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| Serving Callaway County communities since 1875. | www.fultonsun.com | Saturday, July 04, 2009 |
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Care program offers assistance to Callaway seniors By KATHERINE CUMMINS The Fulton Sun
“I tell people I'm like a librarian for seniors,” Elwood said. “I help them find resources themselves, or find resources through our agency. “If we don't have it, we'll try to find it.” A free service provided through the Central Missouri Area Agency on Aging, Coordinated Care provides assistance for area seniors ages 60 and older who are having problems living independently in their own homes. Elwood spends her days making phone calls and home visits to help homebound and low-income senior citizens who need help with everything from Respite Care and prescription plan applications to legal services and meal delivery. She and her co-workers also help clients arrange for or locate individuals or agencies that have resources they might need, as well as making regular visits to assess the specific needs of seniors and caregivers. “It just runs the gamut - we help with everything,” Elwood said. “ Once they're enrolled, I will monitor their situation, make sure they're okay and make home visits. “If they need something they'll call me.” “It allows them the opportunity to stay in their home longer than they may normally have been able to,” Elwood said. “We're gaining extra months, sometimes even years.” Sally Wallace said that is exactly what Elwood has done for her. “I'm very pleased with the help they provide,” Wallace said. “We couldn't stay in our home if we didn't have some help.” She said the coordinated care program has helped her and her husband get the care and supplies they need - especially at times when their resources are spread thin. “They help us buy things we need when we don't have the money,” Wallace said. “Karen has always been able to help us as much as she can, and she's very gracious about it - she's been very helpful to me.” Elwood said she hopes more Callaway County seniors will take advantage of the services the Care Coordination Program has to offer. “I know there's more out there who are eligible for the service that just don't know about it,” she said. “I would say if they're not sure (about whether they can use our services), then call anyway.” For more information on the coordinated care program, contact Elwood at (573) 642-6772. |
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