SOWEGA Council on Aging releases annual report

ALBANY — The SOWEGA Council on Aging recently released updated data on the services its offers to its 14-county population via this year’s annual report.

Council on Aging officials said there is a total population of 67,369 people aged 60 and older in the organization’s coverage area, and each county has its own senior enrichment centers. Its senior centers serve as a base for programs and services in crafts, entertainment, educational activities, exercise programs and outreach activities.

“Research shows that older adults who participate in senior center programs can learn to manage and delay the onset of chronic disease and experience measurable improvements in their physical, social, spiritual, emotional, mental and economic well-being,” the annual report said.

The Albany center includes meeting rooms occasionally rented out for special events. At the centers, 883 people were served 113,477 congregate meals, the report said.

The annual report also said senior farmers market nutrition program issued 579 vouchers worth $20 each, and the chronic disease self-management program has 23 participants with two trainers conducting two workshops. Tai Chi for Arthritis had 196 participants with 10 trainers conducting 14 workshops.

“A Matter of Balance,” a program addressing concerns related to falls or loss of balance, had 15 participants with two master trainers conducting two workshops, the report said.

The Aging and Disability Resource Connection, meant to help people find information on a wide range of long-term support options, had a total of 7,481 referrals in Fiscal Year 2017. The community care services program, which provides alternatives to nursing homes for people who are Medicaid eligible, had 552 clients and generated $18,453.70 in savings per person, the report said.

The Council on Aging also has representatives in the long-term care ombudsmen program, which monitors issues related to abuse or neglect. The Council’s service area includes 82 personal care homes, 22 nursing homes and 37 community living arrangements, and there were 1,245 complaints resolved over the year — while 1,105 consultations were given to facilities, the report said.

“Money Follows the Person,” allowing someone who has resided in an institutional setting for at least 90 days with services paid to Medicaid the opportunity to discuss transitioning options, conducted 18 transitions from July 1, 2016-June 30. Georgia Cares, which provides information about Medicare benefits, provided counseling to 1,346 beneficiaries over the year, the report said.

The adult day care and in-home respite care helped 45 families and 25 families, respectively, in Southwest Georgia while also offering support groups for caregivers consisting of 20 members. Georgia’s legal services program, meanwhile, closed 243 cases, while the retired senior volunteer program built 80 ramps for disabled people and made 100 teddy bears for children at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital, the report said.

Meals on Wheels served 917 clients 176,304 meals, and homemaker services served 126 clients and put in 9,862 service hours. Case management services helped 250 clients, putting in 4,291 service hours, the report said.

Incorporated in 1966, the Council on Aging provides, develops and coordinates services for all people aged 60 and older in a 14-county, 600-square-mile area of Southwest Georgia. Its administrative offices are located at 335 W. Society Ave.