Council on Aging
Toolbox
Published: July 8, 2009
The Senior HelpLine provides options and answers for many of the questions that come with aging. The Southwestern Vermont Council on Aging offers this free information and assistance service to Vermonters age 60 and older, and friends and relatives who may assist them.
A phone call to the Senior HelpLine connects with a person who can give local information about housing, health insurance, Medicare and Medicare D, transportation, prescription assistance, fuel assistance, home care, nursing homes and community care homes, living wills, public benefits, meals on wheels, community meals and more.
Also, two different companies offer personal emergency response systems in Rutland and Bennington counties. Both systems feature "buttons" that can be pushed by a customer to alert a 24-hour call center that he or she is having difficulties.
If the problem is not life threatening, a pre-arranged local friend or family member will be summoned to assist. In a health or other crisis, 911 will be called. The companies also offer additional services for medication and other reminders, smoke detection and more.
The Commodity Supplemental Food Program and the Food Stamp benefit are two food assistance benefits for people over the age of 60. The Commodity program provides a 30-pound box of food, distributed each month at several locations in Rutland and Bennington counties. To qualify, the monthly income limit for people age 60 and older is $1,127 for an individual and $1,517 for a couple. There is no limit on savings.
For a person 65 and older, the food stamp benefit comes as a check, directly deposited into the bank account of the recipient. Those under 65 are issued debit cards. There is a $3,000 limit on savings for the food stamp benefit.
Advance directives for Health Care are available in Vermont. These forms allow people to plan ahead and express instructions for their health care, should they become unable to speak for themselves.
"Taking Steps" is the booklet that contains the Vermont Advance Directive for Health Care forms, along with a more detailed discussion of the issues involved with making end-of-life care decisions.
Copies can be purchased for $3 from the Vermont Ethics Network at 828-2909. The form can be downloaded free of charge from www.vtethicsnetwork.org.
"Taking Steps" can also be picked up locally at the Southwestern Vermont Council on Aging offices in Rutland and Bennington.
For more information, call 786-5991 or (800) 642-5119, or visit www.svcoa org.
Volunteers needed
SPRINGFIELD — Council on Aging for Southeastern Vermont is looking for volunteers, who are comfortable with computers, to help seniors with Medicare D enrollment.
Training is provided.
For more information, call Marlene Eddy at 885-6636 or toll-free 1-866-673-8376 ext. 130.
32