More than 850,000 people over the age of 65 call Missouri home, an increase
of 13% since 2000. That population growth is expected to accelerate over
the next few decades, so the Missouri
Department of Health and Senior Services has the difficult job of
providing services and programs to ensure that the increasingly long lives
of seniors remains healthy and happy.
They include:
-- Adult Day Care: Daily care and supervision for seniors with
disabilities.
-- Alzheimer’s Safe Return Program: A service to help find Alzheimer’s and
dementia patients who have wandered away or have medical emergencies.
-- Food Programs: Meals delivered directly to the home or served in a group
setting at a community center.
-- Missourians Stopping Adult Financial Exploitation (MOSAFE): Educating
seniors and financial institutions in combating exploitation of
seniors.
-- Missouri Rx Plan: Helping eligible seniors pay for prescription
drugs.
-- Nursing Homes and Other Care Options: Helping seniors and their families
when the time comes to enter a long-term care facility.
-- Ombudsman Program: Volunteers serving residents of nursing homes and
residential care facilities regarding abuse, neglect and exploitation.
-- Senior Employment: Helping seniors who still want to work obtain
jobs.
-- Wellness and Prevention: Educating seniors on how to live healthier
lives.
If you are a senior who lives alone or with a spouse, then it is crucial
that you at least consider getting a medical alert system. Such a system
can help you keep your independence since you will always be monitored, and
in the event of an emergency, help is just the press of a button away.
Medical alert companies are national, meaning they operate in all 50
states, including Missouri. It appears each company offers the same
service, but there are differences. You can compare the services from more
than a dozen top companies here.
It is estimated that a third of all seniors will suffer a serious fall
every year. Well in Missouri, the rate of falling is 31% higher than the
national average. The state is doing something about it.
The Show Me Falls Free Missouri is a program aimed at reducing the
number of falls among senior Missourians. A voluntary group of more than 50
organizations throughout the state are spreading the word about falls and
increasing the awareness of how serious they can be.
You can contact the state to schedule someone to speak to your senior
group.
Missouri has an interesting program called Silver Haired Legislation.
Better known as SHL, it is a formally elected body of citizens aged 60 or
older who promote legislative advocacy for seniors in the state.
Each of the 10 Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) elects three “senators” and 12
“representatives.” The 30 senators and 120 representatives meet for two
days every fall to debate and vote on a docket of bills concerning
seniors.
The Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services offers programs through
its 10 AAAs throughout the state.
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