Caregiver Programs & Services
Congregate Meals
Home Delivered Meals
Case Management
Dental Assistance
Hearing Aid Assistance
Home Repair
Housekeeping
Lifeline
Mature Worker Connection
Minor Home Repair
Personal Care
Respite Sitter Services
Transportation Information
PCOA Elder Rights & Benefits Assistance Program
Long Term Care Advocates Programs
Medicare/Insurance Counseling
Minority Rural Benefits/Outreach
Personal Budgeting Assistance
NAELA Legal Clinics
Elder Law Hotline

CAREGIVER PROGRAMS & SERVICES

The enactment of the Older Americans Act Amendments of 2000 established an important new program, the National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP). This initiative allocates funding to Area Agencies on Aging for the delivery of services to support family caregivers who serve as informal providers of in-home and community care to an individual who is 60 years of age or older. As the local Area Agency on Aging, Pima Council on Aging (PCOA) is providing some of these services directly, as well as contracting with local agencies to provide additional services. The following is a list of these programs and services.

NEW: Pathfinder - A Guide for Family Caregiving
Prepared by the Arizona Center on Aging. Funded by OAA/National Family Caregiver Support Program, AzDES, Aging & Adult Amin.


Eldercare Information and Assistance Services

In the U.S. today, nearly one out of every four homes is involved in caregiving for persons 60 or older. PCOA serves as a starting point for Pima County caregivers and older adults who need assistance and linkage to available services and resources. Our eldercare specialists assist in examining options, locating help through local community resources, and connecting families with help for their own personal needs as they relate to their caregiver role. For further information, call the Caregiver Specialists at PCOA (520) 790-7262 or email questions to:

Suzy Bourque, MSW, sbourque@pcoa.org
Julie Bubul, MSW, jbubul@pcoa.org
Sandy Davenport, sdavenport@pcoa.org
Laura Michaels, MSW, lmichaels@pcoa.org


Family Caregiver Lending Library
Through the PCOA video lending library, videos on various topics related to family caregiving are available for viewing by caregivers or small groups. For further information please call Melissa Morgan, M.L.S., at PCOA (520) 790-0504 or mmorgan@pcoa.org. (Please note: As the Library is staffed on a part-time basis, it is advisable to call ahead.)

For a listing of available videos, click here.

Web Site for Family Caregiver Information
Arizona Caregivers is a local web-site for family caregivers in Pima County. This is a joint partnership between the Caregiver Consortium, Tucson Medical Center, the Caregiver Education & Support Program, and Pima Council on Aging.

Respite Services
Respite services exist to provide caregivers temporary relief or rest from caregiving activities. Respite care may be provided for a few hours a week in the home, or through a temporary stay in an assisted living home. Services are provided on a cost-sharing basis determined by income and ability to pay. To qualify, the caregiver must live with the care recipient. Please call the Community Services System Central Intake at Pima Council on Aging Help Line at (520) 790-7262.

Caregiver Support Groups, Family Consultation and Training
The Caregiver Education and Support Program of Pima Health System offers family caregivers information and emotional support through support groups, family consultation, and training classes.

The practical skills training classes, taught by licensed nurses and clinical social workers, provide relevant information on topics including:

• Caring for the Caregiver
• Dealing with Challenging Behaviors
• Back Safety, Body Mechanics and Transfers
• Family Dynamics in Caregiving
• Managing Medications
• Relaxation Techniques
• Caring for Someone with Dementia
• Accident Prevention and Household Safety

• Information, education and resource referrals
• Help in completing guardianship packet for Probate Court

• Help with filling out applications for benefits such as TANF, AHCCCS or Kids Care
• Advocacy for caregivers and children with schools, court, health care and mental health agencies, benefits programs, Child Protective Services, etc.

• Case management
• On-site mental health services for children, adults, families and groups

• Recreation for youth and families • Support groups for kin and adoptive families

• Classes for grandparents and others who are "becoming parents again"
• Emergency assistance such as diapers, food, clothing, and furniture

CONGREGATE MEALS

Twelve Centers throughout Tucson and Pima County offer nutritious meals, a place where older adults can dine with others, and social, recreational, and educational activities. Transportation to sites may be available for people with mobility limitations who meet ADA program criteria. Donations are requested. Directory of Centers

For the congregate meals menu for this month, click here.

HOME DELIVERED MEALS

Nutritious hot and frozen meals are delivered to eligible individuals who are unable to prepare a nutritious meal and have no one to assist them. Service is temporary and 24 hour emergency response is not available. Donations are requested. Call the Pima Council on Aging Help Line at 520-790-7262 for further information.

For tips on heating frozen home delivered meals, click here.

For a list of commercial companies that offer home delivered meals for pay, as well as suggestions for selecting a healthy frozen meal, click here.

CASE MANAGEMENT

Professional workers coordinate supportive services for eligible individuals determined to be in need of in-home services to remain independent. Case managers provide the point of entry to a network of services. Call the Community Services System Central Intake at Pima Council on Aging Help Line at (520) 790-7262 for further information.

Due to state legislative budget cuts, Pima Council on Aging is not currently accepting new names for PCOA's Dental Program. With over 250 seniors on a waiting list, there is no possibility of providing service any time soon. Persons age 60 and over at the federal poverty level or below ($776 monthly income for a household of one and $1,041 for a household of two) may wish to apply to a new volunteer dental assistance program sponsored by the Arizona Dental Association. Call this toll free number in Phoenix: (866-340-4337). A recording will take names and addresses. An application will be mailed. Potential recipients will then be contacted by Jennifer Garcia at (800-866-2732).

For a list of reduced-cost dental service plans, click here.

Pima Council on Aging is NOT able to offer subsidized hearing aid assistance at this time. However, we will take names for a waiting list should our program be reinstated in the future. In lieu of service, PCOA offers an information package; please click here.

HOUSEKEEPING

Temporary, part-time assistance for eligible individuals who need help with such tasks as cleaning, laundry, dishwashing, shopping and simple meal preparation. All clients receiving Housekeeping Service must first receive an assessment by a case manager. Call the Community Services System Central Intake at Pima Council on Aging Help Line at (520) 790-7262 for further information.

24 hour electronic emergency response system that enables individuals to summon assistance. Contact Information & Referral, Kim at 520-323-1303 extension 248 or the National office at 1-866-674-9900 extension 4492 for further information.

The Mature Worker Connection is a free referral and job placement service of PCOA. We connect experienced workers, age 50 and older, with employers interested in hiring mature workers for full-time, part-time and seasonal jobs in Pima County from entry level service and maintenance jobs to professional and administrative positions. For further information call (520) 623-3304 or e-mail us at mailto:jobs@pcoa.org

Assistance for eligible individuals with home repairs and adaptations up to a maximum of $750 per person. Services include maintenance of coolers and heaters, installation of grab bars and durable medical equipment, construction of ramps and steps, widening doorways, and minor plumbing and electrical repairs. All clients receiving Minor Home Repair Service must first receive an assessment by a case manager. Donations are requested. Call the Community Services System Central Intake at Pima Council on Aging Help Line at (520) 790-7262 for further information.

Temporary, part-time assistance for eligible individuals who need help in maintaining their personal cleanliness. All clients receiving Personal Care Service must first receive an assessment by a case manager. Personal care services include: assistance with bathing; dressing; shampooing; transfer to and from wheelchair and/or bed; assistance with ambulation; routine skin and nail care; and assistance with eating. Call the Community Services System Central Intake at Pima Council on Aging Help Line at (520) 790-7262 for further information.

Provides short-term, in-home care and supervision of impaired individuals to relieve family caregivers. All clients receiving Respite/Sitter Service must first receive an assessment by a case manager. Call the Community Services System Central Intake at Pima Council on Aging Help Line at (520) 790-7262 for further information. Service is available on a sliding-fee donation basis.

TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION

Pima Council on Aging compiles a list of transportation services in Pima County. PCOA assumes no responsibility by providing this information. It is a community service and not an endorsement of the public and private organizations listed. Persons enrolled in medical, long-term care and HMO insurance plans should contact customer service representatives to determine if transportation is available for non-emergency medical appointments. For the transportation summary, click here.

The program has assisted senior citizens with issues involving but not limited to: Social Security, Medicare, ALTCS, AHCCCS, nursing homes and other assisted living situations, Supplemental Security Income, housing, HMO's, consumer fraud, debts, guardianship and conservatorship , pensions, as well as helping to report financial, physical and emotional abuse etc.

Who pays for the Program?

There is no charge for the Ombudsman services, however we do accept donations to help cover the cost of our operation. Major funding for the Ombudsman Program comes from: Pima County government, and the federal Older Americans Act (through Arizona Dept. of Economic Security, Aging and Adult Administration).

How does the program work?

Our process is directed towards empowering our clients to help themselves whenever possible.

• We listen - often all that can be done is to listen and give the individual a place where they can vent their concerns.
• We focus - assist the client to focus on what is happening and direct them towards what can be done to help them resolve the problem.
• We refer - by making referrals to the agencies or organizations that can resolve problems, and assisting the client when necessary in following through with the referral.
• We verify - if the client requires direct advocacy, we verify and clarify the problem with the client's consent by contacting the agencies, companies, or individuals involved.
• We advocate - on behalf of the individual client by:
  • contacting the agencies or individuals involved;
  • writing letters of complaint or support;
  • representing clients when appropriate;
  • referring clients to Southern Arizona Legal Aid (under our Title III Older America's Act contract) or other appropriate Attorney, or governmental agency.
• We advocate - on behalf of the elderly as a group by:
  • presenting programs to seniors, on preventing fraud, advanced directives, long term care, insurance, Medicare and AHCCCS (Arizona's Medicaid Program);
  • presenting programs to social and health service professionals and community meetings;
  • participating in regularly scheduled meetings with the heads of various state departments in order to bring to their attention how their policies and the way they are being implemented are impacting on our clients.

What other services does the program provide?

Long Term Care Advocates Programs

Under contract with the State of Arizona's Department of Economic Security, Office of State Long Term Care Ombudsman, and through it affiliated with the national Long Term Care Ombudsman Program (LTCOP), volunteers are trained and assigned to specific facilities to monitor the care and to advocate on behalf of the residents in nursing homes and assisted living care centers & homes in Pima County.

Assisting older and disabled individuals to choose appropriate medical insurance coverage with an emphasis on Medicare, Medicaid (AHCCCS) and Medicare Supplemental Insurance, including Medicare Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs). Help resolve problems related to health care and health insurance. Includes Long Term Care Insurance, Home Health Insurance and the Arizona Long Term Care system (ALTCS). Trained volunteers assist clients at community centers at varying times. Call 520 546-2011 for further information.

With an emphasis on low income, minority, and rural elderly this program brings the services of the PCOA Ombudsman to those who might not be able to reach our office. Staff bring the program to the homebound and neighborhood senior centers. Also addressing the need to advocate for elderly institutionalized individuals or those requiring institutionalization by assisting them and/or their families in understanding and accessing Arizona's Long Term Care maze.

Personal Budgeting Assistance (Previously Money Management)

By matching trained volunteers with senior citizens identified by social service agencies as needing assistance in organizing their finances, budgeting, and balancing their check books, seniors are able to remain in the community (this program is operated in cooperation with AARP).