The Area Agency on Aging, Region One, offers many different services and programs to help older residents and their caregivers.

Its long-term care ombudsman offers a resident-centered advocacy program to help those who live in nursing and assisted living homes. An ombudsman aims to resolve complaints on behalf of residents in long-term care centers, including adult foster care, assisted living and skilled nursing facilities. This program provides a free, confidential way for residents to express concerns and have their complaints addressed.

Anyone who is a caregiver to a loved one at home or in a long-term residence or from miles away can receive information, education and respite services through the agency’s Family Caregiver Support program. In-home respite services are arranged through one of the Area Agency on Aging’s home care agencies. The “Friends and Neighbors” consumer-directed care model lets caregivers select their own respite worker to stay with their loved one and to be reimbursed by the agency.

Support groups also are offered at no cost to the caregiver. The CarePAL: A Workshop Series for Care Partners & Care Recipients program helps caregivers learn how to manage their concerns and stress, as well as how to prepare for changes due to serious illnesses, how to communicate about serious illness with others and how to plan for the future. To learn more about workshops in the Valley, call 602-496-1239.

Area Agency on Aging, Region One also offers transportation to medical appointments and to vaccine locations, as well as counseling about Medicare and Medicaid benefits. To learn more, visit www.aaaphx.org or call the 24-Hour Senior HELP LINE at 602-264-HELP (4357).