Community
BY COLBY FARR
North Central Texas Area Agency on Aging aims to help, o er resources to seniors
The North Central Texas Area Agency on Aging aims to provide information and direct services for senior citizens in the area. The big picture The agency was created in 1973 and is part of a national network funded by federal and state dollars. It helps provide services for quali ed adults, including through partnerships with more than 20 nonpro ts across its coverage area, Director of Aging Programs Doni Green said. “Our purpose is to provide information, advice and direct services that prompt aging with dignity and independence,” Green said in an email. The NCTAAA is one of three agencies in the Dallas-Fort Worth area that o ers resources for seniors. Dallas and Tarrant counties each have their own agency on aging while the NCTAAA covers the remaining 14 counties in North Texas, including Collin and Denton. What they o er Agency sta o er counseling services to help seniors understand Medicare, Medicaid and other public bene ts available. They can also help arrange community-based housing and host preventative health workshops. The workshops o ered range from teaching how to reduce fall risk to managing chronic diseases, according to its website. “To be old is not to be disabled, but getting older increases the risk of disability,” Green said. “More than 80% of people aged [60 and older] deal with at least one chronic disease. More than 40% deal with a disability that a ects daily life.” The NCTAAA’s services are available for free to those who qualify. In order to qualify for assistance,
Counties served
Denton County
Collin County Hunt County
Wise County
Palo Pinto County
Parker County
Rockwall County
Kaufman County
Hood County
Johnson County
Ellis County
Erath County
Navarro County
Somervell County
Services o ered
Informational services for seniors and caregivers
Preventative healthcare services
Ombudsman services
Nursing home relocation assistance
Bene ts counseling
Depression counseling
Specialized support services for caregivers with family members experiencing dementia
Caregiver respite
a person must be 60 years or older, according to the NCTAAA’s website. Some caregivers can also qualify for resources. Green recommended caregivers should reach out to learn more about the services that are available for them. “Too many try to gure out everything on their own, and that’s hard—even for those who are well-educated,” Green said. “The Area Agencies on Aging are good starting points.”
Arlington
360
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616 Six Flags Drive, Arlington www.nctcog.org/aging-services
Helping North Texans Age With Dignity Since 1934
To schedule your free in-home informational visit, please call us at (214) 689-0000 or email gethelp@vnatexas.org vnatexas.org
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FLOWER MOUND HIGHLAND VILLAGE ARGYLE EDITION
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