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2006 - Challenges

Text Box: The demographics indicate a significant increase in the number of seniors living in Vermont, but the federal funding has remained flat. In order to meet the needs of this growing population we will need the support of the state and the federal government. Living in a rural state requires different solutions for the gaps in transportation. The public transit providers need support and assistance to maximize dollars and also advocate strongly for additional funding to meet the increasing demand. The Vermont Choices for Care (Medicaid Waiver) program has completed its first year with great success. With limited in home care staff available it will require partnerships and advocacy to increase the community support systems necessary to continue to allow seniors to remain safely at home. Volunteerism has enabled our agency to maximize services. Continued difficulties recruiting volunteer drivers to deliver meals and finding senior companions to visit shut-ins hampers our ability to meet the growing demand. Our dedicated and tireless State Health Insurance staff continues to grapple with a multitude of calls from concerned Medicare beneficiaries who find the system too confusing to figure out on their own.

2006 – Accomplishments

* We completed the Windham County Successful Aging study to determine gaps in support services for retired or newly retired residents who wish to remain in Vermont as they age. Alternative housing and transportation remain high priorities.

* We completed a study to determine the market for Fee for Service programs for seniors who are over income for state funded services.

* In order to meet the increased demand for Information and Assistance we have increased staffing, expanded cross training and therefore improved the response time for all calls, including hundreds of requests for assistance with Medicare Part D.

* As we continue to see an increase in the demand for Emergency Response systems which allow seniors to remain safely at home, we are proud of our Special Help Fund, which enables seniors who are not income eligible for state support to receive this much needed service.

* Our Advisory Council has devoted its time educating itself and others on the importance for each of the communities we serve to consider an Emergency Plan for its senior population. Emergency preparedness will continue to be a main priority for this group.

* We have expanded our Eldercare Clinician program so that licensed social workers can now provide counseling and support in the home to Medicare eligible seniors.

COASEV Local Office Contact Information

SPRINGFIELD:

Main Office:

56 Main Street, Suite 304

Springfield, VT 05156

885-2655, FAX 885-2665

Senior Center: 139 Main St.

Springfield, VT 05156

885-8213, FAX 885-5213

Health Insurance Program:

56 Main Street, Suite 200

Springfield, VT 05156

885-6636

BELLOWS FALLS:

Senior Center, 18 Tuttle St.

Bellows Falls, VT 05101

463-4947, FAX 463-3981

BRATTLEBORO:

Senior Center: 207 Main St.

Brattleboro, VT 05301

257-7552, 257-2338, FAX 257-2334

Town Office:

230 Main St. Suite 305

Brattleboro, VT 05301

258-3029, 258-9724, FAX 258-9725

JACKSONVILLE:

Jacksonville Municipal Ctr.

Route 100

Jacksonville, VT 05342

368-2421, FAX 368-7804

LUDLOW:

6 Andover, Office #5

Ludlow, VT 05149

228-2594, FAX 228-2623

TOWNSHEND:

Grace Cottage Hospital,

Route 35, Townshend, VT 05353

365-7706, FAX 365-9500

WHITE RIVER JUNCTION:

Gates-Briggs Building

26 N. Main St., Suite 322

White River Jct. VT 05001

295-2200, FAX 295-3001

Bugbee Senior Center

262 N Main St., WRJ

295-9068, FAX 295-2073

WINDSOR:

Windsor House, 54 Main St

Windsor, VT 05089, 674-9152

WOODSTOCK:

Thompson Senior Center

1141 Senior Lane,

Woodstock, VT 05091

457-3277, FAX 457-4168