Elder Services
Elder services, largely supported by the Older Americans Act (OAA) for individuals aged 60+, provide a network of protection and support to maintain independence. Key services include legal assistance for rights and benefits, long-term care ombudsmen, abuse prevention, and Medicare counseling aimed at fostering health, safety, and autonomy.Legal Assistance
Legal Assistance Services provide vital, free civil legal aid to adults aged 60+ (focusing on those with greatest economic/social need) to protect independence, safety, and financial security. These services address issues like housing, public benefits (Medicare/Medicaid), elder abuse, consumer protection, and planning for incapacity.
The Gateway Area Development District contracts with Legal Aid of the Bluegrass to provide these services in our region.
Eligibility
Any individual aged 60+ residing in Bath, Menifee, Montgomery, Morgan, or Rowan Counties.
Ombudsman
The Long Term Care Ombudsman acts as an advocate for residents of nursing homes, personal care and family care homes. Ombudsmen work to resolve problems and issues of individual residents by working directly with them and their family members.
Since 1978, the Kentucky Long-Term Care Ombudsman program has served residents of long-term care facilities in all 120 Kentucky counties. Services of the State Long Term Care Ombudsman program are coordinated through the Nursing Home Ombudsman Agency. The program also has oversight for 15 district programs affiliated with Area Agencies on Aging and Independent Living. The program receives federal, state, and local funding and does not charge for services.
Services are provided through Legal Aid of the Bluegrass.
Eligibility
Any resident or individual representing a resident of a skilled nursing facility, assisted living facility, personal care home or family care home in Bath, Menifee, Montgomery, Morgan, or Rowan Counties.
Abuse Prevention
The Elder Abuse Prevention Program, funded primarily by Older Americans Act (Title VII) funds, provides free services aimed at preventing and addressing elder abuse, which includes physical, emotional, psychological harm, financial exploitation, and neglect. In Kentucky, anyone suspecting elder abuse must report it to Adult Protective Services.
The Gateway Area Agency on Aging and Independent Living (AAAIL) raises community awareness about the needs of residents in long-term care facilities and other vulnerable adults at risk of elder abuse. The program includes regular visits by a District Ombudsman or volunteer to skilled nursing facilities in Bath, Menifee, Montgomery, Morgan, and Rowan Counties, where they distribute information on residents’ rights, abuse prevention, and reporting methods.
Additionally, the program offers training on identifying, preventing, reporting, and treating elder abuse, covering topics like physical abuse, neglect, scams, identity theft, and financial exploitation.
State Health Insurance Program
The State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) offers education and assistance to individuals aged 60 and older and disabled individuals in Bath, Menifee, Montgomery, Morgan, and Rowan Counties.
SHIP helps residents make informed decisions about Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, private insurance, and other benefits.
SHIP counselors provide free, confidential support with applying for benefits, comparing Medicare Part D plans, understanding Long Term Care and Medigap insurance, and organizing paperwork from healthcare providers and insurance companies.
Services are provided through Legal Aid of the Bluegrass.
For assistance, contact the statewide SHIP toll-free number at 1-877-293-7447, the Gateway ADRC at 1-855-882-5307, or Legal Aid of the Bluegrass at 1-866-516-3051.