Area on Aging

The Potter County Area Agency on Aging (AAA) is one of 52 area agencies created by the Pennsylvania Department of Aging. Area Agencies assess and determine the needs of older people – especially the frail who are receiving care at home; develop a care management plan to provide those needs; coordinate and ensure that the services are delivered properly; and keep an on-going record. The mission of the Potter County Area Agency on Aging is to:

• Support seniors and their families and with our services.
• Act as an advocate on behalf of seniors.
• Help ensure seniors legal, financial, physical and medical rights are protected.
• Help seniors enjoy the highest level of independence and functioning possible.
• Have information available to seniors and their families that will enable them to make informed and educated choices.
• Help prevent physical, mental or financial abuse.

Funding comes from the Federal Older American’s Act, Pennsylvania Lottery funds, Pennsylvania General Funds, Client Contributions, USDA and other revenues, and County Funds. Services are available to all older persons age 60 and who are residents of Potter County, but some services are limited by budget constraints. Priority for services is given to persons age 75 and older, who are frail or functionally disabled, live alone, and/or have a limited income.

Services

Several area agencies have recruited – in some cases, trained – persons of various ages and skills who provide services as volunteers. Volunteer opportunities available through our Area Agency on Aging typically include such activities as helping in senior community centers, delivering meals to homebound individuals, serving as friendly visitors and companions, and more.

Information/Referral

Each Area Agency has trained staff available to answer questions and make referrals to other agencies in the community that provide the specific services needed by the individual. Area Agencies can locate, assess and place older people in appropriate facilities such as personal care homes and nursing homes.

Medicare Education and Decision Insight (PA MEDI) (formally the APPRISE Program)

PA MEDI is a State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). A person may get free personalized Medicare counseling on coverage decisions. PA MEDI can provide information on Medicare Parts A, B, C and D, Medicare Supplemental Plans and programs for people with limited income and resources. This program is available to beneficiaries that are New to Medicare, dual eligible beneficiaries, and also Medicare beneficiaries during Medicare’s Annual Open Enrollment.

PACENET

PACENET, a new tier of eligibility under the PACE Program, extends eligibility income limits another $2,000 — for single persons, between $14,500 and $23,500; for married couples, between $17,700 and $31,500 — making them eligible for modified PACE benefits. Pennsylvanians who are eligible for PACENET are subject to a $40/month deductible, which is cumulative if not met each month. PACENET recipients pay only $8 for generic drugs and $15 for brand name drugs.

Prime Time Health

A program designed to encourage disease prevention and provide health information and programs for the elderly, including prescription education, nutrition, exercise, dancing, coping with change, injury prevention, arthritis, alcoholism, etc. Programs are offered at senior community centers and community health events.

PACE

Pharmaceutical Assistance Contract for the Elderly (PACE) helps to pay for prescribed medicines for Pennsylvania residents 65 years of age or older whose incomes are under $14,500 for single persons and under $17,700 for couples. PACE card holders pay only $6 for generic drugs and a $9 copayment for brand name drugs; Lottery funds pay the balance.

Senior Centers

The Potter County Senior Centers offer a variety of services to both the older adult and to people in the community. Each center offers a wealth of information to the participants. A variety of guest speakers talk about a variety of subjects. Each of the centers offers a Prime-Time Health service, which includes a weekly exercise program and invited speakers who talk about a variety of health topics. Other services provided by Potter County Senior Centers include periodic health screenings, tax counseling (offered every year in February and March) as well as information and monthly referrals.

Senior Centers

WE ARE RECRUITING AT THE POTTER COUNTY

SENIOR CENTERS

# 1 – Senior Center Operator 1 – opening at the Ulysses Center

#2 – Senior Center Substitutes – needed for all centers

#3 – Volunteers – always needed in various positions at all centers

Do you love working with age 60 and older?  Do you like serving food – fundraising – doing activities?  The Senior Center Operator 1 position may be your perfect fit.  This is a part-time contracted position working Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday during the hours of 8 am to 2 pm with the potential for additional hours. If you are an outgoing and organized individual, please contact Potter County Human Services (814-544-7315) to discuss this employment opportunity.

Senior Center Operator 1 position is responsible for the oversight of the center which includes:

• Organizing, planning, and scheduling activities and programs for those sixty years of age and older.
• Recruiting participants as well as volunteers
• Keep accurate records of daily operation
• Organize transportation for participants
• Knowledge of food service
• Responsible for cleanliness of center
• Oversee fundraiser activities and collect donations
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds

Minimum Experience and Training Required: Three months of experience in providing direct services in a human service, education, or a community-based setting to the aging population or to individuals from various cultures and socio-economic backgrounds or to individuals who have physical, intellectual, or emotional disabilities; or any equivalent combination of experience and training.

Senior Center Substitutes – needed for all centers to learn and provide the above listed duties in the absence of the Senior Center Operator I

Volunteers are needed for Home Delivered Meals Delivery and Activities Within the Centers that can vary from Serving Food, Crafts, and/or Cleaning.

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