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Volume 17, No. 2, Spring/Summer 2009 |
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Services for Aging Delawareans
Carol E. Barnett, Planner II
DE Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities
Becky Laster, Care Coordinator
Delaware Aging Network
The following information is presented by two prominent Delaware agencies serving aging Delawareans–the Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities (DSAAPD) and the Delaware Aging Network (DAN). These programs provide an extensive range of supports and services statewide to assist aging Delawareans and their caregivers. In addition, DSAAPD offers programs and services to adult Delawareans with physical disabilities.
The programs and services provided by the DSAAPD are funded by the Division through the Older Americans Act, the Social Services Block Grant, the Medicaid Waivers–Acquired Brain Injury, Elderly and Physically Disabled, as well as Assisted Living–and appropriations by the State of Delaware. Many, though not all, of the 30 programs offered through DSAAPD have three common eligibility requirements–Delaware residency as well as financial and medical limitations. Some of the programs require recipients to be over the age of 18 years, whereas others stipulate that consumers be over 60 years of age. Please contact DSAAPD at 1-800-223-9074 to learn more about the programs they offer. It will also be necessary to sign up for services and have eligibility determined.
DSAAPD supports day programs, in-home services, residential services, and many other supports to safe and independent community living. For example, day programs housed at community centers offer activities, meals, and various types of personal and medical assistance. In-home services include attendant care, housekeeping, delivered meals, and personal care. Residential services include adult foster care, respite services, and assisted living. Also available are programs that address caregiver needs, employment, and money management. Visit www.dhss.delaware.gov/dsaapd/services.html for a complete list of programs, as well as a description of services offered within each. You are also welcome to call DSAAPD for more information.
There are two DSAAPD programs likely to be of particular interest to AT Messenger readers. The Assistive Devices program provides a wide range of equipment to allow adult Delawareans with disabilities to increase their independence. These items may be for use in the kitchen or bathroom, or they may be for mobility or communication purposes. Simply put, this program dictates that the benefits to the person with a disability “must directly promote independent action or communication.” DSAAPD's Home Modification program pays for changes to the permanent residence of adult Delawareans with a long-term disability. One example of such a modification is the installation of a wheelchair ramp.
DAN was established in 2005 through funding from the Delaware Community Foundation (DCF) and began as a collaboration of about 20 agencies. Today, the consortium consists of over 50 agencies across Delaware committed to improving the quality of services older adults receive in the state. AstraZeneca and the United Way have teamed up to continue and expand the work of the Delaware Aging Network (DAN). Some of these agencies serve a specific county, whereas others offer statewide services.
DAN continues to create coordinated services for seniors and advocates for statewide policy changes that benefit the aging population. With new funding for 2009, DAN care management services, which have been so successful in New Castle and Kent Counties, are now available in Sussex County. DAN helps older adults continue to live in their own homes as they age and their need for support increases. DAN care managers work directly with seniors through many of the local senior centers. Care managers provide information about housing, health care, Medicare, Medicaid, in-home services, transportation, and other community resources. Referrals are made to agencies to meet the personalized needs of each individual. Care managers are eager to provide you with the information you need. With the original funding from DCF, DAN also assisted with the start-up of The Sussex Mobility Consortium, which continues to meet the specific transportation needs of both older and physically challenged adults in Sussex County.
If you need assistance, call DAN in your county or visit one of the senior centers listed on their website at www.delawareagingnetwork.org. The lead agency in New Castle County is the Jewish Family Services of Delaware. You may contact Becky Laster at 302-478-9411, Ext. 127, or go to www.jfsdelaware.org. In Kent County, contact Cheryl Gallagher at the Modern Maturity Center'the lead agency–by calling 302-734-1200, Ext. 173, or you can go to their website (www.modern-maturity.org). Ken Bock at CHEER (Sussex County Senior Services) is the one to contact in Sussex County. He can be reached at 302-854-9500, or visit www.scss.org.
DSAAPD and DAN are ready, willing, and able to assist in the care and service of seniors throughout Delaware. Check out their programs and contact them for assistance.
