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The Office of Senior Citizens Services serves as a portal to care, assessing multiple services needs, determining eligibility, and purchasing services through contracts. Contracts are monitored on an on-going basis to ensure appropriateness, cost effectiveness and that the needs of the target population are being met. OSCS works in partnership with our 52 service providers comprised of local agencies, governmental entities and organizations to provide services to the ever-growing population of older adults in Jefferson County. OSCS contractors offer programs that make a difference in the lives of all older adults…..from the frail older adults who can remain at home if they receive the right services, to those who are healthy and can benefit from the activities and socialization provided at OSCS’s 31 senior garden centers or other programs for active older adults. Adult Day Health Care is designed for people who can no longer be left alone because of dementia or medical disabilities. This service also offers respite for caregivers by providing a place to leave family members in a structured, supervised environment. Alabama Cares of Jefferson County is a program designed to support family caregivers by providing training, assistance and resources to help them take care of their aging loved ones and themselves. Caregivers receive respite through homemaker and personal care and adult day health care. Alzheimer’s Caregiver Education Support Program (ACES) addresses some of the special needs of individuals and families dealing with Alzheimers. The program provides for training, public education & community based support services for individuals with Alzheimers and their caregiver. Congregate Meals in Senior Garden Centers throughout Jefferson County offer a nutritious noontime meal. Participants also enjoy an array of activities including arts and crafts, informative speakers, ceramics, art, and physical fitness classes, recreational activities, shopping trips and other outings. Employment opportunities are available through the Senior AIDES Program. This job-training is designed for people aged 55 and older who meet certain income requirements. Gabriel Program assists individuals with managing their monthly Social Security, S.S. I. checks as well as other income. Geriatric Care Management program helps seniors get the services they need. Social workers are trained to assess situations, identify available services and quickly match them to individuals needs. A financial management program assists seniors at risk for financial exploitation as well as assisting seniors who can no longer manage their financial affairs because of physical or mental disabilities. Home Fix-It assists senior citizens with heavy chores, yard work or minor home repairs. Homemaker Service provides light housekeeping, grocery shopping and light meal preparation. Information and Assistance on all kinds of age-related topics is available through OSCS. The agency is an information and resource clearinghouse. Intergenerational Program is a service-learning program to foster positive images of older people to school age children by involving both groups in various activities. Senior citizens from senior gardens as well as the general population serve as mentors, tutors, oral historians, and participants in show and tell adventures, while students share their skills, talents and ideas with senior citizens. Legal Services are available for people who are 60 years of age and older and are economically disadvantaged. Medicaid Waiver Services provide Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients in-home services if they meet the medical eligibility for nursing home placement. Ombudsman Program serves as an advocate for people residing in long-term care facilities. Services can include the investigation of complaints in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and boarding homes. They also can include mediation and in-service training for staff/employee in these facilities. Personal Care Service assists individuals who need help with personal care and grooming. Recreation Services such as ceramics, art, and Elderdance classes are available. A senior citizen theater group is also available for those interested in theater production and/or reading. SENIORx is prescription drug assistance for qualified low income senior citizens. SENIORx Partnership for Medication Access can be reached at 1-800-AGE-LINE and (205) 325-1416. Volunteerism opportunities are available for individuals willing to help by delivering meals to shut-in senior citizens, making home visits, making reassuring telephone calls and other duties that will help senior citizens remain in their homes |