Town of Bennington 1998 Annual Report

Senior Meals: 20,293 meals were prepared and delivered to the homes of 172 frail elders who were homebound and unable to prepare a meal. This service is frequently referred to as "Meals on Wheels." In addition, 172 older persons participated at one or more of the luncheon sites supported by this agency, enjoying 6,370 meals at those locations. This Council provided the majority of these services through a contract with the Bennington County Meals Program.

Case Management Assistance: 309 elder residents of Bennington utilized the services of our Case Management staff who assisted elders with applications, re- certifications and problem solving for a variety of supportive programs such as Fuel Assistance, SSI, Medicaid, Medicaid Waiver, Food Stamps, etc. Case Management staff also provided specialized support and assistance to frail and vulnerable elders who were facing long term care placement. Case Managers helped those who wished to remain independent find and link up with the available services and supports.

Other Service Support: The Council on Aging also provided assistance to Bennington elders through such efforts as: 1) Information and Assistance support via our "Senior HelpLine." This tell free telephone service (1-800-642-5119) enabled elders, family members and others learn about and connect with needed services and programs available for older persons; 2) Health benefit counseling and health insurance form filing assistance through its HICA Program; 3) Peer Counseling Support for elders dealing with grief and depression brought on by various life changing events; 4) Legal service support through a contract with the Senior Law Project; 5) Information about elder issues through the "Elder Connection" column appearing weekly in the Rutland Herald, written by Barbara Hanson, SVCOA's Community Resource Director.

Respectfully submitted,
Beth Cheadle, Case Management Supervisor