North Central Alabama Regional Council of Governments

Serving Cullman, Lawrence, and Morgan Counties

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AREA AGENCY ON AGING

 

North-central Alabama Regional Council of Governments is the agency designated by the Alabama Department of Senior Services as the Area Agency on Aging for Region 11.  As the Area Agency on Aging, NARCOG has the responsibility to serve as the lead agency and advocate for the elderly in the development and provision of a system of in-home and community services to help the elderly maintain their independence and dignity.  NARCOG reaches these goals by working with federal, state and local officials, elderly constituents, service providers and volunteer groups.  Together they advocate, plan, evaluate, coordinate and where necessary contract for the delivery of existing services, and develop new services to help the elderly.

Services are available for those aged 60+ and their spouses (except where age exemptions are noted).

There is no charge for services provided, however voluntary donations are encouraged and accepted, and donations help to provide additional services.

Services provided by NARCOG include:

Nutrition Services

Twenty senior centers serving hot noon congregate meals 5 days per week.
Home delivered noon meal and breakfast for the homebound 5 days per week.
Crafts, quilting, games and social interaction with other seniors at the senior centers.

Information and Referral Services

Information and Referral Services for information and referral on services available within the Region to seniors.

State Health Insurance assistance Program (SHIP)

State Health Insurance assistance Program (SHIP), with certified volunteer counselors providing assistance on specific topics such as Medicare/Medicaid, home health benefits, claims and appeals.

Legal Services

Legal Services including preparation of wills, living wills, powers of attorney, questions and appeals concerning Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and other legal issues.  Assistance provided by appointment.

SenioRx Prescription/Medication Program

Assistance with obtaining free or discounted prescription medications through cooperative efforts by physicians and pharmaceutical companies.  Assistance available within each of the three counties.

            Senior RX Prescription Info

Ombudsman Services

Ombudsman Services to help protect the rights of residents residing in Long-Term Care Facilities and help ensure they are receiving adequate treatment and proper care.  This includes:
Investigation/resolution of complaints
Visitation of facilities to evaluate conditions
Review of residents entitled legal, financial, social, and rehabilitative services
Mediation of conflicts, concerns or complaints between residents, family members and facility staff
Education of residents, family and facility staff about residents’ rights
Resource for public information and education
Assistance to resident and family councils
Represent residents’ rights and interests before state and federal government by working to change laws, regulations and policies affecting those who live in long-term care facilities.

Ombudsman Brochure

Family Caregiver Support Services

Family Caregiver Support Services to help family members caring for loved ones at home through assistance from the Alabama Cares Family Caregiver Support Program and Project REACH (Resources for Enhancing Alzheimer Caregivers Health Program).  The family caregiver does not have to be 60 years of age to qualify for this service.  Available services include:
Caregiver training and education
Information and Assistance
Respite Care
Counseling Services
Supplemental Services
Assistance with the purchase of much needed medical supplies, nutritional supplements, etc.

           Alabama Cares Information Flyer

Senior AIDES/Senior Worker Employment Training Program

Senior AIDES/Senior Worker’s Program helping low-income mature (55+) workers achieve gainful employment and personal development through community service and training.  Host agencies provide training and agree to consider hiring workers whenever job openings occur.

Elderly and Disabled Waiver Program (Medicaid Waiver)

Elderly and Disabled Waiver Program (Medicaid Waiver) for eligible individuals who are recipients of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Medicaid and who demonstrate a degree of disability and frailty that might otherwise require costly nursing home placement.  Available services include:
Homemaker Services
Personal Care Services
Companion Care Services
Frozen Home Delivered Meals
Respite Care Services
Unskilled Care
Skilled Care

Transportation Services

Senior citizens often need assistance to reach necessary facilities and services, such as medical care, service agencies and nutrition centers.  Public transportation also gives the elderly access to recreational and social events.  NARCOG helps to fund senior transport in each of the region’s three counties.  The transportation system is a demand-response system and there is a nominal charge for services.