Senior Resource Guide - Fort Wayne and Allen County - 2023-2024

Clarkson Transportation is your safe, reliable, and trusted non-emergency medical, wheelchair accessible transportation service. Available 24/7/365 including weekends and holidays.

Clarkson Transportation can travel throughout the entire state of Indiana. With more than 6 years of outstanding service experience, Clarkson offers private transport directly to and from your destination; will check you into your appointment and assist you back into your residency.

Our vehicle is equipped with a 500 lb. capacity wheelchair that can convert into a complete bed-like position so that we can transfer you directly from your bed. Same day requests, such as ER-releases, hospital discharges, and last minute appointments can be scheduled if the time slot is available.

Clarkson has an assortment of portable ramps with 1000 lb. capacity to assist you with stairs, to and from your home. Our portable ramp options are 2’, 4’, 6’ & 10’.

All vehicles are equipped with the extra wide ramp and will accommodate wide wheelchairs including the electric and Broda chairs.

Representing Fort Wayne and the surrounding communities for over a decade, Attorney, Gerret J. Swearingen, has assisted his clients in preserving family assets from the high costs of nursing facility and In Home Healthcare.

As your guide through the ‘Medicaid Planning’ process we will provide the right path for your family to protect our Client’s life savings, while also helping them to receive the quality of care we all deserve.

Gerret J. Swearingen

How to Obtain a Copy

Directories will be available for pickup at the Community Center, 233 W. Main St.; Aging and In-Home Services, 8101 W. Jefferson Blvd.; Kingston at Dupont, 1716 E. Dupont Rd.; The League, 5821 S. Anthony Blvd.; and branches of the Allen County Public Library. To request a copy to be mailed to you, call Aging & In-Home Services of Northeast Indiana at 260-745-1200. The directory is also available on the COSS website at: www.councilonseniorservices.org.

Organizations interested in placing an ad in the 2025 directory and/or submitting corrections may contact a board member.

A Word from the President of the Council on Senior Services

BY LORI STOCK

The Council on Senior Services (COSS) is a community council of professionals who work for and volunteer for agencies and businesses that serve senior citizens. The goal of COSS is to improve access to services for seniors in Allen County. This directory has been developed to educate senior citizens and professionals about the numerous services that exist.

Grants awarded in 2022 included Allen County TRIAD, Community Transportation Network, HealthVisions Midwest Fort Wayne, LTC Ombudsman Program, The Lighthouse, Turnstone Center for Children and Adults with Disabilities, Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana, Homebound Meals, GiveHear, St. Vincent de Paul Society, Hope Alive, Volunteer Center, Wellspring Interfaith Social Services, Foster Grandparents Program, McMillen Health, Mental Health America of Northeast Indiana, One Purpose Senior Adventures, Heartland Home Health and Hospice and Stillwater Hospice.

The information in this book has been compiled through the efforts of volunteers. The Council on Senior Services (COSS) makes every attempt to ensure that the information is complete and accurate. COSS does not take responsibility for omissions or errors. Listings in this book do not imply endorsement.

COSS Officers & Committee Chairs

PRESIDENT

Lori Stock

Heartland Hospice

2720 Dupont Commerce Ct., Ste. 210

Fort Wayne, IN 46825

lockestocklori@gmail.com

260-341-4113 (C)

VICE PRESIDENT

Christy Naylor

Heartland Home Health & Hospice

2720 Dupont Commerce Ct., Ste. 210

Fort Wayne, IN 46825

christy.naylor@promedica.org

260-484-6818 (W) • 260-414-5276 (C)

SECRETARY

Amanda Craig

Kingston Health Care 1010 W. Washington Center Rd. Fort Wayne, IN 46825

acraig3@kingstonhealthcare.com

260-210-4283 (C)

TREASURER

Jean Lauer

2125 Meridian St. Fort Wayne, IN 46808

laurerjean480@gmail.com

260-422-7925 (H)

MEMBERSHIP

Vicki Morreale

6522 Shoreside Drive Fort Wayne, IN 46845

vicki.morreale@gmail.com

260-312-1102 (C)

PROGRAMS, INFOMERCIALS, REFRESHMENTS AND AFTER HOURS

Kevin Neebes

Home Instead

2789-B Maplecrest Road

Fort Wayne, IN 46815

kevin.neebes@homeinstead.com

260-485-2424 (W) • 260-580-4929 (C)

SENIOR RESOURCE GUIDE

OPEN GRANTS

Jill Headrick

Kingston at Dupont

1716 E. Dupont Road

Fort Wayne, IN 46825

jheadrick@kingstonhealthcare.com

260-602-4278 (C)

PUBLIC RELATIONS/ SOCIAL MEDIA

Alli Morua

One Purpose Senior Living

5904 E. State Blvd. Fort Wayne, IN 46815

alli@opsliving.com

260-446-4980 (C)

BYLAWS/SPECIAL PROJECTS

Teresa DeLellis

Manchester University

10627 Diebold Rd.

Fort Wayne, IN 46845

tmdelellis@manchester.edu

260-740-4053 (W) 260-568-2276 (C)

Senior Information Services

Aging & In-Home Services of Northeast Indiana

(Area Agency on Aging) - Information and Assistance

8101 W. Jefferson Blvd., FW 46804 • www.agingihs.org 260-745-1200/800-552-3662

Aging & In-Home Services of Northeast Indiana (AIHS) is the federal designated Area Agency on Aging for northeast Indiana serving nine counties: Adams, Allen, DeKalb, Huntington, LaGrange, Noble, Steuben, Wells and Whitley.

The mission of AIHS is to promote dignity, independence and advocacy for all older adults, persons with disabilities and their caregivers. We are the premier resource for these populations.

Our primary programs are:

• Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC)

• To inform, empower, connect

• Programs for Productive Aging

• Health, wellness and community engagement

• Family Caregiver Center

• Helping you care for the ones you love

• Home & Community Services

• Supporting you where you live

• Geriatric & Disability Case Management

• Easing the burden of long-term care

• Care Transitions

• From hospital or skilled nursing facility to home

• Custom Care

• Individualized and targeted solutions (Private Pay)

Healthy. Happy. Home. Community-based care in action!

Council On Senior Services (COSS) MISSION

To promote services and benefits available to seniors and their caregivers in Northeastern Indiana through a not-for-profit network catering to the aging population.

Emergency/Crisis Services

Charis House 431 Fairmount Pl., FW 46808 ......................................

Transitional housing programs for women and children.

Community Harvest Regional Food Bank 999 E. Tillman Rd., FW 46816 ......................................

Once a year food for emergency situations is provided through Crisis Assistance, a walk-in program that provides a substantial supply of shelf-stable food, fresh produce, bakery items and dairy products. (Perishable foods are based on availability).

Fort Wayne Rescue Mission 404 E. Washington Blvd., FW 46802 ...........................

Shelter for homeless men. Open 24 hours.

Fort Wayne Sexual Assault Treatment Center

1420 Kerrway Ct., FW 46805 260-423-2222

First response medical examination for sexually assaulted men, women and children.

Indiana Utility and Heating Bill Assistance Programs https://www.needhelppayingbills.com/html/indiana_heating_and_ energy_bill.html

Continued on page 14

Advocacy & Legal

Death Done Differently .....................................

260-241-8961

Education about family/community led death care. Green burial options. deathdonedifferently.com

Fort Wayne Urban League

2135 S. Hanna St., FW 46803 ................................... 260-745-3100

Health Advocate Professionals, LLC ............

3201 Stellhorn Rd., Ste. 125 A, FW 46815

Indiana Disability Rights 800-622-4845

Advocate for rights of people with disabilities.

Indiana Legal Services

110 W. Berry St., Ste. 2007, FW 46802 ......................

260-424-9155

To apply for legal representation and advice at no cost, call the Intake Line 844-243-8570.

Call M - F 10 am - 2 pm

Long Term Care Ombudsman Program, Northeast Indiana

101 Three Rivers E., Ste. 101, FW 46802 ...................

260-469-3161

Advocates for residents rights and quality care in nursing homes, personal care, residential care and other long term care facilities. Resolves complaints made by or for residents of long term care facilities.

Michael Rosswurm: Mediating Elder Conflicts 260-749-8392

Helps families resolve disputes over best care for elderly parents and loved ones.

2125 Meridian St., FW 46808 ....................................

Mission is to protect and improve the retirement benefits of federal retirees, employees, and families. Call for local meeting.

L. Troyer & Leah C. Good Attorneys Serving in Fort Wayne, Indiana

Heidi B. Adair

hbadair@beersmallers.com

Fort Wayne Office

Troy C. Kiefer

tkiefer@beersmallers.com

Fort Wayne Office

Bryan T. San Jose

bsanjose@beersmallers.com

Fort Wayne Office

Janell M. Sprinkle

jmsprinkle@beersmallers.com

Fort Wayne Office

Jesica L. Thorson

jlthorson@beersmallers.com

Fort Wayne Office

Kurt R. Bachman

krbachman@beersmallers.com LaGrange Office

Daniel K. Leininger

dkleininger@beersmallers.com

Warsaw Office William J. Stockdale

wstockdale@beersmallers.com

Warsaw Office

ELDER LAW

• Asset Preservation Planning

• Medicaid Planning

• Nursing Home, Assisted Living and In-Home Services Planning

• Veterans Affairs Pensions/Benefits

• Wills & Trusts; Living Wills, Powers of Attorney & Guardianship

• Estate Planning & Administration

Select Elder Law attorneys are accredited for the preparation, presentation, and prosecution of claims for the Veterans Affairs Benefits before the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Education/Social Activities

• Memory Café

Social engagement for individuals with early to mid-stage dementia and their care partners. An opportunity to engage with other couples who are experiencing a similar journey in a safe and positive environment. Pre-admission assessment required.

A safe relaxing space that integrates sensory stimulation for persons with autism and dementia.

George Bernard Shaw

Fitness & Walking Programs

We're in Your Corner

People today can spend nearly half of their life over the age of 50. That's a lot of living. So, it helps to have a wise friend and fierce defender like AARP Indiana in your community. Find us at aarp.org/IN

Fitness & Walking Programs

Fitness and Aquatic Center provides access to Rock Steady Boxing for people diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and accepts participants with Medicare Advantage Plans including Silver Sneakers, Renew Active and Silver & Fit.

FOOD BANK SYSTEMS

Associated Churches Neighborhood Food Network provides food assistance to needy Allen County residents. Families are eligible once a month to receive a 3 - 5 day supply of food. Each family is assigned to a pantry based on their address. There are 25 locations throughout Allen County. To discover which food pantry to visit, call Associated Churches at 260-422-3528 or visit their website at www.associatedchurches.org. When visiting a pantry, individuals will need to show a photo I.D., as well as any piece of mail with their name and address and rental lease to show proof of residency. Anthony

* Hot meals are delivered Monday through Friday during the lunch hour.

Woodburn United Methodist Church

4300 Becker Rd., Woodburn 46797 ........................

Maumee and part of Milan Twps.

T and Th 9:30 - 11:30 am

Community Harvest Regional Food Bank

260-632-5313

999 E. Tillman Rd., FW 46816 ...................................

260-447-3696 www.CHFB.org

Community Harvest Food Bank serves nine counties in northeast Indiana: Adams, Allen, DeKalb, Huntington, LaGrange, Noble, Steuben, Wells and Whitley. Nearly 400 member agengies are provided with food for residents in their communities. These include churchsponsored food pantries, homeless/transition shelters, soup kitchens, etc. The agencies also provide food to their clients through Community Cupboard food pantry which is housed at the food bank on Tillman Road in Fort Wayne.

In-house programs include Farm Wagon mobile pantry, Saturday Helping Hands food distributions, Crisis Assistance emergency food provisions and programs specifically aimed to feed children, seniors, Veterans and military families.

FOOD PANTRIES

Community Harvest Food Bank’s member agencies offer Food Pantries for individuals and families seeking food assistance. Each agency operates its Food Pantry according to their own policies and procedures, but they must also adhere to strict standards agreed to as a Community Harvest member agency. Call the agency to learn about their individual requirements.

1st Baptist Church of New Haven

1716 Werling Rd., New Haven 46774 .....................

Th 1 - 4 pm. Everyone welcome.

Adventist Community Services

228 W. Lexington Ave., FW 46807 ...........................

260-493-2994

260-745-1594

1st and 3rd T 10 am - noon. Accessibility to food and clothing bank, one visit permitted per month.

Amistad Cristiana Presbyterian Church

1701 Capitol Ave., FW 46806

260-579-6966

M and W 9 - 11 am. Serves residents living south of Rudisill, west of Anthony and east and north of Lafayette.

St.

Th 10 am - noon. Zone restrictions.

St.

22 service locations providing help through food pantries, food vouchers, and/or grocery cards. Call nearest service location for hours and more information. Phone numbers can be found on the website under the “Who We Are” tab, then choose the option for Conferences”. Open to anyone in need.

The

T and Th noon - 2 pm. Serves the first 30 people only each day.

Trinity

Waynedale

GROCERY

Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP)

Once a month program for medically homebound seniors. Walk-in and receive 40+ pounds of food one time monthly. Delivery is also available. For more information or to see if you qualify, call

SeniorPak Drive-Thru

Provides food to low income seniors over 60 years of age every other Wednesday. Participants receive produce, bread and dairy items at Community Harvest Food Bank. Call

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul needs you . . . JOIN G DONATE G VOLUNTEER

G St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store: Sales support local families and a generous voucher program helps thousands each year with free clothing, household items & furniture

G Home Visits: Financial assistance and food delivery through person-to-person service

G Carpenter's Sons: Building wheelchair ramps and helping low-income residents with home repairs

G Food Pantries: 12 locations providing for the nutritional needs of the community

G Nursing Home Visits: Prayers, BINGO, Card/flower delivery

G Jail Ministry: Purchasing long underwear and other undergarments for incarcerated men/women. Sharing God's love and compassion through personal visits and prayer

G Care Van: Free, wheelchair-accessible transportation to medical appointments for those with limited income

G Vehicle Donation Program: Donate your vehicle! It’s Tax Deductible!

G Woodshop: Building bunk beds, twin beds, dressers and other items for families in need, because no child should have to sleep on the floor!

At select locations, order on-line and set a pick

date

time. A fee is charged for this service.

shipt.com, instacart.com, meijer.com, walmart.com A fee may be charged for services.

Geriatric Case Management

Consultant services assisting seniors and their families/support systems in finding answers to challenges in aging and accessing services. Their goal is to assess, plan, advocate, monitor and evaluate needs.

Government Offices CITY

311 Call Center “One call to city hall” non-emergency service requests. Call M - F 7:30 am - 5:30 pm. Garbage questions, recycling, abandoned vehicles, rusty water, street/traffic lights out, storm drains, pothole repairs, street repair or street cleaning.

Government Offices

TOWNSHIP TRUSTEES

Limited emergency assistance for food, lodging, health care, fuel and utilities. Funeral and burial funds available. Call for further information.

Health Support Services

10:00am

For more information, contact Mary Wagner Stockman at 260-427-6461.

10:30am - 1:30pm

Eckart Street Fort Wayne, IN 46806

9:00am - 12:00pm

Abbott Street Fort Wayne, IN 46806

For more information, contact Patti Davis at 260-427-6465.

SEP 21ST

SENIOR

For more information, contact Betty Foster at 260-494-9321.

VACCINES AVAILABLE AT NO COST*: Shingles | Pneumonia | COVID | Influenza

For clinics in surrounding counties, contact AIHS: 260-745-1200

*VACCINES OFFERED MAY VARY DEPENDING ON DATE/LOCATION

The

ASSISTED LIVING

A combination of housing, personalized supportive services and health care for those who require help with activities of daily living. A facility may choose to be licensed by the Indiana State Department of

as a Residential Care Facility.

Nursing Facilities with Memory Care Units

Council On Senior Services (COSS)

SAFENET Identification Program

HOW THE PROGRAM WORKS

In cooperation with local law enforcement and first responders, the SAFENET program assists in identifying individuals in the community that experience confusion, are lost, have a medical event and/or incident requiring EMS or law enforcement. These events can happen to anyone without warning and are especially dangerous to at- risk individuals.

SAFENET offers an optional bracelet that has participant’s name, allergies and medical diagnosis to assist first responders.

This FREE service gives participants peace of mind to be active in our community with a safety net in case of an emergency.

The type of information stored in the secure Allen County identification system is:

• Name, address, phone number

• Picture (Optional)

• DOB, height, weight, hair/eye color

• Identifying body scars/tattoos

• Pertinent medical conditions

• Contact name and phone number

HOW TO PARTICIPATE

1. Please detach the application, fill out the form, seal and mail to: Allen County TRIAD c/o Aging & In-Home Services

8101 W. Jefferson Blvd. Fort Wayne, IN 46804

2. A TRIAD representative will contact you to complete the enrollment process which includes an optional picture identification and an optional ID braclet.

3. For more information, call 260-469-3036 or visit www.agingihs.org/triad

SAFENET APPLICATION

Last Name:

First Name:

Nickname:

Address: City: State: Zip:

Emergency Contact:

Emergency Contact Phone Number:

PLEASE MAIL APPLICATION TO TRIAD, 8101 W. Jefferson Blvd., Fort Wayne, IN 46804

Respite Care

Temporary short term stay. Funding may be available through the Family Caregiver Program. Call Aging & In-Home Services of Northeast Indiana at 260-745-1200.

Clarkson Transportation is your safe, reliable, and trusted non-emergency medical, wheelchair accessible transportation service. Available 24/7/365 including weekends and holidays.

Clarkson Transportation can travel throughout the entire state of Indiana. With more than 6 years of outstanding service experience, Clarkson offers private transport directly to and from your destination; will check you into your appointment and assist you back into your residency. Our vehicle is equipped with a 500 lb. capacity wheelchair that can convert into a complete bed-like position so that we can transfer you directly from your bed. Same day requests, such as ER-releases, hospital discharges, and last minute appointments can be scheduled if the time slot is available.

Clarkson has an assortment of portable ramps with 1000 lb. capacity to assist you with stairs, to and from your home. Our portable ramp options are 2’, 4’, 6’ & 10’.

All vehicles are equipped with the extra wide ramp and will accommodate wide wheelchairs including the electric and Broda chairs.

Volunteer Opportunities

The Volunteer Center connects people in the community who are interested in volunteering and making a difference to non-profits in the area who are in need of volunteers. Share your time and talents with any of over 120+ partner agencies and their clients who will benefit from your help!

The Volunteer Center also sponsors annual programs such as Coats for Kids and VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) as well as ongoing initiatives such as I CAN (volunteer opportunities for those enduring intellectual, developmental and physical disabilities), Second Chance Expungement Program, Senior Chat and more.

Visit www.volunteerfortwayne.org to complete your brief profile and gain access to hundreds of volunteer opportunities in one place! Or phone 260-424-3505 to learn more.

COSS Grant Criteria

The program request must follow the Mission Statement of the Council on Senior Services…To promote services and benefits of seniors and their caregivers in Northeastern Indiana through a not-for-profit network catering to the aging population.

A maximum total amount will be awarded annually via the COSS grant process. The amount requested and the annual maximum award per organization is not guaranteed. The awarded amount will be determined by the COSS Board of Directors.

The focus of each request should mirror the purposes of the Council on Senior Services. These purposes include providing education, information and advocating for seniors. These purposes are to be accomplished using a grassroots approach. Grant recipients are notified and checks are awarded at the November membership meeting.

In order to continue to qualify for subsequent grant awards, a written report evaluating the project will be required by the COSS Board of Directors by May 1st. There will also be an opportunity to provide an oral report to the general COSS membership at the May meeting.

Deadline for grant requests is October 1st. Grant applications are also available on the website at www.councilonseniorservices.org

Council on Senior Services Grant Application

Date of Request:

Name of Organization:

Address: Phone: Fax:

Email:

Contact Person: Title:

Brief description of your organization (its purpose, services, accomplishments):

Geographic area served:

Number of people served:

Major sources of funding:

Time period the grant covers:

If grant request is for a specific project, please describe (include purpose, need for project, and time period):

Please return the completed application by October 1 to: COSS - Special Projects Committee 709 Clay Street, Suite 101, Fort Wayne, IN 46802

THE PROBLEM

Every year emergency personnel respond to hundreds of telephone calls to homes where there is a possible emergency situation, but are unable to gain immediate access. It may be a concerned neighbor or a family member who has a fear for their safety or a 9-1-1 call that is answered, but the caller is unable to speak.

THE SOLUTION

Registering in the Safe at Home Emergency Registration System will provide important contact information to emergency personnel before an emergency occurs. The information you give is strictly voluntary, confidential and could save your life. Safe at Home information is entered into the computer system shared by police, fire and EMS services throughout Allen County.

HOW TO ENROLL

Seniors or family members may complete the FREE enrollment form and mail it to the address on the form. You or your family member will receive a postcard confirming enrollment and will receive bi-annual calls to update information. For more information, call 260-469-3036 or visit www.fwpd.org/prevention or www.allencountyhealth.com.

SAFE AT HOME APPLICATION

Full Name: Date of Birth:

Address:

City: State: Zip:

Keyless Entry System: YES/NO Entry Code: Home Phone: Alternate Phone:

Family Physician: Physician Phone:

Major Medical or Physical Disabilities:

Special Medical Needs:

Oxygen: Vision: Hearing: Walking:

Wheelchair Bound:

Confined to Bed: Transfer with Assistance: Diabetic:

COPD:

CHF: Hypertension: Cancer:

Hospital Preference:

Known Allergies:

Where will you go if you need to leave home in an emergency? (Include Address)

Safe at Home

SAFE AT HOME APPLICATION

Do You Have Pets? YES/NO What Kind?

Power of Attorney:

Phone Number:

The information provided is for EMS, fire and law enforcement purposes only and will only be used in those emergencies deemed necessary in order to protect or help the applicant. This information will NOT be released to outside sources, however it may be collected by appropriate volunteers from the Allen County TRIAD. Your participation in this program is voluntary.

Applicant Signature: Date:

Witness Signature: Date:

Printed Name: Relationship:

EMERGENCY CONTACTS:

Name: Relationship:

Address:

City: State: Zip:

Home Phone: Work Phone:

Cell Phone: Email:

Name: Relationship:

Address: City: State: Zip:

Home Phone: Work Phone:

Cell Phone: Email:

Name: Relationship:

Address: City: State: Zip:

Home Phone: Work Phone: Cell Phone: Email:

PLEASE MAIL TO: Allen County Triad c/o Aging & In-Home Services 8101 W. Jefferson Blvd., Fort Wayne, IN 46804

PLEASE COMPLETE THE FIRST PAGE OF THIS APPLICATION ON PAGE 101

COSS Membership List

COSS Membership List

Thank You

COSS would like to express our sincere appreciation to the volunteer committee from our membership and the volunteers from the Volunteer Center that worked hours to correct, edit and proof this publication.

An additional thank you goes to our advertisers who support this project which allows COSS to give back to our community through grants and also makes the free distribution of this publication possible in our community and surrounding areas. Council on Senior Services (COSS)

COSS Membership List