Jefferson County Office of Senior Citizens Services

Article submitted by Jefferson County Office of Senior Citizens Services (OSCS).
For more information, they can be reached at 205-325-1416.

Whether you are an older adult yourself or a caregiver concerned about the well-being and independence of an older adult, the Jefferson County Office of Senior Citizens Services (OSCS) is ready to help. There are over 115,000 senior adults, age 60 and older residing in Jefferson County. With the "baby boomers" about to retire, the aging of America presents both opportunities and challenges physically, mentally, socially, and financially. Under the Jefferson County Commission, the Jefferson County Office of Senior Citizens Services (OSCS) is one of the thirteen Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) in the State. OSCS provides a wide range of services and programs to help older adults maintain their dignity and independence in the community, as well as help those who care for their loved ones.

The mission of OSCS is to plan, coordinate, and offer services that can help seniors remain in their home if they receive the right kinds of services. Many services are also offered to seniors who are healthy and can benefit from activities and socialization provided at senior centers. Most services and programs offered through OSCS are funded by the Older Americans Act, and are available to senior adults residing in Jefferson County who are age 60 years or older. Through contracts and grants with a variety of social service agencies, governmental entities, and organizations, both public and private, OSCS is able to provide quality services to the growing population of senior adults in Jefferson County.

By contacting the Information and Assistance department at OSCS, information about a wide range of services and options is available to help older adults make informed CHOICES about their lives. Below is a list of services and programs OSCS offers to seniors:

• Adult Day Health Care- Provides respite for caregivers' loved one
   
• Alabama Cares of Jefferson County- Supports family caregivers by providing training, assistance, and resources to help them take care of their loved one
   
• Alzheimer's Caregiver Education Support Program- Provides public education, information and assistance, and support groups for caregivers
   
• Gabriel Program- Assists individuals with managing their monthly income and insuring their financial stability
   
• Geriatric Care Management- Assists frail senior adults and their families in securing appropriate living arrangements, managing day-to-day needs, and long-term supportive services through trained case managers
   
• Home Fix-It- Assists senior adults with heavy chores, yard work or minor home repair
   
• Insurance Counseling- State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) provides senior adults with access to current information on Medicare, Medicaid, and long-term care insurance

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• Intergenerational Program- Fosters positive images of senior adults to school age children by involving both groups in various activities. Senior adults serve as mentors, tutors, or oral historians, while students share their skills, talents and ideas with senior adults
   
• Legal Services- Provides free legal services for people who are 60 years of age or older
   
• Meals on Wheels- Provides hot, nutritious noon meals to homebound senior adults who are not able to prepare a well-balanced meal for themselves each day
   
• Medicaid Waiver Services- Provides senior adults and disabled 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 include investigation of complaints in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and boarding homes
   
• Personal Care/Homemaker Services- Assists individuals with activities of daily living such as bathing, grooming, hygiene, meal preparation, light cleaning, light laundry, and home safety
   
• Senior Employment Training Program- Provides temporary employment for persons age 55 years and older who meet eligibility requirements
   
• Senior Centers- Offers a nutritious noontime meal in the 33 senior centers, as well as an array of activities, such as educational programs, speakers, ceramic classes, art classes, exercise, sewing classes, shopping trips and other outings
   
• SenioRx Prescription Drug Program- Connects qualifying seniors with drug companies that provide free or reduced cost medications
   
• Transportation- Provides transportation services to senior centers for qualified seniors

Volunteers are needed in all service areas, such as visiting and delivering hot lunchtime meals to homebound senior adults, serving as mentors or tutors for school children, providing telephone reassurance, assisting with health insurance counseling, or sharing talents by teaching or leading classes in Senior Centers.

The goal of OSCS is to support seniors in their quest for wellness and self-sufficiency.