By Lauren
Managing Editor
The purpose of the Calcasieu Council on Aging is to offer
assistance to older adults so that they can remain independent
in their own homes. The organization offers a variety of
services at various locations throughout Southwest Louisiana. They include:
Home-delivered meals
Nutritious meals are delivered to homes of "at risk" clients five days per week; weekends excluded. It also provides personal contact for seniors who have few people or no one to
check on them.
Homemaker services
Homemakers assist high-risk clients with their house-cleaning chores. The visit also provides an opportunity for clients to socialize.
SenioRX
This plan offers assistance in obtaining free or reduced cost medications for anyone 21 or older in Calcasieu, Cameron, Jefferson Davis, Beauregard, and Allen Parishes.
Ombudsman
Provides advocates and visitors for persons in long-term care facilities in the six-parish area, which includes Calcasieu, Cameron, Jefferson Davis, Beauregard, Vernon and Allen
Parishes.
The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program is authorized by the federal Older American Act. This is a state and federally mandated program that has both paid staff and fully trained
volunteers. The State of Louisiana contracts with the Calcasieu Council on Aging to provide the Ombudsman Program.
These facilities include nursing homes and assisted living facilities. This program is designed to ensure that residents of long-term care facilities receive the best possible care and that their rights are protected and promoted. The Ombudsman Program fulfills this purpose by:
• Investigating and resolving problems, including complaints against a facility or public agency.
• Advocating for resident rights and improvements in care and quality of life.
• Educating the public, caregivers and the residents themselves about their rights and efforts to improve care.
• Informing lawmakers and public agencies about ways to improve care.
• Aiding families in identifying suitable nursing homes or long-term care facilities for loved ones.
Residents or their families can file a complaint directly to the local Long-Term Care Ombudsman by calling (800) 223-5872 or locally at 474-2583.
Volunteer Wheels and More
Seniors experience many losses: retirement; changes in vision, hearing and mobility; and death of a spouse, friend or family member. Many hesitate to ask for help, or to acknowledge that
these losses are interfering with their ability to get out and about safely.
Volunteer Wheels provides transportation for medical appointments, shopping and personal business, along with handyman services. These services are provided on a limited basis and require advance reservations. For more information, or to volunteer, call (337) 310-0154. Services are offered free of charge; however, for those who are able, contributions are accepted
each week to help expand services to others.
Congregate Meals
Nutritious meals, as well as education, recreation and socialization opportunities are available Monday through Friday from 10 a.m.- noon at the following locations.
Carlyss
6043 Carlyss Drive
Carlyss
(337) 527-9142
DeQuincy #1
301 Coward Street
DeQuincy
(337) 786-2570
DeQuincy #2
400 Park Place Dr
DeQuincy
(337) 786-3198
Golden Arms
1481 3rd Street
Lake Charles
(337) 433-8770
Iowa Senior Center
207 West Highway 90
Iowa
(337) 582-1592
Starks Place
4736 Evangeline Hwy
Starks
(337) 743-6865
Sulphur
601 Maple Street
Sulphur
(337) 527-5573
Tower Oaks
222 Louie Street
Lake Charles
(337) 439-8819
Vinton Senior Center
915 West Street
Vinton
(337) 589-2818
Westlake Senior Center
2001 Jones Street
Westlake
(337) 436-6879
Martin Luther King Center
2009 N. Simmons St
Lake Charles
(337) 491-1497
Moss Bluff Senior Center
2868 Highway 171 North
Lake Charles
(337) 217-0500
Other Services
Medicaid Enrollment Center
For person 60 + who may be eligible for Medicaid services.
Information and Assistance
Provides current information on services available within the community.
Legal Assistance
Provides legal advice, counseling and representation by
Southwest Louisiana Legal Services. For more info, call 436-3308 or (800) 256-1955.
Nutrition Education
Promotes better health by providing accurate nutrition, physical fitness, and health information.
Outreach
Identifies potential clients for available services.
Medical Alert
Provides Emergency Response Systems to seniors. The client is responsible for the monthly fee paid to the company who issuesthe alerts.
Medication Management
Screening and education to prevent incorrect medication and adverse drug reactions.
Recreation
Provides activities that promote social interaction and well-being.
Wellness
Provides activities such as health screenings, exercise, etc., designed to support and improve mental and physical well-being.
Telephoning
Individuals are contacted by phone on a routine basis to determine physical status and to provide comfort and help.
Utility Assistance
Provided through Entergy, Centerpoint Entex and Cleco to help clients who are in financial need with their utility bill.
Call 433-0805 for information and to set up an appointment.
SHIPP Program (Insurance)
Senior Health Insurance Information Program provides information and counseling to anyone who need assistance with HMO, Medicare, Medicaid, Long Term Care Insurance, Medigap,
etc.
