Seniors

Case Management

A Case Manager assesses services needed, arranges for these services and monitors how these services are helping the individual. Case Management is a "system" that ensures appropriate services to the elderly and disabled persons to assist them in remaining independent. Case Assistants assist Case Managers in provision of services.

Community Outreach

Through a cooperative effort with other community service agencies, staff help meet the immediate emergency needs of families and individuals by referring them for needed services and giving them appropriate information.

Community Transportation

Special vehicles designed to assist elderly and handicapped persons with their transportation needs are available area-wide. Medical and health-related appointments are the first priority of the service.

Benton County "HOPE" Transit Program
A county-wide program using volunteers to help elderly/handicapped persons get to needed medical appointments. Volunteers use their own vehicles. A lift van is also available.

Equipment Loan

Various items available for consumers to borrow at no cost such as wheel chairs, walkers, etc.

Goin' Like 60

Goin' Like 60  is a cable television program produced by the Agency in conjunction with community volunteers and aired on Comcast digital cable.  To find Goin' Like 60  select "On Demand" and then "Get Local" from your Comcast digital programming options. It features a variety of topics of interest to seniors.

Indiana Home and Community-Based Waivers

Medicaid waivers make Medicaid funds available for home and community-based services as an alternative to institutional care, under the condition that the overall costs of supporting individuals in the home or community is no more than institutional care for these individuals.

To qualify for Medicaid waiver services, an individual must meet the level of care criteria, as well as be as income-eligible for Medicaid. Parental income and resources are disregarded for children under the age of 18, who are approved for waiver level of care.

Current Medicaid waivers are as follows:

1.  Aged and Disabled Waiver - serves persons regardless of age whose medical needs require the equivalent of either skilled or intermediate nursing home level of care.
• Aging and Disabled Diversion Waiver Option - Area IV is targeting a new population of persons who are receiving Medicaid and are at imminent risk of long-term placement in a nursing home. Eligible individuals may be in the hospital, in a nursing facility or discharged from a hospital or nursing home within the past 30 days. The eligible individual must meet level of care requirements for nursing facility admission. This category of the Aged and Disabled waiver is intended to get appropriate services in place as soon as possible (faster than the usual waiver process). Area IV will work with State personnel to identify needed services, gain the necessary approvals and get the provider agency in place --- ideally within two weeks. (Time needed to secure state approval may vary).  If an individual does not meet this priority criteria, but still qualifies for services through the Aged and Disabled Waiver, they will be placed on the waiting list for traditional targeting off that waiting list by the State.

2.  Traumatic Brain Injury Waiver - serves persons with a diagnosis of traumatic brain injury and whose medical needs are equivalent of either skilled or intermediate nursing home level of care.

PLEASE NOTE: The following Medicaid Waivers are designed to specifically serve persons with Developmental Disabilities:

• Support Services Waiver
• Developmental Disabilities Waiver
• Autism Waiver

Persons wishing to be placed on the wait lists for these services must contact the Bureau of Developmental Disabilities Services. They are located at 1007 Pond Mill, Suite A, Greencastle, IN 46135. Toll free number is 1-877-218-3096 or not toll-free at 1-765-653-2468.

Indiana Money Management Program

Through this program, volunteers and staff provide at-risk, physically and/or mentally disadvantaged persons with support services to help them manage their personal financial affairs to avoid homelessness or premature institutionalization.

Legal Counseling for Seniors

A private monthly program that offers individual appointments with a local attorney for financial legal counseling. There is no fee for this service and the 1/2 hour sessions are conducted at the Lafayette Area IV Agency office. Call (800)382-7556 to schedule.

Nursing Home PreAdmission Screening

Nursing Home PreAdmission Screening is a State and Federal requirement for entrance to a long-term care facility. The goal of Pre-Admission Screening is to identify appropriate and cost-effective long-term care services for persons applying for long-term care facility placement or in-home services funded by Medicaid Waiver.

PreAdmission Screening Applications

Application/450B and Level I [PDF 488 KB]
Emergency/Respite Admission Request [PDF 488 KB]
Depression Screen (Attachment to Level I) [PDF 1.1 MB]
PreAdmission Screening (PAS) Manual
IPAS & PASRR Program Manual - Part I
IPAS & PASRR Program Manual - Part II

Preventive Health

Various programs focus on wellness, promoting exercise, fitness, proper nutrition, vision care, safety prevention, mental health, smoking cessation and the safe use of medications.

Senior Games
Our own annual "mini-Olympics" which includes a wide variety of sporting events and activities including swimming, cycling, nature and fitness walks, golf, tennis, bowling, bingo and euchre for people age 55 and older. Its goal is to maintain and improve health and wellness, provide a competitive, athletic, recreational and social experience, and focus attention on the importance of regular exercise. For more information visit the National Senior Games Association web site - www.nsga.com
Thanks to our 2010 Diamond Sponsor SecureHorizons, Platinum Sponsor American Senior Communities: Rosewalk Commons and Rosewalk Village and Gold Sponsors Trilogy Health Services and Vectren Energy Delivery.  Download 2010 results here!

Learn about the Indiana Senior Games Click here! (held in Hamilton and Marion Counties each June as well) - qualifying Games for the Nationals

Senior Bus Trips
Area IV Agency coordinates several bus trips for older adults (age 55 and older) on an annual basis. The purpose of these day trips is to give these individuals an opportunity to see parts of our state and enjoy unique activities that they might not otherwise have the opportunity to do. The trips are available to seniors in all of Area IV Agencies eight counties at a very affordable cost thanks to the generous support of Hippensteel Funeral Service & Crematory in Lafayette and Mulberry Health and Retirement Community and The Cottages of Mulberry in Mulberry.  Watch local newspapers in January of each year to learn what trips are taking place for that year or contact Anita at [ email ] or (800)382-76556.

"Wacky Wednesdays at the Movies"
This monthly activity that occurs each second Wednesday gives seniors the opportunity to enjoy a morning movie and a breakfast snack for a very low cost. It takes place at Eastside 10 off of State Road 26 East. In conjunction with Area IV Agency, this activity is sponsored by SecureHorizons, Rosewalk Commons, Hippensteel Funeral Service & Crematory, Rosewalk Village, Golden Corral Restaurant and Goodrich Quality Theaters.  Downloads list of '10 movies here!   Throughout the year, the Agency, along with these sponsors also plan some "Terrific Thursdays" which are held at Great Skates Fun Center on Earl Avenue in Lafayette.  Terrific Thursdays offer an addtional morning of fun & activity for a low cost!

Senior Art Contest
Area IV offers a Senior Art Contest for our eight-county area in the categories of Painting (amateur and advanced), Drawing (amateur and advanced) and Photography (open). The age requirement is 55 and one entry per year is allowed. The Contest is promoted in July/August each year and entries are typically due in early September at a local venue and then put on display for a few weeks after that. Ribbons are awarded to all participants, as well as special awards for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in each category. For more information, contact the Agency at [ email ].  Download 2009 details here!

Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Conditions Workshop
Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Conditions is an evidence-based chronic disease self-management program (CDSMP) developed by Stanford University’s Patient Education Research Center and Kaiser Permanente. This 6-week workshop focuses on guiding participants to develop functional skills to successfully manage their chronic health conditions. Participants will learn to cope with the many day-to-day issues that are part of living with an on-going health condition. Topics covered include depression, physical activity, nutrition, communication with healthcare professionals, medication management, and coping with difficult emotions. Living a Healthy Life is open to older adults with chronic conditions and their caregivers. Cost is $5 to rent the class workbook or $20 to buy your own. Workshops run at different locations throughout the year. Download flyer here!

EnhanceFitness
Being fit just became a whole lot more fun with EnhanceFitness. This group fitness classes is designed specifically for older adults. Formerly known as Lifetime Fitness, EnhanceFitness was developed by the University of Washington and Senior Services of Seattle. The class includes low-impact cardio, strength, flexibility, and balance exercises, all of which were designed by physical therapists and other experts in the field. As of March 2008, EnhanceFitness has had over 7500 participants with:
• 13% reporting improved social functioning
• 52% reporting improvements in depression and mental wellbeing, and
• 35% reporting improved physical functioning.
Also, after only one year, the healthcare utilization of EnhanceFitness participants was 79% of non-participants’ costs to their HMO.

EnhanceFitness classes are one-hour long, three days a week, over six-week sessions. Cost is $36/six-week session or $2 per class (scholarships are available). Classes are currently available in Benton and Tippecanoe Counties, and coming to Carroll County Soon!  
Download flyer here!

Benton (Fowler)
Madison Cottages                 
Mon/Wed/Fri
9:00-10:00 am

Tippecanoe (Lafayette)
Jenks Rest
Mon/Tues/Thurs
8:00-9:00 am

A Matter of Balance  – Managing Concerns about Falls
Do you have concerns about falling? This is the class for you! A Matter of Balance is a fall prevention program designed to reduce the fear of falling and increase physical activity levels among older adults who are fearful of falls. This program was developed by the Roybal Center for Enhancement of Late-Life Function at Boston University and MainHealth’s Partnership for Healthy Aging, and has gained national recognition as the leader in fall prevention. During this program, participants will learn that falls are controllable, set goals for increasing physical activities, make changes to reduce fall risks at home, and exercise to increase strength and balance. This program is ideal for:
• Anyone concerned about falls
• Anyone interested in improving balance, flexibility, and strength
• Anyone who has fallen in the past, and
• Anyone who has restricted his/her activities due to falling concerns.
The Matter of Balance program is $10 (scholarships are available). Classes are 2 hours, held either twice a week for 4 weeks, or once a week for 8 weeks (vary depending upon location).  Download flyer here!

For more information or to register for Living a Healthy Life, EnhanceFitness or A Matter of Balance, please contact Pattie – Wellness and Prevention Coordinator ([ email ] or (800) 382-7556.