AIHS is the designated Area Agency on Aging (AAA) for this area of Indiana, and covers nine counties. The role of the area agency is to develop comprehensive, coordinated systems of care for the elderly. It is also mandated to be the advocate for older persons in the area and provide information and assistance. In Indiana the State has selected AAAs to be the single point of entry for long-term care, through its case management system. The agency screens individuals entering long-term care facilities and government funded home care, for Medicaid and other programs. The agency then works with clients to authorize and oversee local providers of care. AIHS provides a variety of programs in the nine counties, including congregate, home-delivered meals, preventive health, family caregiver programs and senior employment. Over 11,0 00 persons are served each year. Each county also has a legally-separate County Council on Aging, who receives some funding through the AAA to provide transportation, and in some cases, homemaker and/or home chore. County councils on aging also do a variety of local programs. If you are unsure which agency you should call, contact AIHS at (800) 552-3662, and our information and assistance office can point you in the right direction.
There is an Area Agency on Aging that covers every county in the United States. By calling AIHS at (800) 552-3662, we can get you the phone number of the agency in your loved one’s area.
The local Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) office can provide you with this information. Their local phone number is (260) 373-7952.
The purpose of the Community and Home Options to Institutional Care for the Elderly and Disabled Program (CHOICE) is to enable people who are elderly or have disabilities to live independently in their own homes or in community integrated settings instead of institutional care. Services available through the CHOICE Program include: case management, home health services and supplies, attendant care, homemaker, adult day care, home delivered meals, minor home modification, adaptive aids and devices, and transportation. To be eligible, clients must be residents of Indiana, be 60 years of age or disabled, and be unable to perform two or more activities of daily living as measured on the long term care services eligibility screen.
One option is to call your local County Council on Aging. They have van service that is available to take you to your doctor’s appointments and the grocery store, etc. In Allen County, there are other transportation options such as CTN (260) 420-3280. For a complete list of options, call AIHS at (800) 552-3662.
6. How can I get assistance with small jobs around
the house and handy chore services?
For a brochure and a complete list of services available in your area, contact AIHS at (800) 552-3662.