SB Senior Supports

Age Well is one of 5 of The Agencies on Aging in the State of Vermont. In 1974, the State of Vermont designated Age Well as the Area Agency on Aging for Addison, Chittenden, Franklin, and Grand Isle Counties in Northwestern Vermont.

 

As the largest provider of Meals on Wheels in the Vermont, Age Well has been deemed as an ESSENTIAL SERVICE by Governor Scott. We are seeing a significant increase in those needing Meals on Wheels, while navigating a drop in volunteers willing to deliver. Despite these challenges, Age Well has been working hard to ensure that older Vermonters continue to receive Meals on Wheels and other services.

 

We encourage anyone 60 or older in need of services to call the helpline for over-the-phone assistance with applying for 3 squares, they also can enroll in a virtual Medicare class while they’re social distancing, and our counselors are available to answer their insurance questions. They can also have an options counseling session over the phone.  

 

Our team is receiving daily updates on COVID related insurance issues. They are experts and well informed! For information on all Age Well Services please visit: https://www.agewellvt.org/

 

Service information is also available by calling the helpline at: 1-800-642-5119

 

Other Resources and topics of expertise include:

  • Adult day programs
  • Caregiver and Respite Provider support
  • Choices for Care 
  • HomeMeds Program
  • Housing and Transportation
  • Legal services
  • Long-term care services
  • Meals on Wheels
  • Medicaid, Medicare and other health insurance
  • Mental health services
  • Nursing and residential facility options
  • Prescription Assistance Funding Options
  • Social Security Counseling
  • Support group information
  • 3Squares Vermont
  • Personal Grocery Shopping

 

Here is how we are adapting to continue to meet the needs of the seniors that we serve:

 

  • Meals on Wheels volunteers are delivering extra meals to clients. To allow for social-distancing, volunteers call clients to let them know they are delivering their meal, then leave it outside their door and then walk a safe distance to make sure that the client has received their meal.  This is very important to ensure clients are safe.

 

  • Care & Service Teams are working with clients remotely with home visits when essential. 
  • Helpline and Health Insurance Counselors are working remotely, answering hundreds of questions each day and connecting people to resources.
  • State Health Insurance Counselors are offering on-line classes at no cost to the community                                       

Support for our efforts:

 

  • Businesses have stepped up to support our efforts by sending volunteer teams
  • Community Partners, Legislators, The United Way, Associations and Grassroots groups have all been sharing our information on services and our need for more volunteers.
  • Local Police and Rescue Departments have been sending teams of volunteers
  • We have quickly transformed our ‘onboarding’ process for our new Volunteers- using video training and additional volunteer support to process background checks.

 

  • How to support Age Well: Vulnerable seniors are at the greatest risk amid COVID-19. Local Meals on Wheels programs are on the front lines every day, focused on doing all we can to keep older Vermonters safe and nourished. The costs and efforts needed to protect seniors from COVID-19 require additional emergency funds, and that is why we are asking federal lawmakers, corporations, foundations and the general public to remember these vulnerable seniors in our response. We are working hard to continue to deliver a vital lifeline to our most at-risk population and will likely see the need for increased support continue to rise in the coming months.  Below are the many ways in which we are seeking support:                           

 

 

 

  • Volunteer:  Please contact the Volunteer Department at 802-662-5249 or email: emarks@agewellvt.org.

 

  • Spread the word: Please let your friends, family, and networks know that older Vermonters need their help! Tell them about the ways they can give (the list above!). Follow Age Well on our Social Media Channels – FacebookTwitterInstagram, & LinkedIn and share our posts.