothan) 1778 Whatley Dr. Dothan, Alabama 36303 334-671-9346

Social Security Administration (Andalusia) 24467 Alabama Hwy. 55 Andalusia, Alabama 36420 334-222-3350

Tricare Information Service 888-363-5433

Tricare for Life P. O. Box 7889 Madison, Wisconsin 53707 866-773-0404

VA Medical Clinic-Dothan2020 Alexander DriveDothan, Alabama 36301334-673-4166

VA Mental Health3753 Ross Clark Cir, Ste 4Dothan, Alabama 36303334-678-1933

local DisTricT oFFicEs

Medicaid Dothan District Office 2652 Fortner St., Suite 4 Dothan, Alabama 36305 334-702-3101

Social Security Administration 1778 Whatley Dr. Dothan, Alabama 36303 334-671-9346

Social Security Administration 24467 AL Hwy. 55 Andalusia, Alabama 36420 334-222-3350

Southern Alabama RegionalCouncil on Aging (SARCOA)1075 South Brannon Stand Rd.Dothan, Alabama 36305334-793-6843 or 800-239-3507

sTaTE govErnmEnT

Alabama Dept. of HumanResources50NorthRipleyStreetMontgomery, Alabama 36130334-242-1310

Alabama Dept. of Insurance Consumer DivisionP.O. Box 303351 Montgomery, Alabama 36130 800-433-3966

Alabama Dept. of Public Health201 Monroe Street, RSA TowerMontgomery, Alabama 36104334-206-5300

Alabama Dept. of Senior Services P. O. Box 301851 Montgomery, Alabama 36130 877-425-2243

Alabama Medicaid AgencyPost Office Box 5624 Montgomery, Alabama 36103 800-362-1504


WWW.SARCOA.ORG 31

alaBama mEDicaiD ~ gEnEral EligiBiliTy inFormaTion

Medicaid helps pay medical bills for low-income individuals who meet eligibility criteria. There are three agencies in Alabama that certify individuals for Medicaid. These agencies are the Social Security Administration, the Department of Human Resources, and the Alabama Medicaid Agency. Each of these agencies certifies certain groups of individuals for Medicaid based on their circumstances. Shown below is a partial list of the programs affecting the aged, disabled, or their families.

The Social Security Administration certifies individuals for the following programs: Aged, blind, or disabled persons who have very low income may qualify for cash assistance through the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program. Individuals eligible for SSI are automatically eligible for Medicaid. To apply for SSI, contact the Social Security Office serving your area.

The Alabama Medicaid Agency certifies individuals for the following programs: Pregnant Women and Children Program-Pregnant women and children under age 19 in families who have income below certain limits may be eligible for Medicaid.

Medicaid for Low Income Families Program—Households with related children under age 19 living in the home, may be eligible for Medicaid if the household has very low income.

Applications for the Pregnant Women and Children Program, and the Medicaid for Low Income Families Program should be made by contacting a Medicaid eligibility worker at your local county Health Department. You may also call Medicaid at 1-800-362-1504 for a paper application or apply online at www.insurealabama.org.

Breast and Cervical Cancer Program—Women under age 65 who have been screened through the Centers forDiseaseControl and Prevention’sNationalBreast&CervicalCancerEarlyDetectionProgrammaybe eligible for this program. Call 1-877-252-3324 for information about this program.

Nursing Home Program—Medicaid may pay for the cost of nursing home care for individuals meeting certain income, resource, age or disability, and medical criteria. Nursing homes and hospitals usually haveMedicaid applications, or you may contact the Medicaid District Office serving the county of the nursing home to apply for this program.

Hospital Program—Medicaid may cover the cost of care for individuals who meet certain income, resource, age or disability, and medical criteria. To qualify, the individual must be institutionalized for 30 continuous days. Contact the Medicaid District Office serving the individual’s county of residence to apply for this program.

Post Hospital Extended Care (PEC) Program—Individuals who are hospitalized and are awaiting placement in a nursing home may be eligible for Medicaid. Eligibility requirements are similar to the nursing home requirements. These individuals must be institutionalized for at least 30 continuous days. The individual must also have been under acute care for at least 3 days while in the hospital, but currently does not require acute care. Contact the Medicaid District Office serving the county of the hospital to apply for this program.

Institutional Care Facility for the Mentally Retarded (ICF-MR) Program—Residents of state facilities for the mentally retarded may be eligible to have Medicaid cover the cost of their care. Eligibility requirements are similar to those of the nursing home program. The state facilities have Medicaid applications,

FEDEral govErnmEnT Continued

Barbour County - Clayton Courthouse Rm 102 Clayton, Alabama 36016 334-250-1008

Barbour County - Eufaula 303 E. Broad St.,Suite 102 Eufaula, Alabama 36027 334-619-1511

Coffee County Complex NewBrockton,Alabama36351334-894-5858

Covington County 250 Hillcrest Dr. / Box 10 Andalusia, Alabama 36420 334-428-2687

Dale County 719 S. Union Ave. Ozark, Alabama 36361 334-774-5550

Geneva County 200 S. Commerce St.Geneva, Alabama 36340 334-684-5657

Henry CountyOffice BuildingN.DoswellSt.Abbeville, Alabama 36310 334-585-2744

Houston County 210 W. Crawford Dothan, Alabama 36301 334-677-4749

vETErans aFFairs – counTy oFFicEs

or you may contact the Medicaid District Office serving the county of the facility to apply for this program.

Mental Retardation (MR) Waiver Program—Individuals, age 3 and older, who are diagnosed as mentally retarded may apply for this waiver. These individuals must meet the income, resource, disability, and medical criteria for an institutional care facility for the mentally retarded. These individuals would receive Medicaid coverage in the community and not be placed in an institution. Limited funds are available for this waiver. To apply for this waiver: For Houston, Geneva, Barbour,Henry,&Dalecontact:

MR Director / P. O. Box 519 / Geneva, AL 36340/ 334-684-2252. For Covington and Coffee counties contact: MR Director / P. O. Box 311343 / Enterprise, AL 36331 / 877-530-0002.

Elderly and Disabled (E&D) Waiver Program—Individuals who are disabled or elderly and are ineligible for SSI because of income of a spouse or a parent, may apply for this program through one of the agencies listed below. One of these agencies will determine if a slot is available and if the individual meets medical criteria for this waiver. The Medicaid District Office will make an eligibility determination after one of the agencies approves a slot and the individual qualifies medically. The funds available for this waiver are limited. Contact your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA) at 1-800-243-5463 or local county Department of Public Health to apply for this waiver. (SARCOA is the local AAA – 334-793-6843 or 800-239-3507.)

HIV / AIDS Waiver Program—Individuals who are age 21 or above with a primary diagnosis of HIV/AIDS and would be eligible for Medicaid if they were in a medical institution and who need home and community-based services in order to remain in the community, may be eligible for this program. Contact the local Department of Public Health serving your county of residence to apply for this program.

somE mEDicaiD Programs arE rElaTED To suPPlEmEnTal sEcuriTy incomE (ssi) EligiBiliTy:

Disabled Adult Child Program—An individual may be eligible to continue Medicaid coverage if Supplemental Security Income (SSI) stopped after he or she attained the age of 18 because he or she began receiving benefits as a Disabled Adult Child,

or if SSI stopped as a result of an increase in Social Security benefits as a Disabled Adult Child. Contact the Medicaid District Office serving your county of residence to apply for this program.

Retroactive SSI Medicaid Program—An individual who has incurred medical expenses during the three month period prior to receipt of their first SSI check may be eligible for Medicaid coverage during those months. A person has six months after being awarded SSI to apply for Retroactive SSI Medicaid. Contact the Medicaid District Office serving your county of residence to apply for this program.

Continuous Medicaid (or Pickle) Program—Individuals who become ineligible for SSI as a result of Social Security cost-of-living increases may be eligible for Medicaid. Any person who received a SSI check and was entitled to Social Security in the same month may be eligible, if the deduction of Social Security cost-of-living increases from the date of SSI termination would make the individual eligible for SSI. Contact the Medicaid District Office serving your county of residence to apply for this program.

Widows or Widowers Program—In some instances, it is possible for widows or widowers who are not eligible for Medicare to continue Medicaid eligibility. The widow/widower must be over the age of 50, but not yet 65. He or she must have lost SSI eligibility because his or her Social Security benefits increased above the SSI limit when his or her spouse died. Contact the Medicaid District Office serving your county of residence to apply for this program. NOTE:YoucannothaveMedicareandbeeligibleforthis program.

Medicaid Transportation Assistance—TheNon-Emergency Transportation Program is non-emergency transportation for medical treatment for “full” Medicaid recipients only. This does not include those only on QMB, SLMB, or QI-1 Medicaid Assistance. Medicaid provides a voucher which can be cashed like a check to help off-set the costs of hiring someone to transport the person to: the doctor’s office, other medical care, or treatment facilities. To request a voucher, call 1-800-362-1504 or 334-702-3102.


WWW.SARCOA.ORG 33

HEALTH CAREaDulT Day HEalTH carEElba Adult Day Care 128 Court Ave. Elba, Alabama 36323-1727 334-897-3151

Coffee CountyAdult Day Care 106 Douglas Brown Cir.Enterprise, Alabama 36330 334-393-7919

BrEasT anD cErvical cancErEarly DETEcTion Program

The Alabama Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program of the Alabama Public Health Department provides free breast and cervical screenings to: • Womenage40-64• Womenwhoareuninsuredorunderinsured• Womenwhomeetincomeguidelines

A woman who meets the eligibility requirements receives the following: • Afreepapsmear• Afreepelvicexam• A freemammogram (age 50-64, 65+ if enrolled in

Medicare Part A only)Call toll free 1-877-252-3324 for more information.

They will answer the phone UAB Finder and will do a short survey (approx. 9 questions/eligibility based on the total household). If one qualifies, they will be given the choice of three local participating offices where additional paperwork will be required and vouchers issued for the tests.

DEnTal HEalTHDonated Dental Services 836 Washington Ave. Montgomery, Alabama 36104 334-834-1114

DiaBETEs assisTancEDiabetes CoalitionHouston County PHDDothan, Alabama 36302334-678-2800

DiaBETEs coaliTionServices: Limited financial assistance with insulin,

medications, and diabetic supplies. For seniors with no Medicare coverage, there is limited financial assistance for doctor visits. Free Diabetes Educational Classes are offered. To Qualify: Low-income area residents diagnosed with Type I or Type II diabetes. Must be unable to afford medication or supplies and have no insurance coverage on medicines. For additional information, contact: Houston County Health Department / 1781 E. Cottonwood Rd./ Dothan, AL or call 334-678-2800.

HEalTH carE scrEEning Southeast Regional Cancer Screening Program(Mobile Unit)Southeast Alabama Medical CenterDothan, Alabama 334-793-8081

HEalTH carE EDucaTionSpirit Of Women Southeast Alabama Medical Cntr Dothan, Alabama 36301 334-793-8107

HEalTH clinicsAlfred Saliba Family Health Clinic 545 W. Main St., Suite 312 Dothan, Alabama 36301 334-673-3741

Clayton Family Health Center Seven Western Bypass Clayton, Alabama 36016 334-775-3235

Wiregrass AdultCare, LLC P.O. Box 338 Dothan, Alabama 36302 334-792-0022

HEalTH clinicsContinued

Newton Family Health Clinic 193 Oates Dr. Newton,Alabama36352334-299-3592

Tri-County Med. Center P. O. Box 337 / 29080 Smiley St.Red Level, Alabama 36474 334-469-5311

Veterans Admin. OutpatientClinic 2020 Alexander Dr. Dothan, Alabama 36301 334-673-4166

HEalTH organiZaTionsAlabama Dept. ofRehabilitation Services P. O. Drawer 698 Dothan, Alabama 36302 334-699-8600

American Cancer Call Center800-227-2345

American Cancer Society2346 W. Main St. Ste. 3 Dothan, Alabama 36301334-794-0600

American Heart & StrokeAssociation 800-254-9920

American Kidney Fund 800-638-8299

American Red Cross-Barbour County 706 Inlet Rd. Eufaula, Alabama 36027 334-687-4940

HEalTH org.Continued

American Red Cross-Coffee County 711 W. Crawford St. Enterprise, Alabama 36330 334-347-2461

American Red Cross-Covington, Crenshaw Counties234 Hillcrest Dr. Andalusia, Alabama 36420 334-428-2681

American Red Cross-Houston, Henry, Dale, Geneva Counties 1004 Montezuma Ave. Dothan, Alabama 36303 334-792-9852

Arthritis Foundation,Alabama Chapter 2700 Hwy. 280 E., Suite 180 Birmingham, Alabama 35223 800-879-7896

Asthma & Allergy Foundationof America 800-727-8462

Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program of AL 877-252-3324

Cancer Information Service800-422-6237

Cancer Survivors Network 877-333-4673

Montgomery AIDS Outreach-Dothan 545 W. Main St., Suite 310 Dothan, Alabama 36301 334-673-0494

National Kidney FoundationSouthern Alabama Chapter P. O. Box 5994 Dothan, Alabama 36302 334-792-4727

HomE carE

Addus Health Care 3236 W. Main St., Suite 3 Dothan, Alabama 36305 334-792-5162 886-585-5126

Barbour County Home Health 25N.MidwaySt.Clayton, Alabama 36016 334-775-9044

Barbour County In-Home Services 10 Court Square Clayton, Alabama 36016 334-775-3203

CareSouth Homecare Professionals 1212EastThreeNotchStreetAndalusia, Alabama 36420334-222-1053 / 866-897-8217

CareSouth Homecare Professionals 205 Graceland Drive, Ste. 3Dothan, Alabama 36305334-793-5758

CareSouth Homecare Professionals 208 S. Main St.Enterprise, Alabama 36330 334-393-9810

CareSouth Homecare Professionals 825 W. Washington St. Eufaula, Alabama 36027 334-687-2271

Coffee County In-HomeServices - PHD2841NealMetcalfRd.Enterprise, Alabama 36330 334-347-9574

Covington County In-HomeServices P. O. Box 213 Lockhart, Alabama 36455 334-858-6744


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HomE carEContinued

Dale, Henry, & Houston County-In-Home Care (PHD)1781 E. Cottonwood Rd. Dothan, Alabama 36301 800-659-2963

Dale Medical Center Home Health Services 126 Hospital Ave. Ozark, Alabama 36360 334-774-0750

Geneva County In Home Services P.O. Box 430 Geneva, Alabama 36340 334-684-5739

Gentiva Health Services 1309 Antioch Rd. Andalusia, Alabama 36420 334-222-2172

H & S Home Services 1856 Hewitt Lane Eufaula, Alabama 36027 334-687-0046

Hearts HomeCare 2541 Calhoun DrAbbeville, AL 36310334-616-7474

Home Instead Senior Care 1026 Fortner St., Suite 3Dothan, AL 36301334-699-6815

Houston County In-Home ServicesP.O. Box 175 Dothan, Alabama 36302 334-793-4225

Infusion Services 2431 W. Main St. Dothan, Alabama 36301 334-794-1126

LHC of South Alabama 512N.MainSt.Opp, Alabama 36467 334-493-2087

MidSouth Home Health Care 512E.ThreeNotchSt.Andalusia, Alabama 36420 334-222-2102

MidSouth Home Health Care 2740 Headland Ave.Dothan, Alabama 36301 334-794-0507

MidSouth Respiratory Services and Home Medical Equipment 2740 Headland Ave.Dothan, Alabama 36301 334-792-3200

MidSouth Home Health Care 1247 Rucker Blvd., Suite 3 Enterprise, Alabama 36330 334-347-0234

MidSouth Home Health Care 335 Macon Ave. Eufaula, Alabama 36027 334-687-7641

MidSouth Home Health Care 105 Whaley St. Opp, Alabama 36467 334-493-4555

Oxford Health Care Services 288 W. Main St., Suite 1 Dothan, Alabama 36301 334-673-7949

SAMC Home Health Services 1000 W. Main St., Suite 460 Dothan, Alabama 36301 334-794-0591

Southern Alabama RegionalCouncil on Aging (SARCOA)1075 South Brannon Stand Rd.Dothan, Alabama 36305334-793-6843 or 1-800-239-3507

Visiting Angels 1909 Montgomery Hwy, Suite 302Dothan, Alabama 36303334-671-1038

Wiregrass Caregivers 2558RossClarkCir.NW,Suite 107Dothan, Alabama 36301 334-793-6225

HosPicEThe hospice concept is based on a care plan that

supports the patient and family caregiver at a time when the patient has a life-limiting illness. Care plans are developed in consultation with the patient’s physician. Hospice offers a comprehensive medical care team consisting of: a physician who serves as hospice medical director; nurses that are specially trained and who make regularly scheduled visits to a patient’s home; social

service workers who provide emotional support and assist the family in understanding Medicare, Medicaid or other insurance benefits; chaplains and other bereavement specialists; and, volunteers who are trained to provide support to patients and their families. Hospice care is based on need rather than the patients’ ability to pay. All hospice organizations are subject to review by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations which ultimately attests to the high level of care provided by the hospice organization.

WWW.SARCOA.ORG 37


Volunteers have traditionally been the backbone of the hospice movement. Specialized training is provided to volunteers primarily to provide support to the patients and their families. Simply being available to visit the patient, assist the caregiver with errands, transportation

or other menial tasks can be so meaningful at a time when the patient is terminally ill. To learn more regarding the hospice program contact the hospice of your choice. See hospice listings below.

Alacare Home Health / Hospice 3763 Ross Clark Cir., Suite 1 Dothan, Alabama 36303 334-673-2126

Comfort Care 1805E.ThreeNotchSt.,Ste3Andalusia, Alabama 36421 334-427-4000

Community Hospiceof Dale Medical Center 126 Hospital Ave. Ozark, Alabama 36360 334-774-1380

Compassionate Hands Hospice 712 W. Maple Ave. Geneva, Alabama 36340 334-684-8828

Countryside Hospice Care, Inc. 955S.ThreeNotchSt.Andalusia, Alabama 36420 334-222-7048

Covenant Hospice, Inc 2855 Ross Clark Cir., Ste 110 Dothan, Alabama 36301 334-794-7847

Covenant Hospice, Inc 208 W. Brunson St. Enterprise, Alabama 36330 334-393-7571

First Choice HospicePO Box 476 / 966 Claxton Ave.Elba, Alabama 36323334-897-0650

Day Spring Hospice 201 W. Lee St. Enterprise, Alabama 36331 334-347-2999

SouthernCare - Dothan 2576 Montgomery Hwy., Ste 2 Dothan, Alabama 36303 334-673-2250

SouthernCare - Enterprise 5N.PointePrky,SuiteD&EEnterprise, Alabama 36330 334-393-0578

Vista Care Hospice 3615 S. Railroad St., Ste 3 Phenix City, Alabama 36867 334-298-8898

Wiregrass Hospice - Dothan 2740 Headland Ave. Dothan, Alabama 36303 334-792-1100

Wiregrass Hospice - Enterprise 557 Glover Ave., Ste 5 Enterprise, Alabama 36330 334-347-3353

Wiregrass Hospice - Eufaula 831 W. Washington St. Eufaula, Alabama 36027 334-616-0061

Wiregrass Hospice - Opp 105 Whaley St. Opp, Alabama 36467 334-493-0725

HosPicE carE

Andalusia Regional Hospital 849S.ThreeNotchSt.Andalusia, Alabama 36420 334-222-8466

Dale Medical Center 126 Hospital Ave. Ozark, Alabama 36360 334-774-2601

Elba General Hospital 987N.DraytonAve.Elba, Alabama 36323 334-897-2257

Florala Memorial Hospital 24273 E. Fifth Ave. Florala, Alabama 36442 334-858-3287

Flowers Hospital 4370 W. Main St. Dothan, Alabama 36305 334-793-5000

Lyster Army Hospital Bldg. 301 Ft. Rucker, Alabama 36362 334-255-7000

HosPiTals

WWW.SARCOA.ORG 39


HosPiTals Continued

Medical Center Barbour 820 W. Washington St. Eufaula, Alabama 36027 334-688-7000

Medical Center Enterprise 400N.EdwardsSt.Enterprise, Alabama 36330 334-347-0584

Mizell Memorial Hospital 702N.MainSt.Opp, Alabama 36467 334-493-3541

Southeast AlabamaMedical Center 1108 Ross Clark Cir. Dothan, Alabama 36301 334-793-8111

UAB Cancer Answer800-822-0933 Birmingham, Alabama 205-975-8222

UAB Health System Birmingham, Alabama 205-934-9999 or 1-800-822-8816

Wiregrass Medical Center 1200 W. Maple Ave. Geneva, Alabama 36340 334-684-3655

kiDnEy Dialysis assisTancE

Depending on the availability of funds, limited emergency transportation assistance and in some cases emergency utilities assistance may be available. Assistance is provided after all other resources have been exhausted. Dialysis patients, persons with kidney problems and transplant recipients must meet certain specific qualifications. If assistance is needed,

contact the social worker at your dialysis treatment center.

kiDnEy DialysisDothan Dialysis Clinic - Davita 216 Graceland Dr. Dothan, Alabama 36305 334-793-4077

Dialysis Clinic, Inc. - Dothan 1546 E. Main St. Dothan, Alabama 36301 334-793-3519

Dialysis Clinic, Inc. - Enterprise 502 Plaza Dr. Enterprise, Alabama 36330 334-347-8233

Dialysis Clinic, Inc. - Eufaula 123-A E. Barbour St. Eufaula, Alabama 36027 334-687-7071

Eufaula Dialysis - Davita 220 S. Orange St. Eufaula, Alabama 36027 334-688-0806

Ozark Dialysis - Davita 214 Hospital Ave. Ozark, Alabama 36360 334-774-2630

Renal Care Group (RCG) 403 W. Bypass Andalusia, Alabama 36420 334-222-0416

mEnTal HEalTH carEAltacare of Dothan 1865 Honeysuckle Rd., Ste B-2 Dothan, Alabama 36305 334-794-4582

Center for Counselingand Human Development 191 Katherine Ave. Ozark, Alabama 36360 334-774-7704

mEnTal HEalTH carEContinued

Charles Parramore Center 202 E. Boundary St. Eufaula, Alabama 36027 334-687-9889

Dept. of Mental Healthand Mental Retardation 19815 Bay Branch Rd. Andalusia, Alabama 36420 334-222-2525

Coffee County Training Center 801 Aviation Blvd. Enterprise, Alabama 36330 334-393-1732

Covington County AdultTraining Center 203 Academy Dr. Andalusia, Alabama 36420 334-222-0932

Henry County Clinic 219 Dothan Rd. Abbeville, Alabama 36310 334-585-5331

Henry County Day Treatment(Day Work) 403 Dothan Rd.Abbeville, Alabama 36310 334-585-6864

Living Waters Counseling, Inc. 525 ½ E. Church St. Headland, Alabama 36345 334-693-3380

Senior Therapeutic Health Unit126 Hospital Ave. Ozark, Alabama 36360 334-774-7352

Mental Retardation Day Activity Center 1242 U.S. Hwy. 431 S. Abbeville, Alabama 36310 334-585-5136

WWW.SARCOA.ORG 41

mEnTal HEalTH carEContinued

Merle Wallace Purvis Center(Day Work) 1682 E. County Rd. 4 Black, Alabama 36314 334-684-2252

South Central AL MentalHealth Center 19815 Bay Branch Rd. Andalusia, Alabama 36420 334-222-2523

South Central AL MentalHealth Center 2861NealMetcalfRd.Enterprise, Alabama 36330 334-347-0212

Spectracare(Mental Health Program)Administrative Offices2694 S. Park Ave. Dothan, Alabama 36302 334-712-2720

Spectracare (Dale County Clinic) 134 Katherine Ave. Ozark, Alabama 36360 334-774-9112

Wiregrass Mental Health-Spectracare (Clinic) 134 Prevatt Rd. Dothan, Alabama 36301 334-794-0731

PrEscriPTion assisTancE

SARCOA’s Dothan SenioRx office serves: Houston, Barbour, Coffee, Dale, and Geneva Counties.

SenioRx Dothan 1075 S Brannon Stand Rd Dothan, Alabama 36305 334-678-0440 or 334-793-6843

SenioRx Abbeville101N.BoswellSt,SteCAbbeville, Alabama 36310334-585-2086

PuBlic HEalTH DEParTmEnTsBarbour County PHD 634 School St. Eufaula, Alabama 36027 334-687-4808

Coffee County PHD 2841NealMetcalfRd.Enterprise, Alabama 36330 334-347-9574

Covington County PHD 23989 Alabama Hwy. 55 Andalusia, Alabama 36420 334-222-1175

PuBlic HEalTH DEParTmEnTsContinued

Dale County PHD 204 Katherine Ave.Ozark, Alabama 36360 334-774-5146

Geneva County PHD 606 S. Academy St. Geneva, Alabama 36340 334-684-2256

Henry County PHD 300 Trawick St. Abbeville, Alabama 36310 334-585-2660

Houston County PHD 1781 E. Cottonwood Rd. Dothan, Alabama 36301 334-678-2800

HEARING AND VISION IMPAIRMENT ASSISTANCE

AL Inst. for Deaf & Blind-Montgomery 2629-B Eastern Blvd. Montgomery, Alabama 36117 334-273-9200

Alabama Institute for Deafand BlindDothan Regional Center 111 Medical Dr. Dothan, Alabama 36303 334-677-6270

Alabama Regional Library(For Blind / Physically Handicapped other than Houston County) 6030 Monticello Dr.Montgomery, Alabama 36130800-392-5671

HEaring anD vision


Alabama Regional Library (For the Blind / Physically Handicapped) Houston-Love Memorial Library 212 West Burdeshaw St.Dothan, Alabama 36303 334-793-9767

Bibles on Tape / Aurora Ministries Bradenton, Florida 941-748-3031

Books By MailEnterprise Public Library 101 E. Grubbs St. Enterprise, Alabama 36330 334-347-2636

Eye Care America 800-222-3937

Hear Now 800-648-4327

Vocational Rehabilitation Services(Blind/Deaf Program) P.O. Drawer 698 Dothan, Alabama 36302 334-699-8600

HEaring anD vision Continued

HEar now… ProviDing THE giFT oF HEaring

Hear Now is a national non-profit programcommitted to assisting deaf and hard-of-hearing persons with limited financial resources who permanently reside within the United States. The work of Hear Now issupported through the contributions of many benefactors and receives no government funding. All donations—money, time, hearing aids—allow the program to survive and give the gift of hearing domestically. To apply call StarKeyat1-800-328-8602andaskfor“HearNow.”

alaBama insTiTuTE For DEaF anD BlinD DoTHan rEgional cEnTEr (aiDB)

AIDB provides comprehensive service programs for seniors who have a hearing or vision loss. Please call 334-677-6270 for an appointment or for more information. Services are free and are as follows.• Adjustment and Personal or Family Counseling for

deaf, blind, hard of hearing and low vision clients and their families.

• Loanertelecommunicationequipmentforqualifyingelderly and disabled (ATAP).

• Screening and testing provided, on referral, todetermine eligibility and needed services.

• Casemanagementprogram.• Technology room for trying out devices before

purchasing them (amplified phones, magnifiers, special television sets, etc.)

• SmokeDetectorprogram–visualsmokedetectorsforqualified clients who are hearing impaired.

• STARprogram–Device demonstrations and ShortTerm Loans of assistive technology.

• DailyLivingSkillstraining.• Manyotherspecialprogramsforseniorswithhearing

or vision loss.

alaBama rEgional liBrary For THE BlinD & PHysically HanDicaPPED

This organization provides books on tape, tape players, and other accessories (amplifiers, headphones, pillow talker, etc.) for the blind or physically handicapped. Postage is free, both coming and going. A physician’s signature is required. Amplifiers require an additional note from the physician.

For Barbour, Dale, Coffee, Covington, Geneva &Henry County residents should call 800-392-5671 to make application to the Alabama Regional Library, 6030 Monticello Dr., Montgomery, AL 36130-6000.

For Houston County, residents should request an application from the Houston-Love Memorial Library, 212 W. Burdeshaw Street, Dothan, AL 36303, 334-793-9767. The library offers an excellent opportunity for the blind and physically handicapped patrons of Dothan and surrounding areas. The library has an extensive selection of reading material via cassette recordings and brochures for various activities; Braille is also available if requested. Cassette recordings are provided along with cassette players if the patron qualifies for the service. Items can be received by mail or one may come in and choose their material.

FrEE BiBlEs on TaPE

Aurora Ministries (non-profit, nondenominational agency) provides audio Bibles free to those who are visually impaired or have physical disabilities which

WWW.SARCOA.ORG 43


impede reading. This service is provided to qualified individuals, organizations, agencies, libraries and health care professionals who work with visually impaired and print handicapped individuals who cannot hold a book due to stroke or other disabilities.

The complete Bible in English is available in MP3 format. It will play on most computers, DVD and MP3 players, and on most MP3 compatible CD players. The NewTestamentisavailableonaudiocassettesinnearly70 languages. The Old Testament or portions of it are available in several languages. For those who qualify, the International Children’s Bible is available in a translation designed especially for children.Eligibility Criteria:

1. Vision in better eye is 20/200 or less with corrective glasses, or widest diameter of visual field is no greater than 20 degrees.

2. Cannot see well enough or focus long enough to read standard print with glasses.

3. Reading disability resulting from organic dysfunction.4. A statement from a doctor, nurse, nursing home social

worker, rehabilitation worker, rehabilitation teacher, or librarian that states the applicant cannot read normal print.For additional information or to request an

application contact: Aurora Ministries / P. O. Box 621/ Bradenton, FL 34206 / Telephone 941-748-3031 / Fax—941-748-2625.

sEniors EyEcarE Program

The Seniors EyeCare Program ensures that every senior has access to medical eye care and promotes annual, dilated eye exams. It raises awareness about age-

related eye disease, including cataracts, provides free eye care educational materials and facilitates access to eye care —with no out-of-pocket cost.

By age 65, one in three Americans has some form of vision impairing eye disease. Most do not know it because there are often no warning signs and they assume poor sight is a natural part of growing older. By detecting and treating eye disease early through annual, dilated eye exams, seniors can preserve their sight.

Seniors EyeCare Program serves people who are: US citizens or legal residents, are age 65 or older, have not seen an ophthalmologist in three or more years, and are not participants of an HMO or the VA.

People eligible for a referral through the program receive a comprehensive, medical eye exam and up to one year of treatment—at no out-of-pocket cost—for any disease diagnosed during the initial exam. Volunteer ophthalmologists accept Medicare and other insurance reimbursements as payment in full; patients without insurance receive care at no charge.

For help, call the toll-free helpline at 800-222-EYES anytime. Call one of EyeCare America’s 7,500+ volunteer ophthalmologists nationwide to request free eye care educational materials and to determine if you qualify. EyeCare America offers multiple eye care programs for which individuals may qualify. Callers will automatically be screened to determine the program that provides the most appropriate eye care services. Callers who have not had an eye exam in the past 12 months and are at increased risk for glaucoma may be eligible for a glaucoma eye exam through the Glaucoma EyeCare Program. Eyeglasses, prescription drugs, hospital services, and the fees of other medical professionals are excluded.

HOUSING

Clayton Housing Authority 2 Holly St. Clayton, Alabama 36016 334-775-8881

Eufaula Housing Authority 737 S. Orange Ave. Eufaula, Alabama 36072 334-687-2451

Elba Housing Authority 1130 Deal St. Elba, Alabama 36323 334-897-2737

Housing auTHoriTiEs anD PuBlic Housing

WWW.SARCOA.ORG 45

Housing auTHoriTiEs anD PuBlic Housing Continued

Enterprise Housing Authority 300 Mildred St.NellCourtOfficeEnterprise, Alabama 36330 334-347-2538

New Brockton Housing Authority 329 King St. NewBrockton,Alabama36351334-894-5505

Andalusia Housing Authority 145 Murphree Dr. Andalusia, Alabama 36420 334-222-5871

Florala Housing Authority W. Fifth Ave. Florala, Alabama 36442 334-858-6421

Opp Housing Authority Barnes St. Opp, Alabama 36467 334-493-9741

Daleville Housing Authority 101 Donnell Cir. Daleville, Alabama 36322 334-598-8841

Midland City Housing Authority 111 Parker Dr. Midland City, Alabama 36350 334-983-3581

Ozark Housing Authority 241 Ed Lisenby Dr. Ozark, Alabama 36361 334-774-8210

Hartford Housing Authority 207NewtonSt.Hartford, Alabama 36344 334-588-3303

Samson Housing Authority 10BN.WiseSt.Samson, Alabama 36477 334-898-7152

Slocomb Housing Authority W. Bateman St. Slocomb, Alabama 36375 334-886-3473

Abbeville Housing Authority 1 Ash Dr. Abbeville, Alabama 36310 334-585-2165

Headland Housing Authority 225 Boynton St. Headland, Alabama 36345 334-693-2525

Ashford / ColumbiaHousing Authority 100 Bruner St. Ashford, Alabama 36312 334-899-5463

Cottonwood Housing Authority 29 Willow Lane Cottonwood, Alabama 36320 334-691-2451

Dothan Housing Authority 602 S. Lena St. Dothan, Alabama 36301 334-794-6713

low-incomE anD sEnior HousingBaptist Village 4426 W. Main St.Dothan, Alabama 36305334-793-3930

Vaughn Towers 342 S. St. Andrews St. Dothan, Alabama 36301 334-793-7660

PuBlic HousingPublic housing was established to provide decent

and safe rental housing for eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Public housing comes in all sizes and types, from scattered single family houses to high-rise apartments for elderly families. There are approximately 1.3 million households living in public housing units, managed by some 3,300 Housing Authorities. The U.S. Department of Housing and

Urban Development (HUD) administers Federal aid to local housing authorities that manage the housing for low-income residents at rents they can afford. HUD furnishes technical and professional assistance in planning, developing and managing these developments.

Public housing is limited to low-income families and individuals. The local Housing Authority (HA) determines eligibility based on: (1) annual gross income; (2) whether you qualify as elderly, a person with a


disability, or as a family; and (3) U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status. If you are eligible, the HA will check your references to make sure you and your family will be good tenants. HAs will deny admission to any applicant whose habits and practices may be expected to have a detrimental effect on other tenants or on the project’s environment.

Housing Authorities use income limits developed by HUD.HUDsets the lower income limitsat80%andvery low income limits at 50%of themedian incomefor the county or metropolitan area in which you choose to live. Income limits vary from area to area so you may be eligible at one Housing Authority but not at another. The Housing Authority serving your community can provide you with the income levels for your area and family size. Contact your local Housing Authority for more information and for information on applying.

sEcTion 8 Housing ~ hOuSinG ChOiCe VOuCheR PROGRAM

The Section 8 program provides assistance for low income families in the private rental market through the Housing Assistance Payments Program. Rental Voucher Holders select a unit from the private rental market. Rental assistance makes market rate housing affordable. Programparticipantsnormallypaynomorethan30%oftheir monthly adjusted income towards rent and utilities. The Housing Assistance Payment subsidizes the balance of the rent to the property owner. The housing unit must meet HUD Housing Quality Standards and the rent must be approvable within HUD Fair Market Rents and market rate comparable.

Eligibility for a rental voucher is determined by the local Housing Authority (HA) based on the total annual gross income and family size and is limited to U.S. citizens and specified categories of non-citizens who have eligible immigration status. Generally, the family’s incomemaynotexceed50%ofthemedianincomeforthe county or metropolitan area in which the family lives. Median income levels are published by HUD and vary by location. The HA serving your community can provide you with the income limits for your area and family size. During the application process, the Housing Authority will collect information on family income, assets and family composition. The Housing Authority will verify this information with other local agencies, your employer and bank, and will use the information to determine

program eligibility and the amount of the rental assistance payment. If the Housing Authority determines that your family is eligible, the Housing Authority will put your name on a waiting list, unless it is able to assist you immediately. Once your name is reached on the waiting list, the Housing Authority will contact you and issue a rental voucher. Contact your local Housing Authority for more information or to apply when applications are being accepted.

ProPErTy TaxEs anD HomEsTEaD ExEmPTion

A Homestead Exemption is a tax reduction a property owner may be entitled to if he or she owns a single family residence and occupies it as their primary residence on the first day of the tax year for which they are applying. There are four types of homestead exemptions:

1. Regular Homestead Exemption or Homestead 1 is available to all citizens of Alabama who own and occupy a single-family residence, if the property is used for no other purpose. The amount of the exemption is $4,000.00oftheassessedvalueforthestatetaxesand$2,000.00oftheassessedvalueforthecountytaxes.

2. Homestead Exemption 2 is for persons age 65 or older whose adjusted gross income on the state income tax returnislessthan$12,000annually.Thisexemptionis for all state and county taxes up to $5,000.00 inassessed value. Those who are permanently and totally disabled or blind, regardless of income are entitled to this exemption.

3. Homestead Exemption 3 is for all persons age 65 or older, or who are totally disabled. This exemption is for all property taxes if their annual taxable income on theFederalTaxReturnis$7,500.00orless.

4. Homestead Exemption 4 is for all persons age 65 or older, regardless of income. This exemption is for the total assessed value of the state taxes and up to $2,000.00oftheassessedvalueofthecountytaxes.Exemptions should be applied for between October

1 and December 31 based upon the status of the property asofOctober1.Forhomesteadexemptions2&3,anapplication for special homestead exemption is mailed October 1 to previously qualified homeowners allowing them to renew their special homestead exemption each year. Contact your local county administrative office to inquire about homestead exemption and your status.

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usDa rural DEvEloPmEnTUSDA Rural Development is a federal agency

whose mission is to help rural Americans improve the quality of their lives. Some of the programs available through USDA Rural Development help finance new or improved housing for moderate-, low- and very low-income individuals/families. General descriptions of these USDA Rural Development programs are provided below.

HomE rEPairs

USDA Rural Development offers a home repair loan andgrantprogram(called504Loan&GrantProgram)to very low income households who are owner/applicants. This program does not apply to home rental properties.• Maximumloanamountis$20,000at1%interestfor

up to 20 years.• Maximumgrantamount is$7,500—life time limit.

Applicants must be 62 years of age or older.• Loansmaybeusedforremodeling.Grantsmayonly

be used to remove health or safety hazards.

loans can BE usED For THE Following PurPosEs:

• Dwellingimprovements• Dwellingmodernization• Removalofsafetyhazards• Removalofhealthhazards

loans cannoT BE usED For THE Following:

• Loanscannotbeusedtoassistinnewconstruction.• Loanscannotbeusedtorepairdwellingsinsuchpoor

condition that they would continue to have a major hazard after repairs are made.

• Loans cannot be used to move a home or relocatemobile/manufactured homes.

• Loanscannotbeusedtopayforoff-siteimprovements.• Loanscannotbeusedtorefinancedebts.

limiTaTions anD rEquirEmEnTs For loans:

• ThebalanceofallSection504loanstoanapplicantcanneverexceed$20,000.

• Theinterestrateontheoutstandingprincipalis1%.

• Loantermsarebasedonapplicant’srepaymentability,never to exceed 20 years.

• Loansof less than$7,500maybeon a “note only”basis (no mortgage).

• Loans of $7,500 or more must be secured by amortgage (with title insurance) with all outstanding debt on the property not exceeding the property value.

• Caseswherethetotaloutstandingindebtednessonthepropertyexceeds$15,000requireescrowfortaxesandinsurance (either by USDA or a prior debtor).

To qualiFy For THE loan Program:

• ApplicantmustbeaU.S.CitizenoraResidentNon-Citizen admitted for permanent residence.

• Applicant’shouseholdmustbeverylowincome.• Applicantmusthaveevidenceofownership.• Property must be in a rural area or town with a

population of 20,000 or less.• Applicantmustpossesslegalcapacitytoincurtheloan

obligation.• Applicantmusthaveanacceptablecredithistory.• Applicantmusthavesufficientandreliableincometo

repay loan amount requested.• Loan applicantmust own and occupy the property

being improved and property must be a single family dwelling in a rural area and in need of repair.

• Applicantmustbeunabletoobtainfinancialassistancefrom other non-Rural Development or grant sources and lack personal resources that could be utilized to meet the applicant’s needs.

• Applicantmusthaveanincomeunderthe“verylow”income limits defined by USDA Rural Development.

• Applicant must have repayment ability for theproposed loan.

• Loan applicants age 62 or over may be eligible for grant assistance (see below).

granT limiTaTions arE:

• Thegrantmaynot be used for cosmetic or convenience purposes such as painting, paneling, carpeting, improving closets, improving kitchen cabinets, changing lighting or adding a room other than a bathroom.


• Theloanandgrantmay be used to make a home or bathroom handicapped accessible.

• The loan or grant may be used to install a septic system, install a well, or connect the home to public water.

HomEownErsHiP/rEHaBiliTaTion Program

• USDA Rural Development provides loans forhomeownership and/or home rehabilitation (called 502 Direct Loan Program).

• Property financed must be located in eligible ruralareas or towns with a population of 20,000 or less.

• Applicant’shouseholdincomemustbewithineitherthe very low- or low-income limits as defined by USDA Rural Development. Please contact a USDA Rural Development office for income limits.

• Applicant may qualify for subsidy to reduce thepayments to a level as low as 1% interest. Subsidyis reviewed periodically and adjusted according to borrower’s income. Portions of the subsidy are subject to recapture if borrower sells the property or ceases to occupy the home.

• HomesfinancedthroughUSDARuralDevelopment’sDirect 502 Program must meet USDA Rural Development program standards, be inspected by a state registered inspector, meet USDA Rural Development’s thermal standards, termite and pest control standards and have adequate plumbing, heating and cooling, electrical, water and water waste disposal systems.

aParTmEnTs For rEnT

An alternative to homeownership is apartment living. USDA Rural Development provides financing for approximately 500 apartment complexes throughout Alabama--giving rural citizens access to more than 16,000 apartment units. Apartments are available for rent to low-income individuals, families, seniors, and those with disabilities. Rental assistance may be available to eligible tenants.

For information on the location of USDA Rural Development financed apartments in Alabama, contact one of the offices listed below or a complete listing is available at www.rurdev.usda.gov/al.

usDa rural DEvEloPmEnT oFFicEs sErving souTHEasT alaBama

Barbour, Henry and Houston CountiesUSDA Rural Development1849 Ross Clark Cir., Suite 1Dothan, Alabama 36301334-793-2310, Ext. 4Email: [email protected]

Dale, Coffee, and Geneva CountiesUSDA Rural Development 202 S. Hwy 123, Suite H Ozark, Alabama 36360334-774-4926, Ext. 4Email: [email protected]

Covington CountyUSDA Rural Development23952 Alabama Hwy. 55, Suite 3Andalusia, Alabama 36420334-222-3519, Ext. 4Email: [email protected]

wEaTHEriZaTion assisTancE Program For your HomE

The Weatherization Assistance Program (Weatherization) is a federally-funded program administered by the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA). ADECA contracts with local Community Action Agencies (OCAP) to deliver free weatherization services to low-income households throughout the state. The program’s mission is to reduce energy costs for low-income households by increasing the energy efficiency of their homes, while ensuring their health and safety.

The Weatherization Program provided energy-efficiency services to more than 1,000 homes in 2007. Weatherization focuses on the elderly, people with disabilities, families with children, and households which have high energy bills. To qualify for the program, an applicant must be at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty guidelines. The applicant should contact the local agency which services the county they live in to apply for the program. Once approved, an energy auditor

WWW.SARCOA.ORG 49

visits the home to determine which energy-reducing measures will be most effective with the limited amount of funds available. An agency may spend an average of $2,966inlaborandmaterialsperhome.Weatherizationtypically includes installing attic and wall insulation, repairing leaky or broken windows and doors, sealing air leaks into the home, testing home appliances for energy usage, heating and cooling system tune-ups and repairs and replacing incandescent light bulbs with highly-efficient compact fluorescent light bulbs. A skilled contractor or agency will perform the work on the home

and a final inspection of the work will be performed to make sure every measure is installed according to state and federal guidelines. During the process, agency staff will educate the household with energy saving tips and ideas. Literature is distributed on the dangers of lead paint,moldandcarbonmonoxide.Nohomeisleftwithpotential health and safety dangers for the family. To find which agency services your county or to inquire if you are eligible, contact the Community Action Association of Alabama toll-free at 1-888-342-9291. (Excerpts from ALABAMACURRENTSNovember/December2008.)

INFORMATION, REFERRAL AND ASSISTANCE

Alfred Saliba Family ServicesCenter 301 W. Lafayette St. Dothan, Alabama 36301 334-712-1542

Medical Call Center Southeast Alabama Medical Center Dothan, Alabama 36301 800-735-4998

Southern Alabama RegionalCouncil on Aging (SARCOA)1075 S. Brannon Stand RoadDothan, Alabama 36305 334-793-6843 / 800-239-3507

Eldercare Locator 800-677-1116

The Clearing House Western Heights Community Center Eufaula, Alabama 36027 334-687-2896

Wiregrass United Way-Houston County 304N.FosterSt.Dothan, Alabama 36303 334-792-9661

HElPFul inFormaTion availaBlE Alabama Crime Victims

Compensation Commission P. O. Box 231267Montgomery, Alabama 36123800-541-9388

Alabama Department ofSenior Services P. O. Box 301851 Montgomery, Alabama 36130 877-425-2243

Alabama Public ServiceCommission P. O. Box 304260 Montgomery, Alabama 36130800-392-8050

Better Business Bureau 800-824-5274

Dothan Chamber of Commerce 102 Jamestown Blvd. Dothan, Alabama 36301 334-792-5138

PuBlic sErvicE inFormaTion

Federal EmployeesRetirement SystemFor General Inquiries202-606-1800TTY: 202-606-2582See article at website: http://www.cpol.army.mil/library/benefits/docs/fersinfo.pdf

Retirement Systems of Alabama135 South Union StreetMontgomery, Alabama 36104Mailing Address:P. O. Box 302150Montgomery, Alabama 36130-2150334-832-4140 or 800-214-2158Fax: 334-240-3032 or 334-240-3230

U.S. Railroad Retirement Board844NorthRushSt.Chicago, Illinois 60611-2092312-751-7139TTY: (312) 751-4701http://www.rrb.gov

rETirEmEnT BoarDs


Railroad Retirement Board (Regional Office)For: Barbour CountyAtlanta Georgia District Office401 W. Peachtree St., Ste. 1702Atlanta, Georgia 30308-3517404-331-2841

Railroad Retirement Board (Regional Office)For: Coffee & Covington CountiesMedical Forum Building95022ndSt.North,Suite426Birmingham, Alabama 35203-1134205- 731-0019Fax 205-731-0026

Railroad Retirement Board (Regional Office)For: Dale, Henry, Houston and Geneva Counties550 Water Street, Suite 330Jacksonville, Florida 32202-5122904-232-2546Fax: (904) 232-2874

rETirEmEnT BoarDs Continued

LONG TERM CARETHE long-TErm carE omBuDsman Program

Ombudsman is a Swedish term for a person who acts as an impartial third party in mediating problems. In short, an Ombudsman is a go between.

The Long-Term Care Ombudsman is available to assist residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities with their complaints. The Ombudsman thoroughly investigates and attempts to resolve complaints received. All complaints are kept confidential and information is disclosed only under the direction of the person being assisted. The Ombudsman is trained and certified by the Alabama Department of Senior Services according to standards set out in the Alabama Long-Term Residential Health Care Recipient Ombudsman Act.

The Ombudsman works with interested citizens, providers of long-term care, and other professional groups to promote the well-being and quality of life for residents of long-term care facilities. This program is a part of Alabama’s continuing effort to improve conditions for and services to the elderly.

an omBuDsman can assisT rEsiDEnTs By:• Providinginformationaboutlong-termcareoptions• Providingeducationaboutresidentrights• Investigatingcomplaintsconcerningresidents• Makingsuggestionstofamilymembersandlong-term

care facilities about ways to improve quality of life for residents

• Makingreferralstootheragenciesandorganizationswhose services may be of benefit to residents

an omBuDsman works wiTH FaciliTiEs By:• Performingin-servicetrainingtoeducatefacilitystaff

on topics related to the care of residents• Assistingthefacilitystaffinexplainingtoresidentsand

family members their responsibilities to the facility and to the other residents

omBuDsman sErvicEs arE availaBlE To:• Residents in long-term care facilities who have

questions or problems about care, resident rights, Medicaid or Medicare payments or benefits and entitlements

• Relativesorfriendsofaresidentina long-termcarefacility who have questions or wish to discuss problems

• Long-term care facilities who need assistance witha resident, their care or benefits or with a problem associated with a resident’s continued stay at the facility

conTacT inFormaTion:Southern Alabama Regional Council on AgingLocal Long-Term Care Ombudsman1075 S. Brannon Stand Rd.Dothan, AL 36305(334) 793-6843 / (800) 239-3507

State of Alabama OmbudsmanAlabama Department of Senior Services100NorthUnionStreet,RSAUnionBldg,Ste.770Montgomery, Alabama 36130-1851(877) 425-2243

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THE conTinuum oF carEFor some, there may come a time when they need

adaptation in their living environment or hands-on care to make living independently easier or even possible. Later they may need more care and at some point may no longer be able to safely live independently. In “Aging” we call this the “Continuum of Care,” which usually follows the least restrictive environment to the most restrictive. Following is information on the common progression along life’s continuum of care.

inDEPEnDEnT living – Remaining in the community in your own residence or that of a loved one. • Independent Living Communities, often referred

to as Retirement Communities, are designed for independent senior adults who want to enjoy a lifestyle filled with recreational, educational and social activities with other seniors. These communities are designed for seniors who are able to live on their own, but desire the security and conveniences of community living.

• Community Services enhance life socially, help with security and sometimes provide answers to increasing needs. Emergency Response Call Buttons notify family, neighbors or emergency services in the event of a fall, a medical emergency, a fire, or an intruder. Adult Day Health Care provides relief to a caregiver and supervision for the senior. Senior Centers provide activities, nutrition and socialization. Home delivered meals provide nutrition and someone to check on a homebound senior.

• Home Health is paid for by Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance or private individual. It provides skilled nursing services and custodial personal care such as bathing and grooming. Also available are physical, speech and occupational therapies. A doctor’s order is required for these services.

• Hospice Care is “comfort care” provided to individuals who have an illness or condition which is thought will bring about the end of life. Medicare and Medicaid assist with payment for hospice which includes nurse and personal care visits and a variety of other services.

• Respite Care provides temporary relief for caregivers from their day-to-day caregiving responsibilities. This allows time to recoup emotionally and physically,

to tend to family or work obligations, or to take a much needed break without worrying about the care of their loved one.

• The Frail Elderly and Disabled Medicaid Waiver Program provides services for elderly and disabled low-income people who, with no help, might have to be cared for in a nursing home. To qualify, one must have an income of $2,022 or less (in 2009-this amount changes each January), must have low resources, and meet certain standards of medical need established by Medicaid. The services, paid for by Medicaid, are: Homemaker Services, Personal Care, Respite Care, Case Management, Adult Day Health Care, Companion Services and Home Delivered Breakfast or Frozen Meals.

assisTED living FaciliTiEs - provide residential housing, personalized supportive services and healthcare. Residential settings maximize independence, but do not provide skilled nursing care. Assisted Living offers many independent and group activities as well as assistance with personal care. It is designed to meet the individual needs of those requiring help with activities of daily living, but who do not need the skilled medical care provided in a nursing home.

sPEcialTy carE assisTED living FaciliTiEs -meet the regulations for Assisted Living facilities, but are specially licensed and staffed for the care of residents with cognitive impairment, which would ordinarily make the individual ineligible for admission or for continued stay in an Assisted Living facility. AlthoughmanyAssistedLivingFacilitiesandNursingHomes cater to individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and other related memory disorders or dementia, there is a growing trend towards facilities that provide specialized care and housing tailored to the special needs of those individuals with Alzheimer’s. These facilities offer care that fosters residents’ individual skills and interests in an environment that helps to diminish confusion and agitation.

nursing HomEs – nursing facilities provide twenty-four hour per day skilled nursing care to those who are chronically ill or injured, have health care needs as well as personal needs and are unable to function independently.NursingHomesprovide ahigher levelof care and services and incur a high level of oversight by the government.


mEDicarE qualiTy assurancE ALABAMA QuALiTy ASSuRAnCe fOunDATiOn (AQAf)

AQAF is a non-profit company that contracts with theCentersforMedicare&MedicaidServices(CMS)to serve as Alabama’s Medicare Quality Improvement Organization (QIO). As Alabama’s QIO, AQAF works in partnership with the state’s physicians, hospitals, nursing homes and home health agencies to improve the quality of health care for Alabama’s more than 750,000 Medicare beneficiaries.

AQAF collaborates with those health care providers to examine their practices and improve their systems of providing care. AQAF provides free education based on proven best practices to help ensure that care is safe, effective, timely, patient-centered, efficient and equitable.

AQAF protects the right of each Alabama Medicare beneficiary to receive quality health care that meets medically acceptable standards, is medically necessary, and is delivered in the most appropriate setting.

Every Medicare beneficiary in Alabama has the right to file a complaint about the quality of medical care that he or she receives. The AQAF Medicare Helpline is 1-800-760-3540 or 1-205-977-4205. It is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. As a contractor with the CMS, AQAF follows federal regulations and guidelines. It obtains the beneficiary’s medical records, determines whether services met medically acceptable standards, were medically necessary, and were delivered in the most appropriate setting. When a quality problem is identified, AQAF provides education and feedback to the health care providers to improve the quality of services they provide.

AQAF is also responsible for hospital appeals. If an Alabama Medicare beneficiary feels that he or she is being asked to leave the hospital too soon (or if he or she was not admitted and feels that they should have been), they can call AQAF’s Medicare Helpline to request an appeal.

Medicare beneficiaries can also request a Fast Track Appeal review from AQAF when their services are being stopped by skilled nursing facilities, home health agencies, or comprehensive outpatient rehabilitation facilities. For more information visit: www.aqaf.com.

long TErm carE rEsiDEnT comPlainTs

If you have a loved one who lives in an Assisted Living FacilityorNursingHomeandyouhaveconcernsabouttheir care or treatment you may file a complaint with the following organizations. 1. SARCOA’s (the Area Agency on Aging) Long-Term

Care Ombudsman may be reached at (334) 793-6843 or 1-800-239-3507. The Ombudsman will thoroughly investigate, mediate and attempt to resolve all complaints received. Ombudsman complaints are kept confidential. To contact an Ombudsman outside of the seven Wiregrass counties, you may call 1-800-AGELINE. The State Ombudsman may be contacted at 1-877-425-2243.

2. Alabama Department of Public Health, Health Care Division may be reached at 1-800-356-9596. Contact if you believe a resident is being abused or neglected at a facility by a member of the facility staff.

3. Department of Human Resources (DHR) may be contacted in the county that the resident lives (see directory for phone numbers). Report concerns to DHR if the person responsible for the abuse or neglect is a family member or person aside from facility staff.

rEsiDEnTs’ rigHTs anD rEsPonsiBiliTiEs

A resident in a long-term care facility has rights guaranteed under federal and state law. The care facility must protect and promote the rights of its residents. Knowing one’s rights can be very important. If you are a resident in a long-term care facility, these are some of your rights.

rigHT To DigniTy anD rEsPEcTThe facility must treat you with dignity and respect. You have the right to:• Betreatedasanindividual• Liveinsurroundingsthataresafe,cleanandcomfortable• Keepanduseyourownthingsasmuchaspossible• Beprotectedfromanykindofabuse,harshtreatment

or neglect• Befreefromrestraints(physicalorchemical)imposed

for discipline or convenience, and not required to

WWW.SARCOA.ORG 53


treat your medical symptoms• Sharearoomwithyourspouse,ifyoubothagree

rigHT To knowYou have the right to know about the things that affect

you. This includes the following:• Theitemsandservicesthefacilityprovides,thecost,

and if it is included in the base rate• Whichitemsandservicesareandarenotcoveredby

Medicare and Medicaid• Whoownsandoperatesthefacilityandthenameof

the administrator• Thename and specialty of your doctor andhow to

contact him/her• Yourtotalhealthstatus,planofcareandanychanges

that occur• Howthefacilitymanagesresidentfundsandsafeguards

resident property• Your right tomake your ownhealth care decisions,

including making an advance directive• Howtomakeacomplaint• Beinginformedofyourrightsandresponsibilitiesand

any changes in them• Toexaminethefacility’slatestsurveyinspectionresults• Toreviewyourrecordswithin24hoursofarequest

and to purchase a copy at a reasonable price within two days

• To be consulted immediately (and have yourphysician and representative notified) if:•Youareinjuredduetoanaccident•Yourconditionchangessignificantly•Yourtreatmentneedstobechangedsignificantly•Thereisatransfer,discharge,orchangeofroomor

roommate

rigHT To cHoosEYou have the right to make your own choices, free from pressure or fear that something bad will happen if you exercise your right to choose. You have the right to:• Choose your doctor and treatment, and be part of

decisions and care planning• Beinchargeoftakingyourownmedications–ifthe

team caring for you believes this is safe

• Chooseyourowngroupsandactivities• Performworkatthefacilityonlyifyouwantto• Exerciseyourrights,suchastherighttovote

rigHT To PrivacyYou have the right to privacy and to have your personal and medical records kept confidential. You have the right to privacy:• In sending and receiving mail (delivered promptly

and unopened)• During phone calls, visits, and resident and family

meetings• Whileyoureceivecare(The facility is not required to provide a private room for each resident.)

rigHT To sTaTE a griEvancEYou have the right to make known any concern

or complaint you might have and to have the facility respond promptly. You have the right to do this without fear that anything bad will happen to you because you complained.

You may also file a complaint with the state agency that inspects and certifies facilities concerning resident abuse, neglect, the taking of resident property, or failure to comply with advance directive requirements.

rigHT To BE wiTH oTHErsYou have the right to:• Visitwithpersonsfromoutsidethefacility,including

family and friends, your doctor, and representatives of state agencies or the Ombudsman’s office

• Havereasonableaccesstoaphonewhereyouwon’tbeoverheard

• Beintouchwithgroupsoragenciesthatadvocateforresidents

rEsPonsiBiliTiEsAlong with rights, residents also have the responsibility to:• Respecttherights/propertyofothersby:

• Treating other residents and their guests withcourtesy

•Complyingwithfacilitysmokingpolicy

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•Usingyourtelevision,radio, telephone,etc. inaway that does not annoy other residents or their guests

•Respectingtheprivacyofothers

Paying For long TErm carE by Clayton Davis, Attorney at Law

Because long-term care can be very expensive, finding accurate information about all possible sources of help is essential.

The first step should be to gather all the information about all assets, sources of income, and health insurance coverage for both you and your spouse. Locate the VA service number if you or your spouse ever served in the military. Reviewing your latest income tax return will help prevent overlooking any assets or incomes.

mEDicarE covEragEMany people are surprised that Medicare has such

limited coverage for nursing home cost. At most, Medicare covers one hundred days in the nursing home. You must have been admitted to the nursing home within thirty days of discharge from a Medicare covered inpatient hospital stay of at least three days. Furthermore, you must receive skilled nursing or other medical professional care. Medicare will not cover expenses if you require only custodial services regardless of your condition. Continued eligibility is dependent on your continued rehabilitation progress. Medicare rules are extremely complicated, but nursing home staff can usually explain how they relate to your situation.

Medicare Part A pays all the cost, including prescriptions, for the first twenty days of covered skilled care. If you continue to receive skilled care during the next eighty days, Medicare will continue to pay, but a $134perdayco-paymentisrequiredfromyouoryourother coverage.

co-PaymEnT covEragEAll your Medicare co-payments will be covered if

you have Medicaid, QMB, TRICARE for Life, or a Medicare supplement standard plan C through L. Civil service retirees usually have coverage for at least ten days of co-payments.

skillED carE BEyonD 100 DaysIf you need skilled care beyond 100 days and have

TRICARE for Life, it will pay 75% of your nursinghome cost for so long as you receive skilled care. You or your spouse may have a union or company plan that provides some coverage, but this is rare.

wHaT iF i nEED only assisTED living or HomE carE?

Noneofthesourceslistedabovewillcoverthecostofassisted living or home care. Services of nurses provided by a hospice or home health company are covered by Medicare. Twenty-four-hour home care or assisted living is not covered.

long-TErm carE insurancELong-term care insurance may provide peace of mind

that you will be cared for when you can no longer care for yourself. You should speak to several insurance companies to learn more about available options. Policies may cover one or a combination of nursing home, assisted living, or home care. You must choose the length of coverage, which may be unlimited or limited to a number of years or a cap on the amount of money expended by the insurance company. Another option increases annually the amount paid per day or per month. Before purchasing a long-term care policy, you should ask what you must do to receive payments and how long it takes. When purchasing a policy you should consider all these issues as well as your ability to pay. Your goal should be to acquire a policy that will pay at least the difference between your income and the cost of your long-term care. If you have further questions contact Clayton Davis at 334-671-3990.

wHaT iF i HavE long-TErm carE insurancE?If you will soon need assisted living, nursing home,

or paid home care, you or a family member should read your policy carefully to determine the coverage provided. If you have an older policy, be certain it does not require an inpatient hospital stay before it begins to cover your long-termcare.Notifyyourinsurancecompanyassoonas possible when you need care.

va BEnEFiTsVeterans and their widows or widowers who have

significant expenses for assisted living, nursing home, or home care are usually eligible for VA benefits if the veteran served during an official “war time” period. To qualify

WWW.SARCOA.ORG 57

for VA “Aid and Attendance,” total assets excluding the homemustbe less than$80,000.“AidandAttendance”is generally not available to spouses of living veterans in need of long-term care. The VA determines the benefit by first subtracting all medical and long-term care expenses from the total income of the veteran and his or her spouse. This amount will then be subtracted from the current (2009) maximum monthly benefit rates for a single veteran($1,644),marriedveteran($1,949)oraveteran’swidoworwidower($1,056).Benefitswillbehigheriftheveteran has more than one dependent. If you qualify for nursing home Medicaid and are not married and have no dependents,thebenefitcheckwillbereducedto$90permonth. If you believe you may be eligible for VA benefits, contact the local office of the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs.

mEDicaiDIf your retirement income plus any VA benefits, health

insurance, and long-term care insurance falls short of paying for your nursing home and other expenses, you should determine whether you qualify for Medicaid.

In Alabama, an unmarried person is allowed one vehicle,ageneralexclusionof$2,000,aburialexclusionof$5,000,andprepaidspaceitemssuchascasket,vault,plot, and the opening and closing of the grave. Your home may be excluded if a sibling is a joint owner and lives in your home, your child lives in your home who is under age 19, is disabled, or has provided care for you for the past two years that prevented you from being admitted to a nursing home. If you can exclude your home under one of these circumstances, you may transfer ownership of your home to that child or sibling without a Medicaid penalty or waiting period. This should be done prior to applying for Medicaid and giving a property lien to Medicaid.

If you are married or separated, you receive all the exclusions listed above. In addition, your spouse receives another $5,000 burial exclusion and the space itemsexclusion. Some assets may also be kept by your spouse. If your spouse resides in the home, the home and adjoining property (without limitation) are excluded. Further exclusion of assets vary based on what is owned when you are admitted to a nursing home or the date of an earlier hospital admission. Your spouse’s additional exclusion is one-half your combined, non-excluded assets, but never less than $25,000 normore than $104,400.Thismaximum amount increases in January 2009 and each January thereafter.

Notethat,regardlessofyourmaritalstatus,alifeestatein real estate is given no value. If you have the additional right to cut timber or take minerals, however, the value must be counted. IRA’s and the cash surrender value of life insurance also count.

You should be aware of several myths about Medicaid. It is not true that only assets in your spouse’s name do not count. Prenuptial agreements have no affect on exclusions. Itisalsonottruethatacouplemustspenddownto$2,000before one of them can become eligible for Medicaid.

Medicaid imposes a waiting period when assets have been transferred, sold for less than full value, or you cannot account for them. Beginning with February 8, 2011, the “look back” period will be five years. Prior to that date, simply add all transfers beginning with February 8, 2006. Divide the totalby$4600 (this amountwill increase inJanuary 2010 and each January thereafter). The result of the division is the number of months of the waiting period, which begins only after you are admitted to the nursing home, and have applied and determined eligible forNursingHomeMedicaid.Givingaway,sellingforlessthan full value, or failing to account for assets may result in Medicaid denial based on these transfer rules.

Withdrawals of cash for spending for which you do not have receipts may also result in transfer penalties.

Paying for sitters at home may be penalized even if they are not paid in cash. Alabama Medicaid now requires that you have a written contract with each sitter (unless the sitter is employed with a company with which you have a contract) and that the sitter keep daily detailed records of all services provided and sign a receipt for each payment received. A detailed written plan of care must be signed by a physician. Do not pay for sitters when you are already in a nursing home with your or your spouse’s money, even if the nursing home demands that you do so. Alabama Medicaid now has a rule stating that paying for sitters while you are in a nursing home will result in a penalty even if you meet all the other requirements for care plans, contracts, receipts, and daily records of care.

Professional help may be needed to help navigate the complicated nursing home Medicaid rules, particularly for married persons having more than a home, vehicle, burialarrangementsorburialmoneyand$27,000.

For nursing home Medicaid, the monthly income limit is $2,022 (2009). If your separate gross incomebefore deductions exceeds this limit, you should contact the local Medicaid office and request a Medicaid


Qualifying Income Trust (QIT) form. Follow the instructions to set up a QIT checking account, into which only your monthly income should be deposited.

An unmarried person who is nursing home Medicaid approved must still pay most of his or her income toward thenursinghomebill.A$30personalneeds allowance(andanadditional$90ifreceivingVAaidandattendancebenefits) and any health insurance premiums are allowable deductions. Your spouse may choose to keep his or her entire income or claim an additional deduction from yourincometobringhisorherincomeupto$1,750permonth. The spousal limit increases in July each year.

Paying For PrEscriPTion DrugsUpon your admission to a nursing home, you should

determine if your prescriptions will change. Confirm if your current plan covers the new drugs and if the nursing home’s pharmacy accepts your current Medicare Part D or other coverage. You may need to change your Part D or other drug plan. After admission to the nursing home, you may change Part C or Part D plans even outside the normal open enrollment periods.

To determine which plan saves the most money, visit www.medicare.gov. Complete the questionnaire including the drugs taken, dosages, milligrams, etc. Upon completion, the computer will show which plans will save the most. It will also list the drugs covered and not covered, the cost of each premium, any deductibles, and if coverage is available for the coverage gap. Choose the plan requiring the lowest out of pocket expense that the pharmacy will accept.

Those eligible for Medicaid, QMB, SLMB, or QI are entitled to a Part D drug card with no premium, deductible, or coverage gap. Medicaid nursing home residents pay no co-payments. For those ineligible for nursing home Medicaid, but eligible for QMB, SLMB or QI, co-payments will be small. Persons qualifying for Social Security Low Income Subsidy (LIS) will either pay a small or no premium and deductible, small co-payments, and no coverage gap.

2009 incomE limiTsYou can qualify for QMB, or SLMB, or QI if you are

unmarried or married and not living with your spouse, ifyourgross2009incomeislessthan$1,239permonth(not counting interest and dividends) or married living withyourspousewithagrossincomeoflessthan$1,660.

If you do not qualify for QMB, SLMB, or QI, you may qualify for the LIS/Extra Help program at the Social Security office. The 2009 LIS income limit (including interest and dividends) is $1,373 per month for onepersonand$1,841foratwopersonhousehold.Add$467for each additional person. The 2009 asset limit for the LISprogram for singlepeople is $12,910 and$25,010if married and living with a spouse. The income limits are higher for all these programs if you or your spouse works because less than half of work income is counted. Income limits for all these programs increase each year in February or March.Davis & Neal is the SARCOA contractor for the State Health Insurance Program (SHIP). SHIP provides help with applying for QMB, SLMB, QI, and LIS and with determining which Medicare health and prescription drug plan will save you the most money. For further assistance please call 334-671-3990 or 1-888-671-5246.

long-TErm carE FaciliTiEsBarBour counTy NURSING HOMES

Crowne Health Care of Eufaula430 Rivers Avenue eufaula, Alabama 36027(334) 687-6627 180 bedsWe are committed to providing quality care and improving the quality of life for our residents.

ASSISTED LIVING FACILITIES

River Oaks West903 West union Streeteufaula, Alabama 36027(334) 687-6089

16 bedsGood friends, caring staff, privacy and independence. We offer something that you just can’t put a price on – peace of mind.

The Gardens of Eufaula395 Lake Driveeufaula, Alabama 36027(334) 687-0430

16 bedsWhere our home is your home. nurturing the spirits of our residents while caring for the whole mind, body and spirit.

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coFFEE counTy NURSING HOMES

Elba General Hospital and Nursing Home987 Drayton Streetelba, Alabama 36323(334) 897-2257

111 bedsWe are your small town community healthcare provider, instilling hope for a brighter tomorrow one patient at a time.

Enterprise Health and Rehabilitation300 Plaza DriveP.O. Box 311227enterprise, Alabama 36331(334) 347-9541

257 bedsWith each new change in health care, the nursing home strives to better the quality of care to enhance the lives of its residents.


Taylor Mill Oaks2805 Taylor Mill Road elba, Alabama 36323(334) 897-2820

16 bedsmeets individual needs while providing assistance with simple everyday activities.

Wynnwood Oaks I & II201 Wynn Road & 203 Wynn Roadenterprise, Alabama 36330(334) 347-1555

16 beds for each facilityWe create warm, home-like settings for senior adults who want to live their life with choice. you’ll be right at home with us.

SPECIALTY CARE ASSISTED LIVING FACILITIES

Kelley Place109 Chancey Driveenterprise, Alabama 36330(334) 393-7233

16 bedsan open door and caring hearts for alzheimer’s and dementia patients in a Specialty care assisted living Facility.

covingTon counTy NURSING HOMES

Andalusia Manor670 Moore RoadAndalusia, Alabama 36420(334) 222-4544 154 bedsWe want to assist you in achieving and maintaining your best possible quality of life through quality care.

Florala Health and Rehabilitation23621 Goldenrod Avenueflorala, Alabama 36442(334) 858-8585

85 bedsa facility dedicated to providing long-term loving care, short-term rehabilitation, outstanding therapy and activities.

Opp Health andRehabilitation, LLC115 Paulk Avenue P.O. Box 730Opp, Alabama 36467(334) 493-4558

197 bedsoff highway 331, this facility was recognized as one of the “homes to consider” in alabama by consumer report magazine august 2006.


J.B. Mason’s Serenity House, Inc601 henderson Street P.O. Box 885Andalusia, Alabama 36420(334) 222-8745

16 bedsan environment to enjoy the golden years of your life. Family owned and operated.

Savannah Terrace # 1 & # 2660 Moore RoadAndalusia, Alabama 36420(334) 427-3013

16 beds for each facilitya pleasing combination of home-like atmosphere, personalized services, and caring, loving attention. Just like home…only better.

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covingTon counTy Continued


The Woodmoore1709 n. Main StreetOpp, Alabama 36467(334) 493-2821

16 bedsdesigned to meet the needs of individuals who may need some assistance, but do not require skilled nursing care.

DalE counTy NURSING HOMES

Oakview Manor929 Mixon School RoadOzark, Alabama 36360(334) 774-2631

138 bedsa long-term care facility offering a 23 bed alzheimer’s unit, and rehabilitation that includes physical, occupational, and speech therapies.

Ozark Health & Rehabilitation, LLC312 Bryan DriveOzark, Alabama 36360(334) 774-2561

149 bedsa skilled nursing facility, providing long-term care, and short-term rehabilitation including physical, occupational, and speech therapies.


Providence Home171 Grimes RoadOzark, Alabama 36360(334) 774-0364

16 bedsextendicare’s 30 years experience in long-term care enables us to provide the same quality of care in our assisted living facilities.

gEnEva counTy NURSING HOMES

Wiregrass Health and Rehabilitation1200 West Maple AvenueGeneva, Alabama 36340(334) 684-3655

96 bedsour family caring for yours to provide the best possible care for your loved ones.

gEnEva counTy Continued

NURSING HOMES

Hartford Health Care217 Toro Roadhartford, Alabama 36344(334) 588-3842

86 bedsit is our goal to meet the needs of each individual. committed to compassion. Striving for excellence. Serving responsibly.


Greenwood Place, LLC105 S. Greenwood St.Geneva, Alabama 36340(334) 684-0549

16 bedsour goal is to ensure the highest quality of care, an ongoing commitment to quality of life.

Hartford Retirement Village, Inc12196 highway 52 easthartford, Alabama 36344(334) 588-2306

32 bedsenjoy a unique blend of independent living, security, comfort, and convenience.

Westbrook Assisted Living, LLC100 W. Professional Park Suite 6Geneva, Alabama 36340(334) 684-1072

16 bedsWe are committed to creating an atmosphere where those who share their lives with us can age gracefully in good physical, emotional, and spiritual health.

HEnry counTy NURSING HOMES

Henry County Health & Rehabilitation Facility212 Dothan RoadAbbeville, Alabama 36310(334) 585-2241

142 bedsa state of the art nursing facility with rehabilitation and an alzheimer’s Specialty unit committed to providing competent and compassionate care.

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HEnry counTy Continued ASSISTED LIVING FACILITIES

Azalea Court Assisted Living 508 east Church Streetheadland, Alabama 36345(334) 693-0358

16 bedslife is lived on the sunny side where burdens are light and hearts are happy.

Dogwood Manor Assisted Living301 Ward DriveAbbeville, Alabama 36310(334) 585-1114

16 bedslife is lived on the sunny side where burdens are light and hearts are happy.

Twin Magnolias1100 uS 431 SouthAbbeville, Alabama 36310(334) 585-1072

16 bedsPrivately owned and operated, providing 24-hour care. assistance is provided with activities of daily living as well as home cooked meals, laundry, and assistance with medication.

HousTon counTy NURSING HOMES

Extendicare Health & Rehabilitation Center950 S. St. Andrews St.Dothan, Alabama 36301(334) 793-1177

170 bedsWith a 30 year history of providing quality healthcare services, extendicare is at the forefront of anticipating the special needs of the senior population.

Wesley ManorA Methodist Home for the Aging718 honeysuckle RoadDothan, Alabama 36305(334) 792-0921

166 bedsevolving to meet the needs of tomorrow’s residents as well as those of today.

HousTon counTy Continued

NURSING HOMES

Westside Terrace501 n. Woodburn DriveP.O. Box 6447Dothan, Alabama 36305(334) 794-1000

165 bedsour professional staff provides a full range of skilled nursing and rehabilitative care while answering residents’ needs. a true home for you or your loved one.


Gran’s Home428 South foster StreetDothan, Alabama 36301(334) 671-9486

14 beds For excellent service and peace of mind. We place the needs of your loved ones first.

Somerset East & Somerset West815 John D. Odom Road Dothan, Alabama 36303(334) 671-1176(334) 671-9990

16 beds at each facilityextendicare’s 30 years of experience operating a long-term care facility enables us to provide the same quality of care in our assisted living facilities.

The Terrace at Grove ParkAssisted Living Facility - 36 bedsSpecialty Care Assisted Living Facility - 16 beds

101 Tulip LaneP.O. Box 10236Dothan, Alabama 36305(334) 792-7349the premier retirement community in the dothan area offers the pleasures of home without the worries of keeping a house.

Wesley ManorA Methodist Home for the AgingAssisted Living Facility - 66 bedsSpecialty Care Assisted Living Facility - 16 beds

718 Honeysuckle Road Dothan, Alabama 36305(334) 792-0921evolving to meet the needs of tomorrow’s residents as well as those of today.

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FaciliTiEs FEaTurE cHarTASSISTED LIVING FACILITIES

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Abbeville Dogwood Manor 334-585-1114 16 a a 64

Abbeville Twin Magnolias 334-585-1072 16 a 64

Andalusia J. B. Mason’s Serenity House 334-222-8745 16 a a 60

Andalusia Savannah Terrace # 1 & # 2 334-427-3013 32 a a 60

Dothan Gran’s Home #2 334-671-9486 14 a a a a 64

Dothan Somerset - East 334-671-1176 16 a a a 64

Dothan Somerset - West 334-671-9990 16 a a a 64

Dothan The Terrace at Grove Park 334-792-7349 36 a a a 64

Dothan Wesley Manor 334-792-0921 66 a a a 64

Enterprise Wynnwood Oaks I & II 334-347-1555 32 a a a 60

Elba Taylor Mill Oaks 334-897-2820 16 a 60

Eufaula River Oaks West 334-687-6089 16 a a 58

Eufaula The Gardens of Eufaula 334-687-0430 16 a 58

Geneva Greenwood Place 334-684-0549 16 a a a 62

Geneva Westbrook 334-684-1072 16 a 62

Hartford Hartford Retirement Village 334-588-2306 32 a 62

Headland Azalea Court 334-693-0358 16 a a 64

Opp Woodmoore 334-493-2821 16 a a 62

Ozark Providence Home 334-774-0364 16 a a a 62

SPECIALTY CARE ASSISTED LIVING FACILITIES

Enterprise Kelley Place 334-393-7233 16 a a 60

Dothan The Terrace at Grove Park 334-792-7349 16 a a a 64

Dothan Wesley Manor 334-792-0921 16 a a a 64

SKILLED NURSING FACILITIES

Abbeville Henry Co. Health & Rehabilitation 334-585-2241 142 a a a a a a a 62

Andalusia Andalusia Manor 334-222-4544 154 a a a a a a 60

Dothan Extendicare Health & Rehabilitation 334-793-1177 170 a a a a a a 64

Dothan Wesley Manor 334-792-0921 166 a a a a a a a 64

Dothan Westside Terrace 334-794-1000 165 a a a a a a 64

Elba Elba Gen. Hospital & Nursing Home 334-897-2257 111 a a a a a a 60

Enterprise Enterprise Health and Rehabilitation 334-347-9541 257 a a a a a a a 60

Eufaula Crowne Health Care of Eufaula 334-687-6627 180 a a a a a a a 58

Florala Florala Health & Rehabilitation 334-858-8585 85 a a a a a a a 60

Geneva Wiregrass Health and Rehabilitation 334-684-3655 96 a a a a a a 62

Hartford Hartford Health Care 334-588-3842 86 a a a a a a 62

Opp Opp Health & Rehabilitation 334-493-4558 197 a a a a a a a 60

Ozark Oakview Manor 334-774-2631 138 a a a a a a a 62

Ozark Ozark Health & Rehabilitation 334-774-2561 149 a a a a a a a 62

* Secure Alzheimer’s only

*


cHoosing THE rigHT nursing HomEThis guide has been adapted from the “Guide to Choosing a Nursing Home” distributed by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

This information is designed to help people find and compare nursing homes. It can help you and your family make your best choice, whether you are planning ahead, or making an unexpected decision. Choosing a nursing home may be very stressful and can have a tremendous emotional effect on you and your loved ones. It is helpful to plan ahead, visit and compare several nursing homes, and make good financial plans early. Planning ahead gives you and your family more control and can help ensure that your needs are met so that you can get good quality care.

Many of those who will use this information provide care and/or help make health care decisions for another person. Choosing a nursing home is a difficult yet necessary decision many caregivers must help make. Your support for your loved one can make transitioning from home to a nursing home much easier. Be your loved one’s advocate by observing their care and living conditions and discussing concerns with the staff. Remember, it is important to include the person who needs nursing home care in making decisions whenever possible. Always keep their needs in mind.

Choosing a nursing home is a very important decision. You need to think about whether a nursing home is the best choice for you. A nursing home provides care to people who cannot be cared for at home or in the community. For people who cannot take care of themselves due to physical, emotional, or mental problems, nursing homes can provide a wide range of personal care and health services. This care is generally called custodial or non-skilled.

Only you can decide if a nursing home is the right choice for you. There are steps you can take to find the nursing home that is best for you. It is important to plan ahead. Planning ahead will help you make a nursing home choice that meets your needs and gives you good quality care. You want to be comfortable, secure, and cared for properly.

sTEPs To cHoosing a nursing HomE1. Find out how nursing homes compare in quality.

Quality care means doing the right thing, at the right time, in the right way, for the right person, and having thebestpossibleresults.Nursinghomesarecertifiedtomake sure they meet certain Federal health and safety requirements. “Nursing Home Compare” will helpyou.

2. Find out about the nursing homes in your area. Visit www.medicare.gov on the web. From the bottom half of the page under “Search Tools” in the right column, select “Compare Nursing Homes in Your Area.”Select “Method to Search By” and enter the necessary information.Click “Next Step.”Basic information isgiven on this page. Select all or some of the nursing homes you are interested in by clicking the boxes to the leftoftheirname.Click“NextStep”again.Youwillfinddetailed information comparing staffing, the number of deficiencies received in the last state inspection and percentages of “quality measures.”

3. Before you make a decision, visit the nursing homes you are interested in or have someone visit for you. A visit gives you the chance to see the residents, staff, and facility. It also allows you to talk with the nursing home staff, with people who live and get care at the nursing home and with family members. Be sure to call the nursing home office to make an appointment to tour the nursing home before you visit. If you, a family member or friend can’t visit the nursing home, you can call for information.

4. Choose the nursing home that best meets your needs. When you have all the information about the nursing homes you are interested in, discuss it with your family, friends, doctor, clergy, spiritual advisor, or social worker. Talk with people who understand your personal and health care needs.Be Satisfied With Your Choice: If you visit a nursing

home and you do not like it, you do not have to choose to go there. Making a good choice for quality care is important. If you are in a hospital, talk to the hospital discharge planner or your doctor before you decide to go to an available nursing home that you do not like. They may be able to help you find a more suitable nursing home, or arrange for other care until a bed is available at a nursing home you do like. However, you may be billed for additional days you stay in the hospital while waiting for another nursing home.

WWW.SARCOA.ORG 67

Moving is difficult, so try not to move more than once. However, an extra move may be better for you than choosing to go to a facility that is not right for you. Be sure to explain to your doctor or discharge planner why you are not happy with the facility being offered.

If you are helping someone who plans to go into a nursing home, get them involved in making the decision as much as possible. People who are involved from the beginning are better prepared when they move into a nursing home. If the person you are helping is not alert or able to communicate well, keep his or her values and preferences in mind. Finding a nursing home that has the right services, and a pleasant, comfortable atmosphere, often requires a lot of planning.

Paying and Other Costs: Care in a nursing home canbeveryexpensive.Nursinghomesusuallyprovide24-hour medical care, as well as, room, meals, activities, and personal care. Most nursing homes charge a basic fee for room, meals, and personal care. You may have to pay extra for other services or care for special medical needs. It is important to get a list of fees in advance and discuss these costs and how you will pay for them.

Medicare generally does not cover custodial care (help with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and using the bathroom) but may temporarily cover some skilled nursing and rehabilitative care. Most people who enter a nursing home begin paying for their nursing home

care out of their own pocket. Residents may pay for their nursing home stay using their personal resources, long-term care insurance, or with Medicaid if they are eligible. Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that helps with medical costs for people whose income is low and who have limited resources. Medicaid pays for care for about seven out of every ten nursing home residents.

THE nEw FivE-sTar qualiTy raTing sysTEm For nursing HomEs

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid services(CMS)hasimprovedinformationontheNursingHomeCompare website to help individuals, family members, caregivers, and the public find and compare the quality of nursing homes more easily. Visit www.medicare.gov/NHCompare for more information.

TheNursingHomeComparewebsitenowfeaturesasystem that assigns each nursing home a rating between one andfivestars.Nursinghomeswithfivestarsareconsideredto have above average quality compared to other nursing homesinthatthestate.Nursinghomeswithonestarhavequality much below average in the state (but the nursing home still meets Medicare’s minimum requirements).To assist you in your search for the right nursing home for you or your loved one, please see the “Choosing the Right Nursing Home” checklist on pages 68 - 69.

MEDICAL EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES

AABON Home Health Care Supply136 E. Reynolds St.Ozark, Alabama 36360(334) 774-7535; (800)835-2266

Advanced Home Medical Equipment Services224 Honeysuckle Rd. Dothan, Alabama 36305(800) 735-5724

American HomePatient206 W. Troy St. Dothan, Alabama 36303 (334) 793-2978

EmErgEncy rEsPonsE sysTEmsADT Security CompanionServices877-678-6952

AlaWeb Pioneer Security 800-222-8777

AlertOne800-693-5433

Brinks Home Security334-693-0022

Harris Security Systems Inc334-794-0079

Phillips Life-Line1-800-543-3546

Sanders Security Inc334-673-2686

PHarmaciEs anD mEDical EquiPmEnT suPPliErs

…Continued on Page 70


BASIC INFORMATION

1. The nursing home is Medicare Certified.

2. The nursing home is Medicaid Certified.

3. The nursing home has the level of care you need (e.g. skilled, custodial) and a bed is available.

4. The nursing home has special services, if needed, in a separate unit (e.g. dementia, ventilator, or rehabilitation) and a bed is available.

5. The nursing home is located close enough for friends and family to visit.

RESIDENT APPEARANCE

1. Residents are clean, appropriately dressed for the season or time of day, and well groomed.

NURSING HOME LIVING AREAS

1. The nursing home is free from overwhelming unpleasant odors.

2. The nursing home appears clean and well kept.

3. The temperature in the nursing home is comfortable for residents.

4. The nursing home has good lighting.

5. Noise levels in the dining room and common areas are comfortable.

6. Smoking is not allowed or is restricted to certain areas of the nursing home.

7. Furnishings are sturdy, yet comfortable and attractive.

STAFF

1. The relationship between the staff and the residents appears to be warm, polite and respectful.

2. All staff wear name tags.

3. Staff knocks on the door before entering a resident’s room and refers to residents by name.

4. The nursing home offers a training and continuing education program for all staff.

5. The nursing home does background checks on all staff.

6. The guide on your tour knows the residents by name and is recognized by them.

7. There is a full time Registered Nurse (RN) in the nursing home at all times, other than the Administrator or Director of Nursing.

8. The same team of nurses and Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) work with the same resident 4 to 5 days per week.

9. CNAs work with a reasonable number of residents.

10. CNAs are involved in care planning meetings.

11. There is a full-time social worker on staff.

12. There is a licensed doctor on staff. Is he or she there daily? Can he or she be reached at all times?

13. The nursing home’s management team has worked together for at least one year.

cHoosing THE rigHT nursing HomE cHEcklisT

NAME OF NURSING HOME DATE OF VISIT

YES NO

WWW.SARCOA.ORG 69

NOTES

RESIDENTS’ ROOMS

1. Residents may have personal belongings and/or furniture in their rooms.

2. Each resident has a storage space (closet and drawers) in his or her room.

3. Each resident has a window in his or her bedroom.

4. Residents have access to a personal telephone and television.

5. Residents have a choice of roommates.

6. Water pitchers can be reached by residents.

7. There are policies and procedures to protect residents’ possessions.

HALLWAYS, STAIRS, LOUNGES AND BATHROOMS

1. Exits are clearly marked.

2. There are quiet areas where residents can visit with friends and family.

3. The nursing home has smoke detectors and sprinklers.

4. All common areas, resident rooms, and doorways are designed for wheelchair use.

5. There are handrails in the hallways and grab bars in the bathrooms.

MENUS AND FOOD

1. Residents have a choice of food items at each meal. (Ask if your favorite foods are served.)

2. Nutritious snacks are available upon request.

3. Staff help residents eat and drink at mealtimes if help is needed.

ACTIVITIES

1. Residents, including those who are unable to leave their rooms, may choose to take part in a variety of activities.

2. The nursing home has outdoor areas for residents’ use and staff help residents go outside.

3. The nursing home has an active volunteer program.

SAFETY AND CARE

1. The nursing home has an emergency evacuation plan and holds regular fire drills.

2. Residents get preventive care, like a yearly flu shot, to help keep them healthy.

3. Residents may still see their personal doctors.

4. The nursing home has an arrangement with a nearby hospital for emergencies.

5. Care plan meetings are held at times that are convenient for residents and family members to attend whenever possible.

6. The nursing home has corrected all deficiencies (failure to meet one or more federal or state requirements) on its last state inspection report.

YES NO


Anderson’s Home Oxygen & Supply Company101 W Covington Ave. Opp, Alabama 36467 (334) 493-7081

B B Pharmacy174 Virginia Ave. Daleville, Alabama 36322 (334) 503-9799

Beasley Pharmacy113 E Church St. Columbia, Alabama 36319 (334) 696-4611

Big B Drugs194 Hodgesville Rd. Dothan, Alabama 36301 (334) 712-9653

Bowen Pharmacy1906 Fairview Ave. Dothan, Alabama 36301 (334) 794-4211

Breathing Care Associates• 119SWoodburnDr. Dothan, Alabama 36305 (334) 793-9674 • 121NMainSt. Enterprise, Alabama 36330 (334) 347-4446• 322AndrewsAve. Ozark, Alabama 36360 (334) 774-4178

Bryan Pharmacy• 991AlabamaHighway203 Elba, Alabama 36323 (334) 897-5222 • 804GloverAve. Enterprise, Alabama 36330 (334) 347-5111

Bryar’s Warren Drug Co.112N.MainSt.Enterprise, Alabama 36330(334) 347-2506

Buy Rite Drugs635 S. Union Ave. Ozark, Alabama 36360 (334) 774-8505

Center Drug Co.702 W. Maple Ave. Geneva, Alabama 36340 (334) 684-9408

Circle Pharmacy2021 Alexander Dr. Dothan, Alabama 36301 (334) 792-2717

City Drugs Healthcare America224SThreeNotchSt.Andalusia, Alabama 36420 (334) 222-1131

Clayton Drug Company23 Court Sq. Clayton, Alabama 36016 (334) 775-3442

Clio Drug Company1199 Blue Springs St. Clio, Alabama 36017 (334) 397-2023

Crosby Drugs127 S East Ave. Ozark, Alabama 36360 (334) 774-7420

Dale Pharmacy1548 S. US Hwy 231 Ste. A6 Ozark, Alabama 36360 (334) 774-7979

Dalton Pharmacy426 W Lawrence Harris Hwy. Slocomb, Alabama 36375 (334) 886-2442

Darby’s Village Pharmacy301EThreeNotchSt.Andalusia, Alabama 36420 (334) 222-8825

Deep South Home Medical Equipment229 Sunrise Dr. Dothan, Alabama 36305 (334) 671-9484

Doctor’s Center Pharmacy4119 W Main St. Dothan, Alabama 36305 (334) 793-1316

Eufaula Drugs Inc.146 E Broad St. Eufaula, Alabama 36027 (334) 687-3591

Florala-Phar-a-care Pharmacy23355 5th Ave.Florala, Alabama 36442 (334) 858-3291

Generic Pharmacy, The2115 E Main St. Dothan, Alabama 36301(334) 671-3784

Gilstrap Drug Co.501 S Commerce St. Geneva, Alabama 36340 (334) 684-2234

Headland Discount Pharmacy202 Holman Dr. Headland, Alabama 36345 (334) 693-3324

Imperial Medical Equipment & Supply Co.209 Washington Ave. Enterprise, Alabama 36330 (334) 393-3696

PHarmaciEs anD mEDical EquiPmEnT suPPliErs Continued

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Jack’s Discount Drugs• 15073S.USHighway231 Midland City, Alabama 36350 (334) 983-4191 • Jack’sDrugs 1909 Honeysuckle Rd. Ste. 1 Dothan, Alabama 36305 (334) 836-0890

King Drug Co7NBroadSt.Samson, Alabama 36477 (334) 898-2115

Larry’s Prescriptions Inc100 W Covington Ave. Opp, Alabama 36467 (334) 493-3549

Mallette Drug Co837SThreeNotchSt.Andalusia, Alabama 36420 (334) 222-1141

Martin Colley Drugs• 204EBrunsonSt. Enterprise, Alabama 36330 (334) 347-6865 • 100ProfessionalLn. Enterprise, Alabama 36330 (334) 348-9200

Med Express Pharmacy1541 W Magnolia Ave. Geneva, Alabama 36340 (334) 684-7011

Medical Arts Pharmacy219 Fortner St. Dothan, Alabama 36301 (334) 794-4191

Medical Arts Pharmacy1190 Highland Dr. Elba, Alabama 36323 (334) 897-2511

Medicine Shoppe, The542 S Eufaula Ave. Eufaula, Alabama 36027 (334) 687-0021

Mike’s Southside Pharmacy• 1023SOatesSt. Dothan, Alabama 36301 (334) 794-3174 • 201KirklandSt. Abbeville, Alabama 36310 (334) 585-2288

Northcutt Drug Company1774 W Main St. Dothan, Alabama 36301 (334) 793-9538

Peacock Drug104 E Mckinnon St. NewBrockton,Alabama36351(334) 894-6100

Plaza Pharmacy277 E Main St. Dothan, Alabama 36301 (334) 792-7900

Price Drug Co.206 E Broad St. Eufaula, Alabama 36027

Reagan Pharmacy111 W Mill Hartford, Alabama 36344 (334) 588-2240

Respiratory Specialist705 Boll Weevil Plaza Enterprise, Alabama 36330 (334) 393-2495

Saunders Med Oxygen& Respiratory 343 James St. Ozark, Alabama 36360 (334) 445-9811

Scarbrough Drug Co.139 E Broad St. Eufaula, Alabama 36027 (334) 687-2061

Scott Cook Pharmacy1233 Westgate Pkwy. Dothan, Alabama 36303 (334) 712-2000

Sleep Therapeutics150 Meadow Ln. Eufaula, Alabama 36027 (334) 616-6618

Southeast Pharmaceuticals 1276 Westgate Pkwy. Dothan, Alabama 36303 (334) 673-8760

Southern Home Respiratory1386 Ross Clark Cir. Dothan, Alabama 36301(334) 699-2630

Ted’s Pharmacy405NMainSt.Opp, Alabama 36467 (334) 493-4541

Westside Pharmacy4440 W Main St. Ste. 1 Dothan, Alabama 36305 (334) 699-6337

Wiregrass Pharmacy430 Broadway St. Ashford, Alabama 36312 (334) 899-3100 Ashford(334) 793-7070 Dothan

PHarmaciEs anD mEDical EquiPmEnT suPPliErs Continued

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WWW.SARCOA.ORG 75


PHYSICAL THERAPY / REHABILITATION

HealthSouth RehabilitationHospital 1736 E. Main St. Dothan, Alabama 36301 334-712-6333

Southern Bone and Joint Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation1480 Ross Clark CircleDothan, Alabama 36301334-793-2663

rEHaBiliTaTion

Andalusia Manor 670 Moore Rd. Andalusia, Alabama 36420 334-222-4544

Crowne Health Care of Eufaula 430 Rivers Ave. Eufaula, Alabama 36027 334-687-6627

Elba General Hospital &Nursing Home 987 Drayton St. Elba, Alabama 36323 334-897-2257

Enterprise Health andRehabilitation 300 Plaza Dr. Enterprise, Alabama 36331 334-347-9541

Extendicare Health & Rehabilitation 950 S. St. Andrews St. Dothan, Alabama 36301 334-793-1177

Florala Health & Rehabilitation 23621 Goldenrod Ave. Florala, Alabama 36442 334-858-8585

Hartford Health Care217 Toro Rd.Hartford, Alabama 36344(334) 588-3842

Henry County Health & Rehabilitation 212 Dothan Rd. Abbeville, Alabama 36310 334-585-2241

Oakview Manor HealthCare Center 929 Mixon School Rd. Ozark, Alabama 36360 334-774-2631

Opp Health & Rehabilitation 115 Paulk Ave. Opp, Alabama 36467 334-493-4558

Ozark Health & Rehabilitation 312 Bryan Dr. Ozark, Alabama 36360 334-774-2561

Wesley ManorMethodist Home for the Aging 718 Honeysuckle Rd. Dothan, Alabama 36305 334-792-0921

Westside Terrace Healthand Rehabilitation 501N.WoodburnDr.Dothan, Alabama 36303 334-794-1000

Wiregrass Healthand Rehabilitation 1200 W. Maple Ave. Geneva, Alabama 36340 334-684-3655

rEHaBiliTaTion aT nursing HomEs or HEalTH carE FaciliTiEs

Also for other outpatient Physical Therapy, see Public Health Departments and Home Health Agencies under Home Care or check with your local hospital.

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SENIOR PROGRAMS, SERVICES AND GROUPS

Acts of Kindness 111 Beasley St.Andalusia, Alabama 36420 334-222-4542

American Cancer SocietyMid-South Division 2346 W. Main St., Suite 3 Dothan, Alabama 36301 334-794-0600

Brown Bag Program 382 Twitchell Rd. Dothan, Alabama 36303 334-794-9775

Catholic Social Services - Dothan 557 W. Main St. Dothan, Alabama 36301 334-793-3601

Christian Mission Center 342N.CourtSt.Elba, Alabama 36323334-897-6693

Christian Mission Center 481 Geneva Hwy. Enterprise, Alabama 36330334-393-2607

Christian Mission Center 801 E. Town Ave.Geneva, Alabama 36340334-684-7756

Christian Service Center 403S.ThreeNotchSt.Andalusia, Alabama 36420 334-222-3840

Columbia BaptistMinistry Center1306 Ross Clark Cir. Dothan, Alabama 36301 334-699-2855

Dothan Rescue Mission 216 E. Crawford St. Dothan, Alabama 36301 334-794-4637

Good News Shop 148N.FosterSt.Dothan, Alabama 36301 334-792-8742

Goodwill Industries 114 S. Industry Blvd. Enterprise, Alabama 36330 334-347-0174

Helping Hands 1087N.MainSt.Enterprise, Alabama 36330 334-347-4516

Judson Baptist Association Mission Center 532 Ozark Rd. Abbeville, Alabama 36310 334-585-3334

Salvation Army - Coffee 1919-B E. Park Ave. Enterprise, Alabama 36330 334-393-8244

Salvation Army - Dale 154 E. Broad St. Ozark, Alabama 36360 334-445-3070

Salvation Army - Dothan 1007 S. Bell St. Dothan, Alabama 36301 334-792-1911

The Ark 475 W. Main St. Dothan, Alabama 36301 334-794-7223

The Ordinary People Society (TOPS) 403 W. Powell St. Dothan, Alabama 36303 334-791-2433

Wiregrass Area Food Bank 382 Twitchell Rd. Dothan, Alabama 36303 334-794-9775

assisTancE sourcEs

Dothan Career Center 787 Ross Clark Circle Dothan, Alabama 36303 334-792-2121

Enterprise Career Center 2021 Boll Weevil Circle Enterprise, Alabama 36330334-347-0044

Eufaula Career Center511 State Docks RoadEufaula, Alabama 36027334-687-8251

EmPloymEnT For sEniors


Southeast Alabama RegionalPlanning and Development Comm. 462N.OatesSt.P.O. Box 1406Dothan, Alabama 36302334-794-4093 ext. 142

THE sEnior aiDEs Program

The Senior Aides Program helps older adults find employment by building skills and confidence through paid community service positions. Senior Aides serve their communities through paid temporary assignments with local non-profit and government organizations. Seniors gain valuable job skills by working at schools,

libraries, social service agencies, hospitals, senior centers, museums, and many other locations. The Senior Aides Program helps seniors build the experience and confidence they need to find permanent employment, while they receive paid training, work experience and extra income.

You may qualify if you are 55 or older, have a low income, are seeking employment, and are a resident of Barbour, Coffee, Covington, Dale, Geneva, Henry, or Houston County.

Veterans and their spouses are encouraged to apply. Call 334-794-4093.

EmPloymEnT For sEniors Continued

gEriaTric carEmanagEmEnTEldercare Services 2600 Denton Rd. Dothan, Alabama 36303 334-712-0419

granDParEnTsKids and Kin Program 2358 Fairlane Dr. Building GMontgomery, Alabama 36116 334-270-4100

HrDc – Human rEsourcE DEvEloPmEnT corPoraTionsBarbour County - Clayton103 College St. Clayton, Alabama 36016 334-775-8817

Barbour County - Eufaula251 Spruce Cir. / Forrest Hill Ct. Eufaula, Alabama 36027 334-687-8372

HrDc Continued

Coffee County - Elba305 Collier St. Elba, Alabama 36323 334-897-2667

Coffee County - Enterprise100 George Wallace Dr.P.O. Box 311407Enterprise, Alabama 36331 334-347-0881

Coffee County - KinstonKinston Town Hall P.O. Box 26Kinston, Alabama 36453334-565-3188

Geneva County312 W. Magnolia Ave.P.O. Box 627Geneva, Alabama 36340 334-684-6443

Henry County106 Kirkland St.Abbeville, Alabama 36310334-585-3170

Houston County - Dothan601N.St.AndrewsSt.Dothan, Alabama 36303 334-794-8754

HrDc Continued

Houston County - Newton388 Sharpie Rd.Newton,Alabama36352334-692-3537

lEgal sErvicEsAlabama Bar Association P. O. Box 671 Montgomery, Alabama 36101 334-269-1515

Davis & Neal, Attorneys at Law 325N.OatesSt.,Suite7Dothan, Alabama 36303 334-671-3990Elder Law Helpline 1-866-456-3959

Legal Serv. Corp. of Alabama 1415 Honeysuckle Rd., Suite 2 Dothan, Alabama 36305 800-701-0926

SARCOA-Area Agency on Aging 1075 S. Brannon Stand Rd.Dothan, Alabama 36305 334-793-68431-800-239-3507

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organiZED communiTy acTion ProgramsOrganized CommunityAction Program242 Hillcrest Dr./P. O. Box 1702 Andalusia, Alabama 36420 334-428-2660

Organized CommunityAction Program 397 Glen Way / P.O. Box 956 Ozark, Alabama 36360 334-774-2011

sEnior cEnTErsAbbeville Senior Center 215 E. Washington St. Abbeville, Alabama 36310 334-585-5900

Andalusia Senior Center 420 Church St.Andalusia, Alabama 36420 334-222-4608

Ashford Senior Center 409CountyRd.33N.Ashford, Alabama 36312 334-899-5716

Baptist Village Senior Center 4426 W. Main St., Box A Dothan, Alabama 36305 334-793-3930

Clayton Senior Center 215N.MidwaySt.Clayton, Alabama 36016 334-775-3494

Clio Senior Center 21 College St. Clio, Alabama 36017 334-397-2586

Coffee Springs Senior Center Town Hall/P. O. Box 161 Coffee Springs, Alabama 36318 334-684-9876

Columbia Senior Center 122 S. Main St. Columbia, Alabama 36319 334-696-4529

Cottonwood Senior Center 1336 Metcalf St.Cottonwood, Alabama 36320 334-691-3491

Daleville Senior Center 18OldNewtonRd.Daleville, Alabama 36322 334-598-9197

Damascus Senior Center 129 County Rd. 514 Elba, Alabama 36323 334-894-5211

Dorothy K. Quick Senior Center 1107N.PontiacAve.Dothan, Alabama 36303334-793-3090

Elba Senior Center 200 Buford St. Elba, Alabama 36323 334-897-3019

Enterprise Senior Center 711 Crawford St. Enterprise, Alabama 36330 334-347-3513

Eufaula Senior Center 202 Boundry St.Eufaula, Alabama 36027 334-687-8367

Florala Senior Center 1038 Fifth St. Florala, Alabama 36442 334-858-3310

Geneva Senior Center 105N.WashingtonSt.Geneva, Alabama 36340 334-684-3626

Haleburg Senior Center10347 George Grimsley Hwy.Columbia, Alabama 36319 334-696-2248

Hartford Senior Center 301 S. Third Ave. Hartford, Alabama 36344 334-588-3115

Headland Senior Center107 Boynton St. Headland, Alabama 36345 334-693-5070

Ino Senior Center 6264 Hwy. 134 Kinston, Alabama 36453 334-565-9196

Kinston Senior Center Town Hall/P. O. Box 26 Kinston, Alabama 36453 334-565-3349

Madrid Senior Center 764 Decatur Rd., Box C-1 Cottonwood, Alabama 36320 334-677-3435

Midland City Senior Center Hinton Waters Ave. Midland City, Alabama 36350 334-983-4121

Mt. Pleasant Senior Center 388 County Rd. 650 Enterprise, Alabama 36330 334-393-7874

New Brockton Senior Center 103 Vester Cole St. NewBrockton,Alabama36351334-894-2028

New Hope Senior Center 2192 County Rd. 124 Brundidge, Alabama 36010 334-735-5433

Newton Senior Center 25 E. King St. Newton,Alabama36352334-299-3861

Newville Senior Center 301 Bowden St. Newville,Alabama36353334-889-2250


sEnior cEnTErsContinued

Opp Senior Center 107 Main St. Opp, Alabama 36467 334-493-7121

Ozark Senior Center 390 Carroll Ave. Ozark, Alabama 36361 334-445-6900

Pine Level Senior Center 63 County Rd. 355 Elba, Alabama 36323 334-897-2621

Rose Hill Senior Center 401 S. Appletree St. Dothan, Alabama 36301334-615-3740

Samson Senior Center 108 S. Johnson St.Samson, Alabama 36477 334-898-2163

Slocomb Senior Center (E. Geneva Co. Senior Citizen’s Center)33 E. Sellers St.Slocomb, Alabama 36375 334-886-3115

Taylor Senior Center 1457 S. County Rd. 59 Taylor, Alabama 36301 334-677-5536

Webb Senior Center 4095 Enon RoadWebb, Alabama 36376 334-702-8449

Zion Chapel Senior Center 28742 Hwy. 87 Jack, Alabama 36346 334-897-1500

sEnior grouPsAmerican Association ofRetired Persons (AARP)(Alabama Chapter) 201 Monroe St., Suite 1880 Montgomery, Alabama 36104 866-542-8167

Area Agency on Aging - SARCOA1075 S. Brannon Stand Rd.Dothan, Alabama 36305 334-793-6843 / 800-239-3507

Active Advantage Enterprise Medical Center Enterprise, Alabama 36330 334-347-3046

Leadership Institute for Retirees - SARCOA1075 S. Brannon Stand Rd.Dothan, Alabama 36305 334-793-6843 or 1-800-239-3507

Medical Center Barbour Senior ProgramEufaula, Alabama 36027 334-688-7444

Senior Advantage Mizell Memorial Hospital Opp, Alabama 36467 334-493-3541

Senior Advocates for the Elderly - SARCOA1075 S. Brannon Stand Rd.Dothan, Alabama 36305334-793-6843 or 1-800-239-3507

Senior Discovery (SAMC) 1108 Ross Clark Cir. Dothan, Alabama 36301 334-712-3336

Senior World Troy UniversityP. O. Box 8368 Dothan, Alabama 36304 334-983-6556

suPPorT grouPsAlzheimer’s Support Groups: Abbeville: 334-585-5376 Dothan: 334-702-2273 or 794-7965 Enterprise: 1-888-702-8689 Hartford: 334-588-6814 Ozark: 334-774-4776 Troy: 334-566-1819

Cancer Friends Southeast Alabama Medical Center 1108 Ross Clark CircleDothan, Alabama 800-735-4998

Diabetes Support GroupHouston County Health Department 1781 Cottonwood Rd.Dothan, Alabama 334-678-2800

Diabetes Support Group Southeast Alabama Medical Center 1108 Ross Clark CircleDothan, Alabama 36301800-223-0843

Grief Support Group (Compassionate Hands) Magnolia Counseling Center Dothan, Alabama 334-792-9814

Grief Support Group (Wiregrass Hospice) 1st United Methodist Church 1380 West Main St.Dothan, Alabama 36303334-792-1100

GriefShare,Calvary Baptist Church 901 Montezuma Ave.Dothan, Alabama 36303 334-836-2949

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suPPorT grouPsContinued

National Alliance onMental Illness Mt. Gilead Baptist Church 2864 S Brannon Stand Rd.Dothan, Alabama 36305334-702-2952

Prostate Cancer Support Group Southeast Alabama Medical Center 1108 Ross Clark CircleDothan, Alabama 36301334-794-3216

SARCOA Training for Caregivers 1075 S. Brannon Stand Rd.Dothan, Alabama 36305 334-793-6843

Stroke Support Group HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital 1736 East Main St.Dothan, Alabama 36301334-712-6333

Stroke Support Group Southeast Alabama Medical Center1108 Ross Clark CircleDothan, Alabama 36301800-735-4998

Active AdvAntAge From THE mEDical cEnTEr EnTErPrisE

Active Advantage is affiliated with the Medical Center Enterprise but membership is not limited to Enterprise and Coffee County. The primary goal of Active Advantage is to promote healthy living. Medical Center Enterprise Active Advantage membership program provides an important tool for thousands over the age of 50 to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle. Get the latest information on preventative care, health and wellness from local experts and healthcare professionals, and also discounts on health related products, leisure activities and much more. As a member you will be able to enjoy special discounts on the products and services you need most such as special events, seminars and educational information designed to help you. Below are a few of the program benefits:• Prescription Drug Discount Card included at no

additional charge• Freecourtesynotaryandcopyservice• Health screening and wellness programs designed

especially for members• Savingsondomesticandinternationaltripsandtours• Discountsonproductsandservices,bothlocallyand

nationally• TaxhelpthroughAARP• Monthlymeetings

Membership fees apply. For more information, or to request an application call 1-800-276-8939, or write: Medical Center Enterprise / Active Advantage/400N.Edwards Street / Enterprise, AL 36330 / 334-347-3046.

mEDical cEnTEr BarBour sEnior Program (EuFaula)

Medical Center Barbour’s mission and vision is to promote social activity and healthy living after age 50. In addition to many social activities each month, the following member benefits are also available to members:• Discountsatareashopsandrestaurants• 25%discountinthehospitalcafeteria• Freebirthdaymealticketforhospitalcafeteria• Freehealthfairsandscreenings• Eyecarediscountswithlocaloptometrists,Dr.Danny

Hartzog&Dr.HernanBenavides• Healtheducationseminars• Hospitalvolunteeropportunities• Hospitalinsuranceclaimsfilingassistance• FreeNotaryPublicService• FreefaxandcopyserviceSocial activities:

• Dayandovernighttravelopportunities• Freeexerciseclasses• Cards,bingoandsquaredancing• Holidayparties,potlucksuppersandlunchclubs

For more information contact: Medical Center Barbour Senior Program / 820 W. Washington Street / Eufaula, AL 36027 / 334-688-7444


LifetiMe HeALtH ServiceS aT wirEgrass mEDical cEnTEr in gEnEva

Lifetime Health Services at Wiregrass Medical Center in Geneva offers a behavioral health program with both inpatient and outpatient services. Program features

• Medicationeducationandmanagement• Familyeducationandfamilytherapy• Individualcounseling• Groupactivities/therapies• Nursingeducation• Basiclifeskillenhancement• Placementassistance• Diagnostictesting• Nursingassessment• Psychosocialassessment• Occupationaltherapy• Recreationaltherapy• NutritionalassessmentOutpatient services

The Intensive Outpatient Program seeks to restore the client’s optimal level of functioning and improve his or her quality of life. Adults who have been diagnosed with psychiatric symptoms or clinical conditions will learn to manage stresses of an active life with improved coping mechanisms. In addition to other program features, the IOP provides:• IndividualizedTreatmentPlan• CopingandLifeSkillsTraining• ActivityTherapyGroups• TherapeuticExercises/StressReduction• DischargePlanningandContinuityofCare• ReferraltoCommunityResourcesandAgencies

For more information, call 334-684-3655, Ext. 4604. Hours for therapy will vary according to the individual’s needs. Transportation is provided, including outside Geneva County.

Inpatient services

Patients age 55 and older who can benefit from inpatient services include individuals presenting with severe psychiatric symptoms or clinical conditions, which bring about significant impairments in daily, emotional, cognitive or social functioning. The staff at the Senior Care Unit emphasize maintaining and enhancing the older patient’s self-respect and dignity through every phase of treatment. The program’s goal is to help the patients achieve and maintain the highest level of functioning and reclaim a sense of self-worth.

In-depth assessment of each individual’s unique situation allows for a treatment approach that is personalized and comprehensive. Recognizing that individual needs vary widely, the staff is committed to developing flexible strategies for achieving treatment goals.Senior Care Unit Staff

Psychiatrist, Primary Care Physicians, Licensed Social Workers, Licensed Professional Counselor, Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses, Mental HealthTechnicians, Community Education Representative, Licensed Dietician, Occupational and Recreational Therapists staff Lifetime Health Services Senior Care Unit. The staff is committed to working collaboratively with all referring physicians and other mental health professionals.

The following may be signs that an individual is in need of professional treatment:• Thoughtsoforsuicideattempts• Rapidchangeinnutritionalorsleepinghabits• Impairedorrapiddeclineinmentalstate• Severelyagitatedbehavior• Abusivebehavior• Self-mutilativebehavior• Delirium, disorientation, bizarre or delusional

behaviors• Hallucinations• Excessiveorunreasonablefear• Toxiceffectsfrompsychotropicmedication• Obsessive-compulsivebehavior• Severe decline in ability to perform day-to-day

activities

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Referrals to Lifetime Health Services Senior Care Unit can be made 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. Referrals may be made by family members, healthcare professionals, or self. Assessments are provided on site with recommendations for services and resources to meet the individual’s needs. Services are covered by Medicare and most private insurance providers.

Contact: Wiregrass Medical Center / Lifetime Health Services Senior Care Unit / 1200 W. Maple Ave. Geneva, AL 36340 / Phone: 334-684-3655, Ext. 8501, 8502, 8503, 8504 / Fax: 334-684-0265

miZEll sEnior aDvanTagEMizell Senior Advantage is designed for people who are

50 years of age or older. Sponsored by Mizell Memorial Hospital, it provides a variety of benefits to help meet the healthcare needs of area seniors. Membership entitles you to a full range of benefits, including:• Membership Card—a wallet sized identification

card is your passport to V.I.P. treatment, services and discounts

• Room Upgrade—you will get a free upgrade to aprivate room when available if you request it.

• ComplimentaryMealTicket(uponrequest,onemealper day for a person staying with you while you are a patient at Mizell Memorial Hospital)

• StreamlinedAdmission• CourtesyDischarge• Faxing Service (for only $1.00 per page, hospital

personnel will be glad to help you.)• ComplimentaryCotDuringStay• QuarterlyNewsletter• DiningRoomDiscount• InsuranceFilingAssistance• FreeNotaryService• FreeorDiscountedHealthScreenings• WellnessProgramDiscount• FreeQuarterlySeminars• PharmacyConsultations

Please call 334-493-3541 for an application and information or write to: Mizell Senior Advantage / P.O. Box 1010 / Opp, AL 36467 Membership fees apply.

sEnior DiscovEry - SOuTheAST ALABAMA MeDiCAL CenTeR

Senior Discovery, a unique program dedicated to those 50 and over, can help you with health care concerns. For over 50 years, Southeast Alabama Medical Center has provided health care to the Wiregrass community. Today that tradition continues with Senior Discovery. A tremendous package of health-related benefits and services is offered exclusively for our senior community at no charge. Even if you are never sick, it is nice to know Senior Discovery is here when you are well. The Medical Center began the Senior Discovery program in 1988. Since that time, we have continued to search for opportunities to improve our extraordinary package of health services and benefits for everyone age 50 and older. SENIORDISCOVERY, don’t go over 50 without it! For moreinformation regarding Senior Discovery call 712-3336 or 1-800-735-4998.

sEnior Fall PrEvEnTion consiDEraTions

Preventing a fall may be easier than recovering from one.EQUIPMENT

• Usegrab-barsinbathroom• Non-skidsurfacesarerecommended• Maintainwheelchairs,walkersandcanes• Replace/repairbrokenequipment• Assessambulatoryassistivedevicesforthecorrect“fit”

of the patient• Keepaclearpatharoundbedandtobathroomand

lounge chair• Remove unused equipment and items from room,

bathroom, and common areas• Wearwell-fittingfootwear• Grippersocksmaybewornwhenshoesorslippersare

not possible • WearshoeswithVelcroinsteadoflaces• RemovecordsfromwalkingareasBATHROOM / TOILETING • Securecommodeextender• Securegrab-barsbycommodeandensuretheyareat

an appropriate level


• Usenon-skidmatsintubsorshowers• UtilizeraisedtoiletseatFURNITURE

• Makeallfurniturestable• Lockwheelsonbedsandwheelchairs,etc.• Keepbedsidetableaccessiblefrombed• Keepchairatanappropriateheight• ConsiderusingabedsidecommodeCLOTHING

• Useclothingthatiseasytoputonorpulloff• Useachairwitharms• UseclothingwithVelcroFLOORS

• Cleanupspillsimmediately• Reducecontrastbetweendifferentfloorcoverings• Remove/reducethresholdshigherthan½”• Replacebroken/missingtilesandlinoleum• Keepcarpetedgestackeddownandtransitions

between floor coverings smooth and even• Decreaseclutter,keeppathwaysclear• Usenon-skidstrips

• Ifthepatientisseverelydemented,remindingthemtousehandrailsmayNOTbeaneffectiveintervention

LIGHTING

• Replaceburnedoutorflickeringbulbs• Usenightlights• Lighthallwaysandstairwells• Usebrighterlightbulbs• Reduceglarebyusinglampshadesandfrostedlight

bulbs• MakelightswitchesandcordseasilyaccessibleBED

• Keepbedwheelslocked• Usesiderailsappropriately• KeepbedatappropriateheightfortransfersCOGNITIVE

• Utilizepastandpresentinterestforactivities• Createactivityorrummageboxes• Ifcognitiveimpaired,trytoanticipateneeds,suchas

hunger, thirst, fatigue, pain or the need for the toilet• Usebehaviormanagementtechniques

TRANSPORTATIONTransPorTaTionCovington Area Transit System 274 Hillcrest Dr. Box 14 Andalusia, Alabama 36420 334-428-2667

Eufaula Transit Company (city only) 560 Boundary St. Eufaula, Alabama 36027 334-687-1242

Wiregrass Transit Authority 462N.OatesSt.Dothan, Alabama 36303 334-794-4093

TransPorTaTion assisTancEAmerican Cancer SocietyMid South Division 2346 W. Main St., Suite 3 Dothan, Alabama 36301 334-794-0600

Catholic Social Services557 W. Main St. Dothan, Alabama 36301 334-793-3601

Disabled American Veterans - Chapter 87 111N.St.AndrewsSt.Dothan, Alabama 36301 334-792-1687

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TransPorTaTion assisTancEContinued

Medicaid, Dothan District Office 2652 Fortner St., Suite 4 Dothan, Alabama 36305 334-702-3102 or 800-362-1504

amErican cancEr sociETy, miD-souTH Division

The American Cancer Society, Mid-South Division is committed to improving the quality of life for cancer patients, their families and caregivers. It offers programs that provide support during times of need. The Mid-South Division’s Financial Assistance Program is a one-time or short-term benefit. It is provided to cancer patients in need only after all other resources have been exhausted. An application must be completed which demonstrates the need for financial assistance. The assistance is discretionary and must resolve the presenting problem.1. The patient is eligible for services as of the date of

application. Services prior to the date of application are not covered. American Cancer Society funds are used to provide assistance to cancer patients when other community resources are not available.

2. Financial assistance may be provided to patients with defined diagnosis of cancer and who are under the supervision of a physician.

3. Assistance is discretionary. The following will not be paid:• Hospitals/SurgicalBills• HomeHealthServices• PhysicianBills• CancerTreatment• IllegalDrugs/MedicinalMarijuana• FuneralExpenses• DiagnosticServices• Loan Payments (including mortgages, rent, car

payments or insurance premiums)• Transportationexpensesforpatientsbeingtreated

at Transportation Grant Program facilities.• Prescriptions

4. Every application stands on its own merit. Final

approval of the application is made at the discretion of the assigned American Cancer Society staff within two business days of the receipt of referral.

5.Requests over $100 are considered only in extremecircumstances and are made at the discretion of the assigned American Cancer Society staff with approval.

6. Applications are accepted by telephone.7. Payments are made directly to the specific vendor or

agency. 8. Records of patients requesting or receiving financial

assistance from the Mid-South Division are maintained in a secure database and not released to anyone outside of the organization.

9. All patients who receive assistance will receive a follow-up contact from the assigned American Cancer Society staff to assess other needs, and provide guidance.

10. Transportation Assistance: The American Cancer Society will provide funds to social service departments of qualifying hospitals or freestanding treatment centers that provide radiation therapy. Contact the social service department at your treatment facility. Patients requiring transportation assistance who are not traveling to hospital or treatment centers with transportation grants may receive assistance for transportation through this financial assistance program. Call 334-792-1012.

Serving Wiregrass Seniors

SARCOA is the agency to turn to for help with concerns facing senior

adults of the Wiregrass.We are here to help find the resources that you or your loved ones need. We urge you to call us with your needs,

concerns or questions.

Toll free: 1-800-239-3507Local: 334-793-6843


VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Foster Grandparents ProgramDothan HRDC 601N.St.AndrewsSt.Dothan, Alabama 36301334-793-9044

Habitat for Humanity-Houston County1227 Headland Ave.Dothan, Alabama 36303 334-792-8453

RSVP- Barbour County 803 W. Washington St. Eufaula, Alabama 36027 334-687-6055

RSVP-Dale County P.O. Box 1012 Ozark, Alabama 36361 334-774-3216

RSVP- Geneva,Henry, Houston Co. 501N.FosterSt..Dothan, Alabama 36303 Geneva County - 334-898-9796 Henry County - 334-585-2442 Houston County - 334-836-1300

SARCOA – Area Agency on Aging1075 S. Brannon Stand Rd.Dothan, Alabama 36305334-793-6843 or 1-800-239-3507

Southeast AlabamaMedical Center1108 Ross Clark CircleDothan, Alabama 334-793-8111

grouPs

WWW.SARCOA.ORG 87


WWW.SARCOA.ORG 89


WWW.SARCOA.ORG 91


WWW.SARCOA.ORG 93


WWW.SARCOA.ORG 95


Documents

SARCOA Senior Resource Directory 2009