General Services
2004 Senior Millage General Services Funding
Aging Professional Development: Live and web-based education programs on aging issues. Programs will increase participant knowledge, enabling them to better assist elders in navigating the health care system and managing their health and social needs.
Assisted Living Directory and Counseling: Educating consumers about the housing options and services available, using a database directory that includes information on over 250 assisted living facilities in Kent County.
Counseling: Professional level counseling services to older adults experiencing personal, social, or emotional problems. Services are intended to be short term and adjustment focused, or as part of a peer support group environment.
Dementia Screening Test: A one-time screening that tests an individual’s orientation, memory, visual-spatial, and verbal abilities. A score is provided which indicates whether the person is at a high, low or questionable risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease.
Emergency Need Fund: Limited emergency assistance for utility shut-offs, security deposits and rent payments.
Flu/Pneumonia Vaccines: As part of the regular vaccine program offered by Visiting Nurses, persons who do not have Medicare or Medicaid coverage may access the vaccine at no cost if they are low income; for others there is a sliding fee scale.
Friendly Visitor: Companionship provided for short intervals to homebound or isolated older adults. Volunteers are trained to provide visits for social needs of the participant.
Guardianship: Professional guardians appointed by the Kent County courts to persons who cannot handle their own finances or make other decisions and do not have family or others to assist them.
Health Education: Basic education services to assist older individuals to acquire knowledge and skills suited to their interest or enhance their quality of life. Programs include exercise classes for persons with chronic health problems, information about health issues, financing health care, coping with loss and change, and support for caregivers.
Home Chore: Assistance for seniors who do not have the ability or resources to complete minor home repairs and other jobs: includes repairing windows, replacing fuses, major yard cleaning and replacing door locks.
Home Repair: Providing major and minor home repairs such as roof replacement, furnace replacement and ramp construction for wheelchair access. Any home modification related to disability restrictions will first be assessed by “Options” through Disability Advocates of Kent County.
Independent Living Program: Assessment, education and recommendations provided by an occupational therapist to determine and implement ways to increase functional independence.
Legal Assistance: Provision of legal advice, counseling, and representation by an attorney to low-income older adults.
Predatory Lending: Provides fact sheets and tips to consumers on evaluating home refinancing options and protecting themselves from selecting a bad home loan.
Senior Companion Program: Trains and provides a stipend for low-income seniors to care for other older adults who are homebound, frail or with mental and/or physical disabilities.
Telephone Reassurance: Provides regular contact with homebound clients to assure they are safe and to partially meet their need for companionship.
Vision Services - Clinic: The clinic’s team of professional staff including optometrist, rehabilitation teachers, and low vision specialists develop a personalized treatment plan designed to help clients maximize the use of their remaining sight.
