SFY 2021 Annual Report

S F Y 2 02 1 AN N UAL R E P ORT

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

Experience

We prioritize the safety and well being for all.

We deliver quality service in a friendly and engaging atmosphere.

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

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

Message from our Executive Director Izzie Sadler “Start by doing what’s necessary; then do what’s possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible.”

-St. Francis of Assisi

In 2020, our team pivoted quickly out of necessity to continue safely serving the aging population – those most vulnerable to the devastation of covid. Thanks to the efforts of our team and our service providers, we were able to continue to provide meals and other core services without interruption. In addition, through technology, we were able to keep seniors socially connected to each other, their classes, and activities, a necessary component for quality of life!

We quickly moved from necessity to possibility when our brick-and-mortar Senior Centers had to close their doors. We knew it was time to create a resilient program capable of withstanding the challenges our region faces and a vision for serving seniors in the future. The solution was the Senior Center Without Walls model.

Senior Center Without Walls includes the same components of a physical senior center: meals, activities, and hosts in a community setting. Restaurants provide daily nutritious meals, and local activities occur in parks, libraries, churches, and other venues throughout the region. In addition, virtual and socially distanced activities are hosted on a variety of platforms.

As the whole world ushered in 2021, we were hopeful that the challenges of Covid-19 would be diminishing. But, unfortunately, after not only one but two covid surges, we learned those challenges are here to stay for a length of time no one can know.

Many have asked: “Is it possible for our clients to gather safely in community?” Not only is it possible – the implementation of Senior Center without Walls tripled the number of participating seniors across the fourteen counties we serve, with one county increasing from 17 participants precovid to 294 post-covid.

This pivot was one of many that the SCOA team and clients made in 2020/21. The success of Senior Center without Walls earned the Area Agency on Aging Excellence in Innovation Award at the ADRC Healthy Communities Summit for the Division of Aging Services – an award based on innovation.

I am proud to submit to you the SFY2021 Annual Report for Sowega Council on Aging - and “proud” is an understatement! The statistics within these pages are more than numbers. Each number represents a person served and supported by the backbone of SCOA - our tenacious and hardworking team, together with our generous donors and volunteers.

I hope that as you flip through this report, you will celebrate the community of people who did accomplish the impossible and will keep innovating into 2022 and beyond!

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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 more than 60,000 seniors 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 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©(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

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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

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, includes two elevators and equipment for those with mobility concerns.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Daniel Stone, Chairman Albany, GA Deborah Clemons, Vice Chair Dawson, GA Jeff Wright, Secretary Albany, GA Carol Boyd Leesburg, GA Tangela Campbell Albany, GA Kenneth Cutts Albany, GA Stacey DeMarino Albany, GA Rev. Julian Griner Moultrie, GA Melanie Kemp Camilla, GA Dr. Steve Kitchen Albany, GA Lou Lee Albany, GA Suzanne Perrine Albany, GA Eugene E. Sherman, Jr. Albany, GA Sherman Willis Albany, GA Dr. Wendy Wilson Albany, GA

ADVISORY COUNCIL Sherry Bailey Baker County Connie Hobbs Baker County Mack Jones Calhoun County Rita Jackson Colquitt County Chair: Janice Route Blaylock Dougherty County Gloria Bronson Dougherty County Dillard Glover Dougherty County Arthur Jackson Dougherty County John Johnson Dougherty County Secretary: Ernestine Taylor Jones Dougherty County Willie Jones Dougherty County Bobby Sanders Dougherty County Vice Chair: Kim Spicer Dougherty County George Masciarelli Decatur County Claire Houston Early County Gwen Houston Early County Travis Harrison Grady County Carl Barnhardt Lee County Ilean Bady Lee County Cory Thomas Miller County Ed Green Mitchell County Sesame Robinson Seminole County Rosa Alyce Smith Terrell County Angela Kiminas Thomas County Lougenia Cross Worth County

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The Aging & Disability

RESOURCE CONNECTION 6 Sowega Council on Aging

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 2021 Total calls received: 29,994 Total contacts received for information and service inquiries: 10,711 Referrals received from providers: 1,799 Referrals made into services (total clients served in HCBS services only): 43,393 Number of units of service provided: 408,891

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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, 1 in 5 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 2021, the Sowega Council on Aging contracted with 18 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. A variety of programs and activities are provided in person or by phone/computer. These 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, evidencebased health programs, crafts, and more. The number of individuals served in this program tripled over previous years when seniors were meeting in traditional senior center settings: Congregate Clients served: 1,546 Congregate Meals served: 129,152

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Rural

WELLNESS PROGRAM 10 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 4 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 monthly wellness newsletter along with a calendar of program offerings.

In celebration of Active Older Adult Month, we hosted our first-ever regional drive-thru health fair in May in Dougherty County. Over 165 different participants from five different counties attended this 3-hour event, where they were able to gather resources and information about programs and services from various providers in the aging network.

Awareness events were also hosted and celebrated in honor of National Fall Prevention Day and Active Aging Week. We hosted monthly virtual teleconferences on various topics ranging from immunizations, diabetes awareness, falls prevention, how to actively age, disaster preparedness, battling the holiday blues, etc. Clients were mailed a monthly calendar with a list of virtual programming options, including telephonic Bingo, Easy Trivia, and Wellness Wednesday calls with the Wellness Program Manager. Designated call lines for each county were also created to encourage clients who have been isolated at home to stay connected with their friends in their community.

The Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program was offered in all counties over the summer.

579 applicants were issued vouchers worth $20 to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables from approved local farmers. Due to COVID restrictions, Sowega Council on Aging staff personally delivered every produce bag to clients.

The Wellness Program also facilitates evidence-based programs throughout the region, including Living Well Workshops through Stanford’s Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP), A Matter of Balance: Managing Concerns about Falls, Tai Chi for Arthritis, and Fall Prevention, and the Aging Mastery Program (AMP).

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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. .

2 Telephonic workshops offered regionally serving 11 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.

3 In-Person workshops in Dougherty County serving 29 participants 2 Virtual workshops offered regionally, serving 10 participants. As part of a pilot program, participants were provided a laptop to provide them access to the Zoom platform.

A MATTER OF BALANCE A Matter of Balance program is appropriate for any adult experiencing concerns with falling or loss of balance. The program emphasizes practical strategies to reduce fear of falling and increase activity levels. Participants learn to view falls and fear of falling as controllable, set realistic goals to increase activity, change their environment to reduce fall risk factors, and exercise to increase strength and balance.

This program was put on hold as a virtual platform was being developed.

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.

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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. Funded by Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Shield, our agency was named the state lead for this grant opportunity, successfully managing seven additional AAAs across the state to roll this program throughout Georgia.

Across the state of Georgia, this fiscal year, five AMP workshops were offered, serving 35 Georgians. In our region, one workshop was offered telephonically with six people graduating from the program.

PEDALING FOR PARKINSON’S The Sowega Council on Aging is a licensed partner of the Pedaling for Parkinson’s program. Before the pandemic, this exercise and support group met a minimum of twice a week, focusing on alleviating the signs or symptoms of Parkinson’s through forced pedaling. Participants spent time building up their speed and endurance on a seated indoor bike and supporting one another in their diagnosis and journey to manage the symptoms and disease process. While in-person programming was not an option this year, the PFP participants could still hold a weekly support group over the telephone. They were also provided stationary pedals to keep in their home to maintain their exercise until it is safe to return to in-person programming.

Five participants and their caretakers took part in these weekly telephonic support group sessions.

CLASSES Due to the pandemic, many of our in-person classes and programs were unable to meet. However, we prioritized exploring options to allow our clients to resume exercising under the belief that physical activity is essential to maintaining physical and mental health. We began offering chair yoga in an outdoor setting once a week in August 2020. By Mach 2021, we had added Chair Fitness and Line Dancing classes to the outdoor schedule.

Exercise Classes – 83 unduplicated participants took part in our outdoor in-person classes.

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

Many of our traditional classes (Computer, Smart Phone, Sewing, Art, AARP Safe Drivers Course) that were once part of our program offerings were unable to meet during the pandemic. In the interim, we have transitioned to offering Facebook Live demonstrations on topics such as making a wreath, making a smoothie, and preparing a berry summer salad.

TRIPS There were no leisure day/overnight trips scheduled in FY21 due to COVID-19.

TRANSPORTATION For seniors and disabled persons who cannot drive, or might not have access to transportation, or where public transportation is not available, the Sowega Council of Aging offers transportation services. These services are available for medical appointments, pharmacy visits, shopping, Adult Day Care services, community-based programs, other social service activities, and essential community resources. Specialized transportation for those using wheelchairs is available.

Trips Scheduled: 14,197 Clients Served: 662 SFY Annual Report 2021 13

Home & Community

BASED SERVICES 14 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 | Case Management | Congregate Meals Home Delivered Meals | Homemaker Services | Material Aid Vouchers | Respite Care

ADULT DAY CARE 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: 3 Service Hours: 453

ALZHEIMER’S ADULT DAY CARE Provision of social and recreational activities to persons in the various 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: 12,448

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: 1,024 Service Hours: 2,334

COVID STIMULUS FUNDED MEALS Meals served to Congregate clients at their homes during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Clients Served: 832 Service Hours: 97,630

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

Clients Served: 741 Meals Served: 154,319

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: 202 Service Hours: 12,555

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Long-Term Care

OMBUDSMAN PROGRAM 16 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, and assisted living communities. They work to improve the quality of life and quality of care for residents of these long-term care facilities. Our 8 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, Health Care 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.

SFY2021 SOUTH PROGRAM OMBUDSMAN ACTIVITY Our 8 South Certified Ombudsman Representatives cover 48 counties and a twentythousand-mile territory that includes over 403 facilities. They serve over 12,500 residents.

The number one priority of the Ombudsman Representative is complaint resolution to the satisfaction of the resident. The South Program has resolved 932 complaints in SFY2021.

South Program Ombudsman Representatives have provided 2,784 facility staff consultations on resident rights issues and provided 1,731 information and assistance to residents, resident families, and the public.

Serving 48 counties in South Georgia • 72 Nursing Homes • 209 Personal Care Homes • 26 Assisted Living Communities • 167 Community Living Arrangements

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Transition

COORDINATION 18 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 FY 2021 is 20 MFP transitions 15 & NHT transitions 5

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LEGAL SERVICES 20 Sowega Council on Aging

Delivered through the Georgia Legal Services Program, the Elderly Legal Services Program targets seniors age 60+, providing information and community education. Volunteers and attorneys and one supervising attorney provide reduced fee services upon referral from the coordinator.

GLSP has closed 85 cases.

The closing reasons are: • Counsel and Advice: 38 • Brief Service: 45 • Extensive Service: 2 Ethnic Groups: • White: 17 • Black: 67 • Other: 1

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VOLUNTEERS 22 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. On average, our volunteers are age 55+, but we are looking for volunteers from any generation (must be at least 18 years old). Our process is simple and includes a background check (for the safety of our seniors).

RSVP Volunteer- The 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 in capacities such as senior centers, hospitals, museums, libraries, and youth services. Works in various stations that are outlined in the RSVP grant (through AmeriCorps Seniors). For example, Ramp Crew, Teddy Bear Sewing, Telephone Reassurance/Companions, etc.

General Volunteer- Opportunities to be of service at our facility and within the community. For example, Episodic (Health Fairs, Senior Farmer’s Market), Administrative/Office tasks, and Council/Coalition Members.

VOLUNTEER PROGRAM SFY 2021 • A team of 60 volunteers logged over 8300 hours.

• Our Senior Center Without Walls Model allowed our volunteer engagement to go beyond the brick-and-mortar and into the community to connect with 1,500+ seniors.

• We built 115 ramps for disabled, ill, or amputee clients.

• We produced at least 1,100 hand-crafted items like masks, teddy bears, wheelchair sacks, and mini pillows for patients in the hospital.

• We made over 6,000 phone calls to seniors who were isolated due to public health restrictions from COVID-19.

• We continued our partnership with many businesses, churches, nonprofit organizations, fraternities, and other affiliations within the 14 counties of Southwest Georgia. Organizations like Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital and United Way of SWGA were major contributing partners to many of our programs and services offered within the community.

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CAREGIVER PROGRAM 24 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, Incontinent supplies, nutritional supplements, over-the-counter medications, infection control products, skincare products, and more.

Events Include: Monthly Caregiver Support Group meetings, 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.

10 Support Groups with 15 Clients in Attendance Caregiver Material Aid Clients: 74

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

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ADVOCACY 26 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 presented virtually due to COVID-19, as were the other CO-AGE meetings during the year. The Coalition of Advocates for Georgia’s Elderly (CO-AGE) was begun and is led by the Georgia Council on Aging. The coalition is meant to be a forum to identify and address concerns of older Georgians.

SENIOR HUNGER COALITION Partnerships with local farmers, food banks, churches, restaurants, 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

SFY 2021 SENIOR HUNGER COALITION Mini Grant Projects - $5000 total

*Partner Churches/Farmers/Food Banks/Senior Apartments 1. Mitchell Food Bank and Davis Farm Produce - May 20, 2021- $1000.00 50 participants - $20 Produce Bag 2. Thomasville First United Methodist Church Community Outreach- $1000.00 Wednesday Night Supper Drive through- avg. 20/week for 8 weeks 3. JoJo’s Simply Eats Meal Vouchers- $1000.00 Antigua Place Senior Apartments – 118 Residents @$8.50/meal 4. Second Saturday Lunches for Samaritan’s Purse- $1000.00 200 @ $5.00/meal *Grocery Totes for Produce – (300 x $1.50 each) $500.00 *Regional Marketing Efforts to grow coalition – Flyers, Video, etc. $500.00

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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.com

Programs and services funded in part by the United Way.