Community
BY COLBY FARR
North Central Texas Area Agency on Aging aims to help, offer resources
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 qualified adults, including through partnerships with more than 20 nonprofits 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 offers resources for seniors. Dallas and Tarrant coun- ties each have their own agency on aging while the NCTAAA covers the remaining 14 counties in North Texas, including Collin and Denton. What they offer Agency staff offer counseling services to help seniors under- stand Medicare, Medicaid and other public benefits available. They can also help arrange com- munity-based housing and host preventative health workshops. The workshops offered 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 affects daily life.” The NCTAAA’s services are avail- able for free to those who qualify. In order to qualify for assistance,
Services offered
Informational services for seniors and caregivers
Benefits counseling
Caregiver respite
Ombudsman services
Nursing home relocation assistance
Preventative healthcare services
Depression counseling
Specialized support services for caregivers with family members experiencing dementia
SOURCE: NORTH CENTRAL TEXAS AREA AGENCY/ COMMUNITY IMPACT
Arlington
360
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616 Six Flags Drive, Arlington www.nctcog.org/aging-services
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 avail- able for them. “Too many try to figure 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.”
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