Supporting Vermont Seniors 60 and Older To Live Independently in Their Communities

Information & Assistance	Transportation
Case Managers	Nutrition & Wellness
Mental Health and Substance Abuse	Health Insurance
Caregiver Support	Legal Services
Housing and Long Term Care	Senior Companions

Information & Assistance - Senior Help Line

Our information specialists can assist callers in finding the answers to their questions and concerns. We help seniors, their families and caregivers access a broad variety of programs and services.

We also have excellent publications on elder issues and services that are available free to the public. If the caller’s concerns require more in-depth assistance, a referral may be given to an advocate or case manager.

Case Managers

Case managers consult with seniors, their families and caregivers, helping them to identify and take advantage of programs and community resources that support well being and independence. They can meet with seniors in their own homes. All assistance is confidential and under the direction of the individual.

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Programs

Eldercare clinicians and Substance Abuse counselors provide case management to elders in need of mental health or substance abuse services. They serve elders in the privacy of their homes and can offer individual and family counseling.

Caregiver Support

Taking care of yourself…so you can take care of your loved one.

Through the National Family Caregiver Support Program, our Agency offers support to family caregivers of elders and elder caregivers raising children who are kin. We fund a growing number of programs – family caregiver grants, support groups, training and grants to community organizations for program development.

The family caregiver grants are for ”respite,” which is a period of rest or relief from the challenges of caregiving. They are available to eligible persons who are the primary caregivers of elders.

You may obtain a Caregiver Resources Folder with lots of good information on this challenging responsibility from the Area Agency on Aging. Call the Senior HelpLine.

Housing and Community Based Long Term Care

Housing

Our Agency maintains a list of Senior Housing buildings, click on the county you would like to search to connect to a link of current listings: Caledonia, Orleans, and Essex Counties. (This is a PDF file and you'll need the free Acrobat Reader to view this file. Download the free Adobe Acrobat Reader.)

We also have lists of Residential Care Homes (sometimes called assisted living) and nursing homes in the three counties.

Community Based Long Term Care

Our case managers (as well as Home Health Agency case managers) are certified to provide case management under the Vermont Home and Community Based Waiver Program and the Enhanced Residential Care Program.

The Home and Community Based Waiver Program provides services at home and in the community to individuals who would otherwise need nursing home care and supervision.

The Enhanced Residential Care Program provides 24-hour care to delay or prevent nursing home admission for individuals in some Level III Residential Care Homes.

Home Modifications

We also have a list of organizations that assist people with home modifications. Link to this list. (This is a PDF file and you'll need the free Acrobat Reader to view this file. Download the free Adobe Acrobat Reader.)

Transportation

Transportation is available to seniors who have no other means of travel for essential services, such as medical appointments, grocery shopping and meals. Financial guidelines may apply.

Transportation is also provided for disabled persons under 60 who are referred to the Agency by Northeast Kingdom Community Action Agency.

The rides are provided by Rural Community Transportation (RCT) through a contract with the Area Agency on Aging. Individuals can also contact RCT and arrange for private pay transportation. The RCT telephone numbers are:

St. Johnsbury - (802) 748-8170
Morrisville - (802) 888-6200 (for Hardwick are clients)
Newport - 802) 334-0239

Nutrition & Wellness

Senior Congregate Meals

Mealtimes provide natural occasions for socializing with friends and neighbors as well as enjoying a nutritious meal.

Noon time meals are available to anyone 60 years of age or older (and their spouses, regardless of age) at Senior Meal Sites throughout the Northeast Kingdom. Link to list of Meal Sites.

Home Delivered Senior Meals

Home delivered meals are available to those who are unable to reach a Meal Site because of illness or frailty. These meals are delivered by volunteers who generously donate their time. If you are interested in volunteering as a home delivered meals driver, please call the Senior HelpLine.

Cost

There is no charge for senior meals. However, there is a donation policy that allows seniors to contribute toward the cost of the meals.

Nutritional Counseling

A registered dietician is available to provide one on one nutrition education for homebound seniors needing help with meal planning, buying and cooking healthy foods and balancing dietary needs

Wellness

A community-based exercise program for older adults, called Strong Living, is being offered at various locations in the Northeast Kingdom. The classes teach strength training, balance and flexibility exercises.

Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP)

Are you confused about Medicare, prescription coverage, and other health insurance issues? We can help!
A health benefits specialist and trained volunteers assist seniors and younger disabled adults with questions about Medicare, Medicare Supplements, State prescription programs and long term care insurance. They can help with such tasks as reviewing medical insurance needs, filing claims and appeals, and sorting through confusing forms and bills.

Legal Services

Affordable legal services are available to seniors in the Northeast Kingdom. They include:

Law Line of Vermont
(802) 748-8721 or 1-800-769-6728

Women’s Legal Clinic
(802) 748-2977

Senior Citizen Case Referral Program
(802) 748-5182 or 1-800-642-5119

Disability Law Project
(802) 748-8721 or 1-800-889-2047

Vermont Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service
1-800-639-7036

Caledonia County Free Legal Clinic
(802) 748-6600

Private attorney on contract with the Area Agency on Aging
(802) 748-5182 or 1-800-642-5119

Link to a description of these services. (This is a PDF file and you'll need the free Acrobat Reader to view this file. Download the free Adobe Acrobat Reader.)

We also have an excellent publication available free to the public:

Taking Steps: To Plan for Critical Health Care Decisions

Senior Companion and Neighbor to Neighbor Americorps Programs

These volunteers reach out to homebound and isolated seniors and help relieve loneliness through friendly visits and companionship. Youth volunteers from area high schools are also recruited for home visits.

Interested in becoming a Senior Companion?
A Senior Companion is a volunteer 60 years of age or over, able to serve 20 hours a week, is income eligible, and has a desire to serve home-bound individuals. Senior Companions receive orientation, ongoing training, a yearly physical exam, mileage reimbursement, a tax-free stipend, and personal satisfaction from helping others. Call the Senior HelpLine if you are interested in this program.