SARCOA PROGRAMS, CONTINUED
Gateway to Community Living
Gateway supports individuals who wish to transition
from nursing homes and institutional settings to community
living. Gateway uses the state’s existing long-term
care system as a foundation, allowing individuals currently
living in institutional settings to enroll in one of seven
Home and Community-based Waiver programs.
In-Home Service
Each of the seven counties served by SARCOA has an In-
Home Service program to assist homebound individuals
age 60 and older with shopping, minor chores and other
homemaking activities if the senior is unable to do these
tasks.
Community Care
SARCOA partners with community health providers to
help their patients maintain improved health.
Patients with chronic conditions are contacted by a health
coach who works with them toward better health.
Those patients discharging from the hospital are visited in
the home by the health coach.
A health coach:
• Helps patients understand their condition and its
warning signs.
• Discusses medications.
• Connects patients with needed benefits and support services
in the community.
• Encourages follow-up doctor visits.
• Helps patients understand their discharge instructions
(if applicable).
Long-Term Care Ombudsman
An Ombudsman is a trained, certified and impartial third
party who investigates and mediates complaints concerning
residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities
and assists in their resolution.
SenioRx Prescription Drug
Assistance
SenioRx helps individuals get the life-sustaining medicines
they need for free through programs offered by
pharmaceutical manufacturers. Those eligible:
• Have NO prescription drug coverage.
• Have a chronic medical condition.
• Are legal residents of Alabama.
• Meet annual household income guidelines.
8 Senior Resource Directory 2020-2021
Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT)
MNT involves personalized meal planning by a registered
dietitian, reading food labels, understanding carbs and
much more. Those interested in receiving nutrition counseling
(MNT) should speak to their health care provider.
Legal Services
Legal assistance is available to provide advice and counsel
to persons age 60 and older for non-criminal matters such
as powers of attorney, advanced health care directives, and
consumer assistance. They also provide information and
public education concerning the legal rights of seniors.
The law office of Davis & Associates contracts with SARCOA
to provide this free service, and can be contacted at
334-671-3990.
SHIP
The State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)
can help you understand your Medicare benefits, help you
enroll in programs that may pay all or part of the cost of
your Medicare premiums, deductibles and co-payments,
help you choose a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan, and
answer your questions about Medigap, long-term care insurance
policies and other health insurance programs for
seniors. The law office of Davis & Associates contracts
with SARCOA to provide this free service, and can be
contacted at 334-671-3990.
Senior Centers
SARCOA supports 36 senior centers in the Wiregrass. Senior
Centers offer a variety of activities and programs as
well as hot nutritious meals to enjoy with friends. Homedelivered
meals, transportation and volunteer opportunities
are also available. To be eligible, a person must be age
60+ or the spouse of an eligible senior. See page 96 for a
complete list of centers.
Hungry to Help: Sponsored Meals
Many homebound elderly 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.
Through private donations, we can deliver nutritious
meals to a senior who desperately needs help.
If you would like to sponsor a particular homebound elderly
person, please contact the senior center nearest 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 SARCOA’s Hungry to Help
coordinator at 334-793-6843 or 800-239-3507.