SFY 2024 Annual Report

SFY 2024 AN N U AL R E P O R T

Sowega Council on Aging

MISSION To coordinate a system of services that promote the well-being and independence of older and disabled Georgians, helping them achieve healthy and self-sufficient lives.

VISION For all seniors and disabled individuals in our service area to have the resources to live longer, live safer, and live well.

PILLARS Safety We prioritize the safety and well being for all.

Respect We value everyone’s individuality with care and compassion.

Experience We deliver quality service in a friendly and engaging atmosphere.

Efficiency We maximize our resources to deliver competent, quality services.

To view from a desktop visit sowegacoa.org/video-library.

2 Sowega Council on Aging

Message from our Executive Director Izzie Sadler

Dear Friends and Supporters, As we reflect on State Fiscal Year 2024, I am proud to share that the Area Agency on Aging has continued to offer innovative and effective programming that positively impacts the lives of seniors across our 14-county region in Southwest Georgia. Our commitment to helping seniors live longer, live safely, and live well remains at the forefront of everything we do.

This year, our agency has continued to develop and expand programs designed to meet the diverse needs of our aging population. From the Senior Center Without Walls to our evidencebased health programs, our services are designed to help seniors remain independent in their homes and communities. The Aging & Disability Resource Connection, Transportation, Nutrition Services, Homemaker Services, Adult Day Care, Nursing Home Transitions, Dementia Care, Case Management, and volunteer programs are just a few examples of the many ways we are working to support our senior population.

The data and reports contained within this annual report provide a detailed overview of our achievements, as well as the impact these programs have had on the lives of those we serve.

We encourage you to review these sections to see the full extent of our work.

Our successes would not be possible without the ongoing support of the Division of Aging Services, our local providers, community partners, dedicated volunteers, and our exceptional staff. Your unwavering commitment ensures that our mission to help seniors remain independent in their homes and communities is not only met but exceeded.

In closing, I want to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who has played a role in supporting our agency and the seniors we serve. Together, we are making a meaningful difference in the lives of countless individuals, and for that, we are incredibly thankful.

Sincerely,

IZZIE SADLER Executive Director

SFY Annual Report 2024 3

Terrell

Calhoun

Early

Lee

Dougherty

Worth

Baker Mitchell Miller

Colquitt

Seminole Decatur

Grady

Thomas

About Sowega Council on Aging Sowega Council on Aging has been a trusted nonprofit organization since 1966. We provide unbiased information, programs, and services to 60,000 seniors age 60 and up, caregivers to those who are 60 and up, and disabled adults annually in 14 counties across Southwest Georgia.

We promote the independence, health, and dignity of older adults in need through compassion, education, and advocacy.

The Albany-Dougherty Council on Aging was incorporated in 1966. In 1979, to reflect the 14-county service area -a 6,000 square mile region- the name was changed to Sowega (Southwest Georgia) Council on Aging. The Sowega Council on Aging operates as an Area Agency on Aging (AAA) and an Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ARDC).

With counties whose total population ranges from 4,074 - 96,065, it is easy to understand the challenges which must be met to provide services in a cost-effective but fair manner. The flexibility in developing service plans given to Area Agencies on Aging by the Division of Aging Services permits this to happen. The Sowega Council on Aging is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

What is an Area Agency on Aging?

Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) were formally established in the 1973 Older Americans Act (OAA) as the “on the ground” organization charged with helping vulnerable older adults live with independence and dignity in their homes and communities. An Area Agency on Aging (AAA) is a public or private nonprofit agency designated by the state to address the needs and concerns of all older and disabled persons at the regional and local levels. AAAs contract with local service providers to deliver many direct services, such as home-delivered meals, homemaker assistance, transportation, and whatever else it may take to make independent living a viable option.

An Area Agency on Aging fulfills the following roles: • Assess community needs and develop and fund programs that respond to those needs • Educate and provide direct assistance to consumers about available community resources for long-term services and supports • Serve as portals to care by assessing multiple service needs, determining eligibility, authorizing or purchasing services, and monitoring the appropriateness and cost-effectiveness of services • Custodians of the public interest demonstrate responsible fiscal stewardship by maximizing the use of public and private funding to serve as many consumers as possible 4 Sowega Council on Aging

SERVICE AREA COUNTIES SERVED

POPULATION AGE 65+

Baker Calhoun Colquitt Decatur Dougherty Early Grady Lee Miller Mitchell Seminole Terrell Thomas Worth

701 859 6,829 3,072 13,783 1,936 4,343 3,595 1,223 3,634 2,828 1,667 8,060 3,860

TOTAL

56,390

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

A Regional Resource Center Sowega Council on Aging 335 West Society Avenue Albany, Georgia 31701 P: (229) 432-1124 T: (800) 282-6612 F: (229) 483-0995 SowegaCOA.org The 45,000-square-foot regional education center is the hub for Sowega Council on Aging. The administrative offices include a variety of multipurpose rooms, meeting rooms, reception space, and a ballroom that can accommodate up to 250 people in a banquet format. The facility is equipped with stateof-the-art audio-visual equipment and smart boards, making the center ideal for corporate meetings, seminars, conferences, and educational presentations.

The entire facility is ADA compliant and includes two elevators and equipment for those with mobility concerns.

ADVISORY COUNCIL

Chair: Frank Dinie Deborah Clemons, Chairman Vice Chair: Tammie Croft Colony Bank | Dawson, GA Secretary: Gloria Bronson Chris Kane, Vice Chair Sherry Bailey Phoebe | Leesburg, GA Connie Hobbs Jeff Wright, Secretary Mack Jones Draffin Tucker | Albany, GA Bo Strickland, Assistant Secretary Gardner, George Masciarelli Willis, Plaire & Wilson | Albany, GA Joe Dillard Glover Austin Sheryl Venable Retired Phoebe Hospital | Albany, GA Carol Bonnie Reilly Boyd John Johnson Edward Roberts Jim Boyd Construction Co. | Leesburg, GA Melinda Crook Tangela Campbell Glenda Coffey Retired MolsonCoors | Albany GA Stacey DeMarino Ilean Bady Renasant Bank | Albany, GA Cory Thomas Edward Green Chad Ellis Gillionville Baptist Church | Albany GA Don Billie McLendon Laurie Joan Perry Gray City of Albany | Albany GA Angela Kiminias Melanie Kemp Lougenia Cross Retired | Camilla, GA Dr. Steve Kitchen Retired Phoebe Hospital | Albany, GA Daniel Stone Synovus | Albany, GA Sherman Willis Gardner, Willis, Sweat, Plaire & Pickett, LLP | Albany, GA Darrin Wood Woodford Plywood | Albany, GA

Mitchell County Colquitt County Dougherty County Baker County Baker County Calhoun County Decatur County Dougherty County Dougherty County Dougherty County Dougherty County Dougherty County Early County Grady County Lee County Miller County Mitchell County Seminole County Terrell County Thomas County Worth County

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6 Sowega Council on Aging

THIS YEAR AT THE SOWEGA COUNCIL ON AGING HAS BEEN FILLED WITH MEANINGFUL CONNECTIONS AND POSITIVE CHANGE. WE ARE PROUD OF THE WAYS WE’VE BEEN ABLE TO SUPPORT OUR SENIORS AND LOOK FORWARD TO CONTINUING OUR MISSION OF SERVICE IN THE COMING YEAR.

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The Aging & Disability

RESOURCE CONNECTION 8 Sowega Council on Aging

WELLNESS EVENT STATISTICS

THE AGING & DISABILITY RESOURCE CONNECTION 1-800-282-6612 The Aging & Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) connects seniors, individuals with disabilities, family members, caregivers, and professionals with the resources and information they need.

• Serves as the no wrong door for information, resources, and services • Provides information and assistance to individuals needing either public or private resources, to professionals seeking assistance on behalf of their clients, and to individuals planning for their future long-term care needs • Provides easy access to information • Offers screening for services and options counseling • Provides resources and services that support the individual’s range of needs • Creates a person-centered, community-based environment that promotes independence and dignity for individuals

ADRC SFY 2024 Total calls received: 29,797 Total contacts received for information and service inquiries: 10,519 Referrals received from providers: 2,400 Referrals made into services (total clients served in HCBS services only): 671 Number of resources updated:1,346 MFP: 6 NHT: 6

Event Name

Duplicated

Unduplicated

Chair Fitness (Monday)

2,042

163

Chair Fitness (Thursday)

1,423

153

Line Dancing (Beginner)

353

48

Line Dancing

481

44

Pickleball

187

22

Senior Stretch & Yoga

695

104

Tai Chi Beginner

153

36

Tai Chi for Arthritis

547

79

Wellness Room

1,044

92

Low Impact Aerobics

205

52

Virtual Classes

Unduplicated

Morning Stretch

28 (5x/week)

Mindful Meditation

9 (1x/week)

Chair Yoga

7 (2x/week)

Creative Creations

2 (1x/week)

Concerts

44 (5x/week)

Bingo

8 (1x/month)

Coffee House

6 (1x/month)

Museum Tour

4 (1x/month)

Virtual EBPs

Unduplicated

Tai Chi (am)

5 Participants 1 workshop

Tai Chi (pm)

13 Participants 2 workshops

DSMP

13 Participants 3 workshops

AARP SMART DRIVER CLASSES SCOA hosted monthly AARP Smart Driver Classes throughout the year serving 72 seniors.

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Senior Center Without Walls Congregate

MEAL PROGRAM

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Senior Centers exist to enrich the lives of senior citizens through programs and services that improve their health and wellness, decrease loneliness and isolation, and provide social, economic, and education opportunities to enhance their quality of life. Nutritious meals are served to people age 60+. Participants enjoy activities, exercise, special events, and engaging programs. Research shows that older adults who participate in senior center programs can learn to manage and delay the onset of chronic disease and experience measurable improvements in their physical, social, spiritual, emotional, mental, and economic well-being.

Senior Centers are reinventing themselves to meet the needs and desires of the aging baby boomer generation. Boomers currently constitute 2/3 of the 50+ population. By the year 2030, one in five individuals in each community will be over 65.

Since April 2020, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, our senior center programs have been operating under a new model - Senior Center Without Walls Congregate Meal Program. The program offers the same components as a physical senior center within a community.

In SFY 2024, the Sowega Council on Aging contracted with 24 local restaurants in our 14-county area to serve lunches Monday through Friday between 11 am and 2 pm. The county of residence determines the restaurants available to the client. The senior recreational activities are offered throughout the community in locations like the library, recreation department, church, etc. Programs include exercise classes, Bingo and other games, walking clubs, nutrition education classes, devotionals, music programs, evidence-based health programs, crafts, and more.

We contracted with five organizations throughout the region to provide senior recreational activities through the Request for Proposal process. Our Senior Recreation partner providers include Albany/Lee YMCA, Colquitt County Arts Center in Moultrie, The Cross Church in Camilla, and Spring Creek Health in Miller County.

They provided various activities including exercise classes, games, educational workshops, music programs, crafts and more. We hope to add more partner providers in other counties throughout the region in the future. Virtual activities are also a part of the SCWW model. Participants were able to join nutrition education classes, evidence based-programs, various games, and coffee chats, along with a daily engagement activity on the Claris Companion tablets or home computer/tablet.

Congregate Clients served: 934 Congregate Meals served: 133,593

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Rural

WELLNESS PROGRAM 12 Sowega Council on Aging

The Wellness Program promotes optimum nutrition and healthy lifestyle management for positive outcomes. In each of our 14 senior centers, active aging is encouraged by implementing the following five key messages: “BE ACTIVE, BE SMOKE-FREE, EAT HEALTHY, GET CHECKED, AND STAY POSITIVE.” These messages are addressed through four major areas of wellness, lifestyle management, awareness and prevention, nutrition, and physical activity. Collaboration with community partners is key when providing programs and activities that focus on diet, exercise, health and chronic disease prevention and self-management. Over 1450 older adults received information in the form of a quarterly magazine along with a calendar of program offerings.

We hosted four regional Resource Fairs in conjunction with the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program. Dougherty County, Colquitt County, Miller County and Mitchell County each hosted an event. Participants were able to gather resources and information about programs and services from various providers in the aging network. The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program is a Federally funded program provided through the USDA for GA residents who are 60+ that meet the income requirements. We were able to provide 725 senior participants with a $50 voucher to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables. Awareness events were also hosted and celebrated in honor of Older American’s Month in May, National Fall Prevention Month in September, and Active Aging Week in October.

Monthly virtual classes were offered and made available through the Claris Companion tablets for those who received a tablet. These tablets are senior friendly making it easy for anyone to participate. Various topics including diabetes and chronic disease awareness, nutrition, falls prevention, active aging, and relationships were introduced through monthly programming options. Clients were mailed the agency quarterly magazine with a list of virtual program options, including Tai Chi for Falls Prevention, Wellness Wednesday, trivia sessions, and other daily content.

In-person activities include Chair Fitness, Line Dance, Tai Chi and Senior Stretch classes. These classes are taught by SCOA volunteer instructors. The Wellness Room offers stationery and spin bikes, tread mills, light hand weights and other exercise equipment for senior participants to use. A room monitor is available for an orientation of the machines and safety of the participants during operating hours.

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EVIDENCE-BASED PROGRAMS Evidence-based programs (EBPs) offer proven ways to promote health and prevent disease among older adults. They are based on research and provide documented health benefits, so you can be confident they work. This year, due to COVID restrictions limiting in-person programming, we were able to facilitate the majority of these programs over a teleconference line or, virtually, via laptop, computer or tablet.

CHRONIC DISEASE SELF-MANAGEMENT PROGRAM (CDSMP) The CDSMP is appropriate for any adults experiencing chronic health conditions such as hypertension, arthritis, heart disease, stroke, lung disease, and diabetes; their family members, friends, and caregivers can also participate. This program provides information through Living Well Workshops, which teach practical skills on managing chronic health problems. The CDSMP gives people the confidence and motivation to manage the challenges of living with a chronic health condition.

3 Virtual workshops served 18 participants TAI CHI FOR ARTHRITIS AND FALL PREVENTION Dr. Paul Lam and a team of researchers developed this evidence-based exercise program to introduce persons with arthritis or fear of falling to Tai Chi. Participants meet once or twice a week for up to one hour. This program relieves pain caused by arthritis, reduces falls, and improves quality of life.

2 In-Person workshops in Dougherty County serving 98 participants 3 Virtual workshops offered regionally, serving 10 participants. As part of a pilot program, participants were provided a tablet to provide them access to the Zoom platform.

DEALING WITH DEMENTIA This four-hour evidence based workshop is paired with the comprehensive Dealing with Dementia Guide, a detailed workbook designed to help family caregivers taking care of someone with dementia. Participation in this workshop is proven to increase dementia knowledge and confidence in the caregiver’s ability to provide care.

One workshop with 17 people.

AARP SMART DRIVER CLASSES We hosted monthly classes serving 72 seniors during the year. These classes are taught by AARP certified volunteer instructors. The classes are 6 hours in length split into two 3-hour sessions.

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AGING MASTERY PROGRAM® (AMP) AMP is a fun, innovative, and person-centered education program that empowers participants to embrace their gift of longevity by spending more time each day doing things that are good for themselves and others. The program encourages mastery—developing sustainable behaviors across many dimensions that lead to improved health, stronger economic security, enhanced well-being, and increased societal participation. The Aging Mastery Program® (AMP) was developed by the National Council on Aging (NCOA) and has been successful at helping older adults build their playbook for aging well.

Across the state of Georgia, this fiscal year, four virtual workshops were offered, serving 28 Georgians. In our region, one workshop was offered telephonically with six people graduating from the program.

CLASSES In-person Chair Fitness, Line Dance, Chair Yoga, and Tai Chi were offered and taught by SCOA volunteer instructors seeing an increase in participation after being home for so long.

Unduplicated Number of Participants served for the following classes in FY24: WELLNESS CENTER ACTIVITIES • Chair Fitness (Monday) – 163 • Chair Fitness (Thursday) – 153 • Line Dancing (Beginner) – 48 • Line Dancing – 44 • Low Impact Aerobics – 52

• Pickleball – 22 • Senior Stretch & Yoga – 104 • Tai Chi for Arthritis – 79 • Wellness Room – 92

EVIDENCE BASED PROGRAMS • AMP – 62 • CDSMP – 4 • DSMP – 16

• DSMP (Virtual) – 21 • Tai Chi AM (Virtual) – 5 • Tai Chi PM (Virtual) – 13

VIRTUAL ACTIVITIES • Morning Stretch – 28 • Mindful Meditation – 9 • Chair Yoga – 7 • Creative Creations – 2

• Concerts – 44 • BINGO – 8 • Coffee House – 6 • Museum Tour – 4

It’s unknown how many people may have taken part in classes offered virtually via YouTube and Facebook Live.

TRIPS We had 2 overnight trips through Diamond Tours, Inc. in FY24. In October 2023, we had 42 participants that enjoyed the Smoky Mountains Show trip which was a 5 day/4night trip. In April 2024, 33 participants attended the Biloxi/New Orleans trip, which was also a 5 day/4-night trip.

Day trips included: • Shopping Trip – The Shoppes at River Crossing in Macon – 15 participants • Swamp Gravy Show – “If Only in My Dreams” – 20 participants TRANSPORTATION The SCOA offers transportation services through the SW GA Regional Commission.

Trips Provided: 9,931

Clients Served: 300

Subscription Riders: 109

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Home & Community

BASED SERVICES 16 Sowega Council on Aging

Non-Medicaid-based services are available to clients to provide the resources and assistance necessary to remain in their homes as independently as possible.

ADULT DAY CARE

HOME DELIVERED MEALS

Provision of social and recreational activities to persons in need of limited personal care assistance, supervision or assistance essential for sustaining the activities of daily living.

Clients Served: 5 Service Hours: 3,638

Also known as the “Meals on Wheels” program, home delivered meals provide a hot, nutritious meal daily to homebound individuals. The “personal” delivery offers social interaction as well as a safety check.

Clients served: 615 Meals served: 180,778

ALZHEIMER’S ADULT DAY CARE Provision of social and recreational activities to persons in the various stages of Alzheimer’s Disease or related dementias, in need of limited personal care assistance, supervision or assistance essential for sustaining the activities of daily living.

Clients Served: 45 Service Hours: 19,842

CASE MANAGEMENT Case management assists individuals in gaining access to needed Home and Community Based Services and other State Plan services as well as needed medical, social, educational, and other services regardless of the funding source.

Case Management includes assessment, care planning, service management, monitoring, and negotiation of fees.

Clients Served: 1,109 Service Hours: 1,737

IN-HOME RESPITE CARE Services that offer temporary substitute supports or living arrangements for care recipients in order to provide a brief period of relief or rest for caregivers.

Clients Served: 12 Service Hours: 5,611

HOMEMAKER SERVICES Most older people choose to stay in their own homes as long as possible. Homemaker services provide individuals with the assistance needed to remain independent.

Services include meal preparation, laundry, and light housekeeping.

Clients Served: 225 Service Hours: 18,421

MATERIAL AID VOUCHERS May include: options counseling, home modifications, assistive technology devices, incontinence supplies, nutritional supplements, over-the-counter medications, infection control products, skincare products, and more.

Caregiver Material Aid Vouchers: 300

SENIOR RECREATION Provision of in-person senior recreation activities in a safe meeting space for adults ages 60+ that promote socialization, as well as physical and mental enrichment for leisure activities.

Clients Served: 4,844 Service Activities: 1,063

APS SUPPORT OPTIONS Provide supportive services and access to services (including programs, benefits, supports, and technology) authorized by the Older Americans Act to assist Adult Protective Services (APS) clients.

Clients Served: 25 SFY Annual Report 2024 17

Long-Term Care

OMBUDSMAN PROGRAM 18 Sowega Council on Aging

ELDER ABUSE PREVENTION Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program Representatives of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman are advocates for residents of nursing homes, personal care homes, assisted living communities, community living arrangements, and critical access hospitals. They work to improve the quality of life and quality of care for residents of these long-term care facilities. Our eight South Program Certified Ombudsman Representatives investigate and work to resolve complaints on behalf of residents. They routinely visit long-term care facilities to be accessible to residents and monitor conditions. The Ombudsman Representatives provide community education and outreach services to raise awareness and public sensitivity to elder abuse, enabling individuals to identify and prevent the abuse, neglect, and exploitation of older adults.

The Sowega Council on Aging South Program Ombudsman Representatives work with residents, long-term care facilities, Healthcare Facility Regulation Division, law enforcement, and other agencies to prevent elder abuse.

Elder abuse includes physical, emotional, psychological, or sexual abuse as well as financial or material exploitation, neglect, and abandonment.

SFY 2024 SOUTH PROGRAM OMBUDSMAN ACTIVITY Our eight South Certified Ombudsman Representatives cover 48 counties and a 20,000mile territory that includes over 510 facilities. They serve over 13,450 residents.

The number one priority of the Ombudsman Representative is complaint resolution to the satisfaction of the resident. The South Program has resolved 945 complaints in SFY 2024.

South Program Ombudsman Representatives have provided 844 facility staff consultations on resident rights issues and provided 812 information and assistance to residents, resident families, and the public. They have provided 35 in-service education sessions on resident rights to facility staff and 37 community education sessions.

Serving 48 counties in South Georgia • 72 Nursing Homes • 211 Personal Care Homes • 27 Assisted Living Communities • 192 Community Living Arrangements • 8 Critical Access Hospitals

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Transition

COORDINATION 20 Sowega Council on Aging

The Community Transitions (CT) program, formerly known as “The Money Follows The Person” (MFP) program allows a person who currently resides in an institutional setting (nursing home, hospital, or rehab facility) for at least 60 days, and with at least one day of nursing home services paid by Medicaid during their stay, the opportunity to meet with a CT Options Counselor to discuss options for transitioning back into the community to live. An eligible person could qualify for Community Transitions Services to assist transitioning from the nursing home into the housing of their choice. Some of the CT services assist with securing housing, help with paying security deposits, purchasing basic furniture, household goods and supplies, transportation arranged, and home modifications provided as needed.

Medicaid waiver programs support and promote each person’s independence and freedom of choice. The CT Options Counselor works to help the Transition Coordinator ensure that the transition is complete. Participants who are successfully transitioned are supported through the CT program for 365 days.

We also have services available for those currently residing in a nursing home or rehabilitation center for at least 20 days. This program is designed to give seniors the opportunity to return home after rehab or recovery in a skilled nursing facility. Patients may be receiving rehabilitative services to help recover their physical and functional abilities so that they can return home safely. The goal is for them to resume their normal day-to-day activities while helping to minimize care costs and prevent hospital readmissions.

Services Include: • Medical Equipment/Supplies • Wheelchair Ramps • Household Supplies • One-Time Rent Assistance Qualifications: 55+ Years Old Income less than $6175 per month U.S. Citizen 20+ Days Term in Nursing Home or Short-Term Rehab Number of CT/NHT transitions taking place SFY 2024 is 12 MFP transitions 6 & NHT transitions 6

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LEGAL SERVICES 22 Sowega Council on Aging

GA Legal Services started hosting monthly on-site visits in January to assist seniors with questions and various forms including Wills, Advance Directives, SNAP applications, and more. They helped 21 seniors on site.

GLSP has closed 258 cases.

The closing reasons are: • Counsel and Advice: 180 • Brief Service: 44 • Negotiated Settlement with Litigation: 1 • Administrative Agency Decision: 6 • Extensive Service: 22 • Uncontested Court Decision: 3 • Contested Court Decision: 1 Ethnic Groups: • White: 73 • Black: 176 • Other: 8 • Hispanic: 1

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VOLUNTEERS 24 Sowega Council on Aging

We are always looking for dedicated members of the community to be a part of our volunteer movement. There are several ways a person can volunteer with Sowega Council on Aging. Our volunteers are age 55+ and serve within the Americorps RSVP program. Our process is simple and includes a background check, for the safety of our seniors, for the majority of the areas of service.

Our Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) is vital to meeting our local needs by providing an experienced volunteer workforce. Volunteers aged 55 and older are encouraged to serve by sharing their skills with others at senior centers or out in the community. The RSVP Volunteer can choose to work in various volunteer stations.

Currently our volunteers are serving in the following areas: Ramp Crew, Craft Station, Telephone Reassurance, Wellness, Nursing Home Visitors, Transportation, and Tax Aide.

We also have episodic volunteer opportunities throughout the year that include events such as, but not limited to, Health Fairs, Senior Farmers Markets, or being a member of the agency councils and coalitions.

VOLUNTEER PROGRAM SFY 2024 • A team of 148 volunteers logged over 15,400 hours.

• Volunteers built 94 ramps for disabled, ill, or amputee clients.

• Volunteers created over 2,400 hand-crafted items including teddy bears, wheelchairs, bags, scarves and lap blankets.

• Volunteers recycled over 16,000 single-use plastic bags and turned them into sleeping mats that were then distributed to the area homeless.

• Volunteers lead classes including: - Evidence Based Programs: 159 clients - Fitness: 214 clients - Wellness Room: 92 clients, 1044 clients • We continued our partnership with many businesses, churches, non-profit organizations, fraternities, and other affiliations within the 14 counties of Southwest Georgia. Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital and United Way of Southwest Georgia were major contributing partners to many of our volunteer programs and services offered within the community.

SFY Annual Report 2024 25

CAREGIVER PROGRAM 26 Sowega Council on Aging

FAMILY CAREGIVER PROGRAM The Family Caregiver Program supports caregivers who provide in-home care to a lovedone sixty years and older. An assessment with the caregiver is completed to identify the assistance needed and available resources.

Services & Material Aid Assistance May Include: options counseling, home modifications, assistive technology devices, incontinence supplies, nutritional supplements, over-the-counter medications, infection control products, skincare products, and more.

Events include the monthly Caregiver Support Group meetings and the annual Lunch and Learn seminar in November. In recognition of National Caregiver Month in November, a family caregiver, paraprofessional caregiver, and a volunteer caregiver are honored at the annual Caregiver Conference. Additional seminars and learning opportunities are held throughout the year to support caregivers.

The Family Caregiver Program reduces caregiver burdens by providing emotional support, resources, education, and hope for caregivers.

Caregiver Material Aid Clients: 50 Caregiver Support Group Clients: 112

CARE-NET The CARE-NET is a unique volunteer coalition of caregiver support organizations from a broad array of illnesses and disabilities. Coalition members include volunteer leaders and advocates from community and state agencies, private corporations, churches, and family caregivers who provide ongoing information, assistance, counseling, training, and support groups for caregivers throughout Georgia: • Links professional and family caregivers in a supportive community concerned with caregiving.

• Identifies community caregiving strengths and needs • Implements effective educational programs for caregivers • Organizes community forums on caregiving issues • Provides a source of support for caregivers • Fosters strong relationships among community leaders concerned about caregivers • Helps agencies and stakeholders work collaboratively, coordinating human and fiscal resources • Educates the public and legislators about caregiving • Identifies policy issues and advocate on behalf of caregivers

SFY Annual Report 2024 27

ADVOCACY 28 Sowega Council on Aging

ADVOCACY The Council on Aging is the area leader in senior advocacy. Older adult concerns are monitored and addressed throughout the year at the local, state, and federal levels.

Advocacy efforts include: • Recommending legislation • Developing and presenting testimony at public hearings • Representing elderly in long-term care facilities • Addressing local civic groups, churches, city, and professional organizations • Commenting on proposed legislation that affects seniors in our area • Publishing an area-wide bi-monthly Long Term Care Ombudsman Newsletter.

• Working with AAA Board of Directors, Advisory Council, and Committees Senior Week at the State Capitol was hosted in-person in February, as were the other Co-Age meetings during the year. Ms. Ruth Lee, with the GCOA CO-AGE presented “Engage with Co-Age” at The Cross Church, Camilla to 40 seniors in April.

SENIOR HUNGER COALITION Partnerships with local farmers, food banks, churches, restaurants, grocery stores and senior housing complexes allowed for outreach and innovative service projects throughout the region.

This initiative meets quarterly and brings southwest Georgia area organizations and businesses together around the shared goal of combating senior hunger. Through innovative programming and partnerships, the Senior Hunger Coalition hopes to ensure that all clients are food secure and expands that commitment to serve all older adults within our community.

Focus Areas: 1. Today’s Seniors 2. Food Access 3. Food Waste and Reclamation 4. Meeting the Needs of the Community 5. Health Impact of Senior Hunger Our SFY24 mini grant partners included partners from Baker and Calhoun County. Calhoun County Family Connection and West IGA in Edison provided 50 seniors with $40 grocery vouchers, and Patmos Free Will Baptist Church in Leary offered monthly “Food for the Soul” serving 250 meals and educational programs for seniors throughout the year. They also provided fresh produce bags for the participants and delivered to homebound seniors in the area. Grocery totes were provided to 725 seniors at our Senior Farmers Market events, as well.

SCOA partnered with Tiffany Terrell, A Better Way Grocers, to set up their Mobile Grocery Truck at our facility once a month and served over 200 seniors. SCOA also started a partnership with Farmer Fredo, Flint River Fresh, to coordinate and provide free food boxes to senior village residents in the area once a month, averaging over 100 every month. Connecting with community partners helps bring awareness and needed resources to seniors in need and combat senior hunger issues in the region.

SFY Annual Report 2024 29

DEMENTIA CARE SPECIALIST 30 Sowega Council on Aging

DEMENTIA CARE SPECIALIST PROGRAM (DCS) In SFY 2024, The Division of Aging Services launched a statewide initiative to support people living with Dementia (PLWD), their families, and the communities they live in. The program is a critical component of Georgia’s efforts to become a dementia capable state. The DCS program was specifically designed for the state to become a leader in supporting our aging population– those individuals with brain change and their care partners.

To execute the state’s mission, the DCS will: • Provide dementia-specific training for AAA staff, providers, and partners.

• Raise awareness about the importance of early detection and screening.

• Provide dementia-specific community education through outreach events and educational sessions (Dealing with Dementia workshops, Virtual Dementia Tours (VDT), Dementia Friends Sessions, and general education sessions) • Provide education and support to people with cognitive concerns or dementia and their families.

• Refer individuals to community resources.

The Sowega Council on Aging has (1) full-time Dementia Care Specialist dedicated to this initiative, developing programs, trainings, and a coalition dedicated to meeting this mission.

COMMUNITY PRESENTATIONS Number of People: 222 Number of Events: 9 OUTREACH EVENTS Number of People: 432 Number of Events: 6 PROFESSIONALS PRESENTATIONS/VIRTUAL DEMENTIA TOURS Number of People: 108 Number of Events: 6 TOTALS FROM 2024 Number of People: 761 Number of Events: 21 *The Dementia Care Specialist also provided 2 educational sessions to the AAA staff.

SFY Annual Report 2024 31

Your help makes a difference.

With your assistance, the Sowega Council on Aging works to make Southwest Georgia a better place for seniors and individuals with disabilities. 100% of all donations go directly into the programs and services offered in your area.

Visit our website to give today. sowegacoa.org

Programs and services funded in part by the United Way.