Service Definitions

Select any of the terms below for a definition: Abuse and Neglect
Organizations to whom you can report suspected cases of abuse. Also, organizations who provide services designed to protect older persons from neglect, exploitation (including financial exploitation), or abuse. Neglect, exploitation and abuse are defined as: “The willful infliction of injury, unreasonable confinement, intimidation, or cruel punishment resulting in physical harm, pain, or mental anguish, or deprivation by a person, including a caregiver, of goods or services that are necessary to avoid physical harm, mental anguish, or mental illness.”

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Adult Day Care
Care for dependent adults, provided in a supervised, protective, group setting during some portion of a twenty-four hour day, not to exceed 16 hours. Health, social, and related support services are offered in a group setting of two or more individuals with a functional impairment on a scheduled, contractual basis. Examples of the health, social and related support services that may be offered in an adult day care setting include, but are not limited to the following: social and recreational activities, meals, rehabilitation, help with taking medications, help with personal care, family caregiver support groups, etc. The services offered by adult day care centers vary, with some providing more hands-on care than others. Adult Day Care Centers are required to be certified by the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals.

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Adult Day Treatment
Intense counseling services provided in a partial-hospitalization setting.

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Adult Education
Providing formal or informal opportunities for individuals to acquire knowledge, experiences, or skills. Education can be offered in a conference setting, University or community college, public library, health fair, hospital, an individual’s home or other formal or informal setting. Topics must be relevant to people age 60 and older or caregivers of people age 60 and over.

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Adult Protective Services
Services where professionals investigate allegations of suspected dependent adult abuse. Currently, in Iowa, the Department of Human Services (DHS) handles allegations of suspected dependent adult abuse in the community setting and the Department of Inspections and Appeals (DIA) handles allegations of suspected dependent adult abuse in Long Term Care (LTC) facilities and hospitals.

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Advocacy
Receiving, researching, or working to resolve complaints or problems on behalf of an older person in regards to securing rights and/or benefits. Advocacy does not include services provided by an attorney or work under the supervision of an attorney. Another type of advocacy is pro-active in nature, such as when professionals or citizens groups work with legislators or public officials to ensure that the rights and needs of older persons are considered when developing laws and public programs.

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Aging Referrals
Providing information and assistance to individuals age 60 and over or their caregivers about current opportunities and services available to them within their community. In addition to providing information, these service providers can assess the problems and capacities of individuals, link them to available opportunities and services, and conduct follow-up to ensure that the individual received the services needed. The methods for providing this information and assistance vary widely from distributing pre-printed lists of providers in the community to conducting sophisticated electronic searches for a wide-range of services that account for an individual’s personal constraints, be they fiscal, functional, social or geographic. Contact with the public is provided by telephone, e-mail, on-site, or during a home visit.

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Alternative Therapies
An organization providing information about available alternative and complementary therapies or a provider of actual alternative and complementary therapy services. Examples include, but are not limited to: massage therapy, reflexology, reiki, healing touch, acupuncture, etc.

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Alzheimer's Disease
An organization providing information about Alzheimer’s Disease to the general public. Also included are organizations that provide information and assistance, education, or other services specifically targeted to Alzheimer’s Disease sufferers and their families.

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Alzheimer's Disease Support Groups
Meetings open to the family members and friends of individuals suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease. Support Groups may or may not be facilitated by a professional. The purpose of these meetings is to enhance the health, happiness, and comfort of caregivers (family members or friends) of elders afflicted with Alzheimer’s Disease. These support groups indirectly benefit sufferers of Alzheimer’s Disease by providing their caregivers with information and emotional/social support.

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Apartments
Apartments designed for people age 60 and over to live independently. They do not provide assistance with the activities of daily living and may or may not be subsidized.

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Arbitration/Mediation
Intervention between parties to help them reconcile differences, find compromises, or reach mutually satisfactory agreements.

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Area Agencies on Aging
Agencies who plan, coordinate and offer information about human services for older people and their caregivers, as directed by the Older Americans Act. Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) help older adults remain in their home – if that is their preference – aided by services such as home delivered meals, home health care and whatever else it may take to make independent living a viable option. AAAs serve as portals to care, assessing needs, determining eligibility for assistance, purchasing home health and other services for income eligible seniors, and developing programs to respond to new needs as they arise. Many Area Agencies on Aging provide direct services such as senior centers and meal programs.

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Arthritis
An organization providing information about Arthritis to the general public. Also included are organizations that provide information and assistance, education, or other services specifically targeted to Arthritis sufferers and their families.

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Arthritis Support Groups
Group support programs for Arthritis sufferers to enhance their health, happiness, and comfort.

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Assisted Living
An Assisted Living program provides housing with services to three or more individuals in a homelike setting. Services may include but are not limited to health-related care, personal care (bathing, hygiene, grooming, etc.), and assistance with instrumental activities of daily living. Examples of instrumental activities of daily living would be housekeeping, chores, shopping, transportation within the community, etc. Assisted Living programs also encourage family involvement, tenant self-direction, and tenant participation in decisions that emphasize choice, dignity, privacy, individuality, shared-risk, and independence. Assisted Living facilities are not available to people who need more than intermittent or part-time health care. Assisted Living facilities are required by Iowa law to be certified through the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals.

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Assisted Living, Dementia Care
An Assisted Living facility certified to provide dementia care.  An Assisted Living program provides housing with services to three or more individuals in a homelike setting. Services may include but are not limited to health-related care, personal care (bathing, hygiene, grooming, etc.), and assistance with instrumental activities of daily living. Examples of instrumental activities of daily living would be housekeeping, chores, shopping, transportation within the community, etc. Assisted Living programs also encourage family involvement, tenant self-direction, and tenant participation in decisions that emphasize choice, dignity, privacy, individuality, shared-risk, and independence.  Assisted Living facilities are not available to people who need more than intermittent or part-time health care. Assisted Living facilities are required by Iowa law to be certified through the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals.

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Assisted Transportation
Provision of assistance, including escort if needed, to a person who has difficulties (physical or cognitive) using regular vehicular transportation. Assisted Transportation services usually require making reservations in advance. Drivers typically provide assistance for passengers to and from their front door to the bus or van when necessary.

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Assistive Products
Assistive products are devices, items and/or technology that aid persons with activities of daily living so they can be more independent.

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Bereavement Support Groups
Meetings open to the family members and friends of a deceased loved one. The purpose of these meetings is to enhance the health, happiness, and comfort of these family members or friends.

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Cancer
An organization providing information about Cancer to the general public. Also included are organizations that provide information and assistance, education, or other services specifically targeted to people who have Cancer and their families.

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Cancer Support Groups
Meetings open to people who have Cancer and/or the family members and friends of people who have Cancer. The purpose of these meetings is to provide information and to enhance health, happiness, and comfort.

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Caregiver Education
Providing formal or informal opportunities for caregivers to acquire knowledge, experience, or skills. Education can be offered in a conference setting, university or community college, public library, health fair, hospital, an individual’s home, other formal or informal setting, or through the internet. Topics must be relevant to caregivers of people age 60 and over or to grandparents who are raising grandchildren.

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Caregiver Support Groups
Group support programs to enhance the health, happiness, knowledge and comfort of caregivers (family members or friends) who are helping or caring for someone age 60 or over. Support group meetings may or may not be facilitated by a professional.

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Case Management
On-going support is provided to a frail elder and his or her family, which is initiated through a home visit by a nurse or social worker called a “Case Manager.” At this home visit, the Case Manager conducts an assessment of the individual’s health challenges, resulting in a “plan of care” for home-based services. Eligibility for financial assistance for services is also determined. This service is appropriate when an older person is experiencing diminished functioning capacities or other conditions which require the provision of services by formal service providers in the frail elder’s own home. After the initial home visit, the Case Manager arranges for services, coordinates and oversees the plan of care, follows-up with the frail elder and conducts periodic re-assessments.

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Chemical Dependency Support Groups
Meetings open to people who have a Chemical Dependency and/or the family members and friends of people who have a Chemical Dependency. The purpose of these meetings is to provide information and to enhance health, happiness, and comfort.

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Chore Services
Providing assistance to persons having difficulty with heavy housework, yard work, or sidewalk maintenance. (i.e. shoveling snow, lawn mowing, lawn raking, etc.)

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Companion Services
Going to see a homebound elder in order to comfort or help. Companions provide friendship and may also provide assistance to seniors who have difficulty with daily living tasks.

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Congregate Meals
Provision of a noon meal which complies with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans at a senior center or other group setting (restaurant, senior housing, etc.). Each meal must meet 1/3 of the current recommended dietary allowances and must be offered on a contribution basis rather than a set fee.

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Consumer Protection Services
Services designed to protect older individuals, groups, and organizations from any type of fraudulent, deceitful, or unfair transaction or trade practice. (i.e. mail solicitation, phone solicitation, identity theft, etc.) Consumer Protection Services can also be those designed to educate the public about the dangers of fraud, phone solicitation, identity theft, etc.

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Continuing Care Retirement Communities
Retirement Communities planned and operated to provide a continuum of care from independent living through skilled nursing. The facilities allow individuals to live within the same community as their needs progress through the spectrum of care (stages may include Apartments, Assisted Living, Skilled Nursing, etc.).

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Counseling
To advise and to enable an older person or their family, via discussion or lending a sympathetic ear, to resolve problems (concrete or emotional) or to relieve temporary stresses encountered. Includes individual, family, and group counseling. Note: If a counseling service is a Community Mental Health Center, they are required to be licensed by the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals.

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Crisis Intervention
Counseling and/or intervention used to help individuals in crisis. Promotes effective coping that can lead to positive growth and change.

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Dental Clinics
Dental health services for older adults. Services are provided at a reduced rate, either based on income or age (for people age 60 and over). Providers offering reduced-rate dentures or dental services on a sliding scale fee system are examples.

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Depression
An organization providing information about depression to the general public. Also included are organizations that provide information and assistance, education, or other services specifically targeted to people who have depression and/or their families.

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Diabetes
An organization providing information about Diabetes to the general public. Also included are organizations that provide information and assistance, education, or other services specifically targeted to people who have Diabetes and their families.

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Diabetes Support Groups
Group support programs for people who have Diabetes to enhance their health, happiness, and comfort.

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Disability Referrals
Information and Assistance provided for people with disabilities (i.e. physical, cognitive, etc.) and their caregivers regardless of age or type of disability.

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Driver Training
Programs that provide instruction for individuals or groups on the topic of older driver skills and safety.

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Driving Evaluation
Programs that evaluate the motor and cognitive functioning of elderly or disabled individuals to determine the person's ability to drive.  Some programs may also recommend vehicle modifcations and/or driving restrictions rather than the total discontinuation of driving.

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Durable Medical Equipment
Medical products designed to promote independence with daily living (i.e. wheelchairs, walkers, hospital beds, grab bars, canes, commodes, transfer devices, and other medical equipment.)

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Elder Group Homes
Owner-occupied homes or non-profit establishments with a resident manager that provide room, board, and personal care assistance in a single family residence. Elder Group Homes must serve from three to five elders who are not related to the person providing the service. Personal care assistance may include assistance with bathing, hygiene, dressing, grooming, and the supervision of self-administered medications. The actual administration of medications, if needed, will be conducted by a nurse. Elder Group Homes are required by Iowa law to be certified through the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals.

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Elder Law Attorneys
Attorneys or other legal professionals who specialize in the rights of the elderly.

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Emergency Financial Assistance
Short-term financial assistance in a crisis situation. Can include paying past-due bills, responding to rent eviction notices, responding to utilities disconnect notices, etc.

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Emergency Food
Provision of food during a crisis situation.

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Emergency Medical Transportation
Services providing transportation to health care facilities for accident victims and acutely ill or injured individuals needing immediate medical attention.

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Emergency Response Systems
The emergency response system allows a person experiencing a medical emergency at home to activate electronic components that transmit a coded signal via digital equipment over telephone lines to a central monitoring station. Most are connected to the telephone, but they may be connected to a smoke alarm, medication reminders, etc. Commonly known as “Lifeline” services.

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Employment Services
Job training and job placement services designed specifically for older workers. Age eligibility varies from program to program.

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End of Life
Information and Assistance provided about funeral planning, memorial planning, wills and other issues that arise at or near the end of life.

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Enrichment Classes
Classes provided to the general public for fun, enjoyment, and/or personal growth.

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Exercise/Relaxation
Settings that provide equipment or activities to promote mobility, health and flexibility. Relaxation and wellness services such as therapeutic massage or yoga that are provided specifically for older adults or are provided to older adults at a discount.

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Financial Management Counseling
Service offering advice and assistance to resolve financial problems or to relieve temporary financial stresses. Examples of such services includes: financial counseling, checkbook balancing, check writing, etc.

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Food Assistance
Programs that provide food subsidies, free food, or low-cost food to eligible individuals. Examples of such programs include, but are not limited to: the food assistance program administered by DHS (formerly called “food stamps”), the Famer’s Market coupon program, food banks, the SHARE program, etc.

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Food Pantry
Programs which acquire food products through donations, food drives, or receive funds to purchase food and distribute to people who have no food or cannot purchase food at a retail price.

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Friendly Visiting
Visiting an older person to offer comfort, help and friendship. The service may be provided by volunteers or paid providers. Friendly visiting does not include help with the activities of daily living.

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Frozen Meals
Frozen meals delivered to homebound people age 60 and over who are unable to cook for themselves.

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Gambling Support Groups
Group support programs for people with gambling addictions and/or the family members and friends of people who have a gambling addiction. The purpose of these support programs is to provide information and to enhance health, happiness, and comfort.

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General Hospitals
Hospitals available to the general public. Hospitals are required to be licensed through the Department of Inspections and Appeals.

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General Legal
Information and assistance provided about a variety of legal issues. Questions and concerns may be addressed by telephone through a legal information and assistance program or in-person. Services may be provided free or at a reduced cost.

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General Referrals
Provision of Information and Assistance services for needs other than those having to do with aging or a disability. (for example – child care referral services or 211 services).

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Geriatric Assessment
Programs that evaluate the physical condition and/or psychosocial functioning of elderly people to isolate the causes of problems and identify possible solutions. 

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Grandparenting Support Groups
Meetings to help provide information and emotional/social support for grandparents who are the primary caregivers for their grandchildren.

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Grocery Delivery
Grocery shopping and/or grocery delivery services. May be available to the general public for a fee or provided only to individuals who qualify because they are physically unable to shop for their own groceries.

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Hair Care
Barber or beautician services that are provided to an individual in their own home or other place of residence.

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Head Injuries
An organization providing information about head injuries to the general public. Also included are organizations that provide information and assistance, education, or other services specifically targeted to people who have head injuries and their families

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Head Injury Support Groups
Group support programs for people with head injuries and/or the family members and friends of people who have a head injury. The purpose of these support programs is to provide information and to enhance health, happiness, and comfort.

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Health Care Costs
Sources of help for the payment of health care costs that are not covered by insurance.

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Health Clinics
Preventative health services for older adults. Examples include well-elderly clinics or other programs that conduct health assessments, provide immunizations, perform simple procedures such as foot care, and teach people ways to maintain, restore, and improve their health as older adults. Services are often provided at a reduced rate and are provided in settings convenient for people age 60 and over, such as in a senior center, a community health center, senior housing facility, etc.

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Hearing Impaired
An organization providing information about hearing impairments to the general public. Also included are organizations that provide information and assistance, education, or other services specifically targeted to people who have a hearing impairment and their families.

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Hearing Impaired Support Groups
Group support programs open to people who have a hearing impairment and/or the family members and friends of people who have a hearing impairment. The purpose of these support programs is to provide information and to enhance health, happiness, and comfort.

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Heart Disease
An organization providing information about heart disease to the general public. Also included are organizations that provide information and assistance, education, or other services specifically targeted to people who have heart disease and their families.

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Heart Disease Support Groups
Group support programs for individuals with heart disease and/or their family members and friends, to enhance their health, happiness, and comfort.

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Home Delivered Meals
Meals delivered to an individual’s home. Some programs are government funded and require that the recipients be homebound and have limited ability to cook for themselves. Many programs are available on a contribution basis rather than for an established fee.

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Home Modifications
Changes to the design or layout of one’s home to improve convenience and independence should there be physical limitations brought about by age or disability (i.e. ramps, moving appliances to a main floor, changing doorways, installing showers, etc.).

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Home Repair Costs
Provision of financial assistance for the cost of home repairs.

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Homeless Shelters
Residential facilities for individuals and families who have no homes or whose homes are unsafe.

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Homemaker Services
Providing assistance to persons having difficulty with one or more of the following activities of daily living: preparing meals, managing money, shopping for personal items, using the telephone, or doing light housework.

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Hospice Care
Palliative health care and social services provided for people with a terminal illness in a home, outpatient or institutional setting. Care is under the direction of a licensed physician and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week if necessary. Hospice providers are required to be licensed through the Department of Inspections and Appeals.

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Hospital Speciality
Health care facilities which provide diagnostic and treatment services in an inpatient setting for specified medical conditions.

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Housing Assistance
Providers of financial assistance for housing that is provided on a continued or one-time basis such as housing authority offices where applications are processed, low-income senior apartments, section 8 housing, HUD housing, etc.

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Income Tax Assistance
Income tax preparation and filing services provided by knowledgeable volunteers or for a low fee.

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Insurance Counseling
Assistance with understanding insurance policies and claims, including Medicare, Medicaid, supplemental insurance and private insurance.

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Legal Education
Education about legal issues of concern to seniors and their family members.

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Liquid Supplements
Nutritional drink provided as a dietary supplement for eligible seniors, often delivered with home delivered meals programs or by another home care service.

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Long Term Care Insurance
Insurance to provide for home-based or institutional services (social, personal, and health care services) over a sustained period of time due to frailty or incapacity.

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Lou Gehrig's Disease Support Groups
Group support programs for individuals with Lou Gehrig’s disease and/or their family members, to enhance their health, happiness, and comfort.

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Maintenance/Repair
Source of help for seniors to improve, repair, or maintain their residence, appliances, etc.

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Material Aid
Aid in the form of cash, goods or material items (i.e. clothes, food, physical products, etc.).

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Medicaid
Sources of information about Medicaid services such as eligibility information, claims, or application procedures. Medicaid provides payment for hospital and medical services to low-income people.

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Medical Alert Jewelry
Bracelets or necklaces that depict the wearer’s medical condition or impairment, such as safe return information for Alzheimer’s sufferers who wander, medication information, allergies, or other health conditions.

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Medical Supplies
Programs or organizations that help pay the costs of medical supplies or who provide medical supplies at a reduced cost.

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Medicare
Services that help people understand, or access Medicare, the national social health care program for all U.S. citizens aged 65 and older.

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Medication System
Device that dispenses the proper dosage of medications at a specified time. Most systems use an alarm, bell or other sound to notify the recipient that it is time to take their medicine. Some systems notify recipients through their television screen or computer.

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Memory Loss
An organization providing information about memory loss to the general public. Also included are organizations that provide information and assistance, education, or other services specifically targeted to people with memory loss and their families.

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Multiple Sclerosis
An organization providing information about Multiple Sclerosis to the general public. Also included are organizations that provide information and assistance, education, or other services specifically targeted to people with Multiple Sclerosis and their families.

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Multiple Sclerosis Support Groups
Group support programs for individuals with Multiple Sclerosis and/or their family members, to enhance their health, happiness, and comfort.

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Nursing Homes
A facility that provides extended health care services and rehabilitation services for people whose illnesses or functional impairments make them unable to care for themselves. Nursing Homes are required to be licensed through the Department of Inspections and Appeals.

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Nutrition Education
A service or program promoting better health by providing accurate and culturally sensitive nutrition information to older persons and/or their caregivers. Nutrition education must be overseen by a dietician or individual of comparable expertise if medically oriented information is provided. Nutrition education can be provided one-on-one or in a group setting.

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Organizations/Associations
Groups who inform or advocate on issues important to the field of aging. Their target audience may be the general public or professionals.

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Osteoporosis
An organization providing information about Osteoporosis to the general public. Also included are organizations that provide information and assistance, education, or other services specifically targeted to people with Osteoporosis and their families.

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Osteoporosis Support Groups
Group support programs for individuals with Osteoporosis and/or their family members, to enhance their health, happiness, and comfort.

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Other Health Conditions
Organizations providing information about other specific health conditions to the general public. Also included are organizations that provide services to people with other specific health conditions and/or their families.

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Other Support Groups
Support groups for situations or conditions other than those already listed.

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Parkinson's Disease
An organization providing information about Parkinson’s Disease to the general public. Also included are organizations that provide information and assistance, education, or other services specifically targeted to people with Parkinson’s Disease and their families.

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Parkinson's Disease Support Groups
Group support programs for individuals with Parkinson’s Disease and/or their family members, to enhance their health, happiness, and comfort.

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Personal Care Assistance
Providing hands-on assistance, standby assistance, supervision or cues for someone who is having difficulty with activities of daily living necessary for self-care such as eating, bathing, dressing, toileting, and transferring in and out of bed. Home health agencies that provide this service are required to be licensed through the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals.

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Pharmacy Delivery
Home delivery of pharmaceuticals.

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Prescription Assistance
Discount cards, programs, or insurance to help pay for prescriptions.

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Preventative Health
Immunizations, health screenings, education and other programs aimed at early detection or prevention of illness, disability and disease.

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Psychiatry
Services offered by a psychiatrist that are specifically targeted to an older population and/or their caregivers. A psychiatrist makes specific diagnoses of mental disorders, prescribes medications, and provides counseling treatments. (Psychiatry may be offered in an out-patient or in-patient setting).

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Public Health
(County Health Departments) Provides education and services that maintain the health of community members. Free or reduced cost services are available based on age and income. Services include flu shots, health screening, foot clinics, etc.

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Public Transportation
Transportation service that is available to the general public. Assistance with getting on and off the bus or in and out of the vehicle is not provided. Discounts may be available for senior citizens.

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Recreation
Leisure activities designed for the unique needs and interests of older people. Examples include sports, tours, performing arts, games, crafts, library-based activities (including delivery), etc.

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Representative Payee Services
Financial management service for someone who is unable to manage their funds and federal government benefits by reason of physical or mental capacity. A representative payee is appointed by a government entity to receive those funds and benefits on the other individual’s behalf.

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Residential Care Facilities
Institutions, places, buildings, or agencies providing accommodation, board, personal assistance and other essential daily living activities for a period exceeding 24 consecutive hours. Individuals living in a residential care facility are unable to sufficiently or properly care for themselves because of illness, disease, or physical or mental infirmity, but do not require the services of a registered or licensed practical nurse, except for emergencies. Residential Care Facilities are required to be licensed by the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals.

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Respiratory Disease
An organization providing information, assistance, and/or education about Respiratory Diseases to the general public. Also included are organizations that provide direct services to people with Respiratory Disease and/or their families.

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Respite, In-Home
Provision of temporary, substitute care and/or supports for an older person in the person’s own home, so that their spouse, family member or other caregivers are provided a brief period of relief or rest.

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Respite, Out of Home
Provision of temporary, substitute care, supports or living arrangements for an older person in an adult day care, nursing home or other out of home setting, so that their spouse, family member or other caregivers are provided a brief period of relief or rest.

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Retirement Communities
Communities that are designed for senior citizens who are relatively healthy. Communities are in apartment, town house, or condominium settings. Provides minimal or no assistance with health care. Does not increase care as health needs arise. Many, but not all, require a buy-in or entrance fee.

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Reverse Mortgage
Service offering education about reverse mortgages, and/or providers who help individuals obtain a reverse mortgage. Obtaining a reverse mortgage is a method for homeowners age 62 and older to use (“borrow”) a portion of their home equity without having to make monthly payments or sell their home. Repayment is not due until the borrower sells, moves, or dies.

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Senior Centers
a gathering place where older adults can enjoy social, physical and recreational activities as well as a hot noon meal. Health screening services are often available also.

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Skilled Nursing
Skilled Nursing services provide actual medical care in a person’s home. Examples include medication assistance, wound care, IV therapy, etc. Home health agencies that provide this service are required to be licensed by the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals.

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Social Security Retirement Benefits
Cash income payments provided to people who are elderly, have a disability, or are a Survivor.

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Stroke
An organization providing information, assistance, and/or education about Strokes to the general public. Also included are organizations that provide direct services to people who have suffered from a Stroke and/or their families.

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Stroke Support Groups
Group support programs for individuals recovering from a Stroke and/or their family members, to enhance their health, happiness, and comfort.

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Subsidized Rental Housing
Provider of rental housing where the rent is reduced based on a person’s income. Examples include: housing authority offices where applications are processed, low-income senior apartments, section 8 housing, HUD housing, etc.

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Substance Abuse Treatment
Counseling provided for older persons who need help due to the misuse of medications, alcohol, certain drugs, and other toxins. (Substance abuse treatment may be offered in an in-patient or out-patient setting.)

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Substitute Decision Making
Providers of information about substitute decision making options; entities who can provide direct assistance with the substitute decision making arrangements, and/or; entities who can act as a substitute decision maker when the now-incapacitated person has no family or other pre-determined person available to fulfill that role. Substitute decision-making is a means of making health care and/or financial decisions on behalf of people who are incapable of making these decisions for themselves. Some examples of substitute decision making arrangements include: guardianship, conservatorship, advanced directives, living will, power of attorney, etc.

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Supplemental Insurance
Insurance policies which provide coverage for services not covered by Medicare. Also, organizations that provide assistance understanding policies, medigap insurance, etc.

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Supplemental Security Income
Cash income for people who are elderly, have a disability, are a refugee, or are blind.

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Telephone Reassurance
Periodic phone calls to a homebound elder to check on their well-being or provide reassurance.

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Tenant/Landlord
Provision of legal advice on rental property and rental contract issues.

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Utility Assistance
Financial assistance programs to help pay for or reduce utility bills, such as gas and electric, water, telephone, etc. Examples include the low-income energy assistance program, weatherization program for income eligible people, etc.

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Vehicle Modifications
Providers who modify vehicles to enable people with disabilities to continue driving. Also includes the installation of wheelchair lifts for transporting passengers in wheelchairs.

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Veterans
Service that provides answers to questions about veteran’s insurance and other benefits provided to veterans.

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Veterans Support Groups
Group support programs for veterans to enhance their health, happiness, and comfort.

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Vision Impairment
An organization providing information about vision impairments (including blindness) to the general public. Also included are organizations that provide information and assistance, education, or other services specifically targeted to people with a vision impairment and/or their families.

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Vision Impairment Support Groups
Group support programs for people who are visually impaired and/or their families to enhance their health, happiness, and comfort.

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Volunteer Services
Organizations that coordinate volunteers and/or provide information about agencies, programs, or events where volunteers are needed, either on a one-time or on-going basis.

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Volunteer Transportation
Provision of transportation by a volunteer in their private vehicle to important health care appointments or for essential shopping.

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Weatherization
Weatherization includes: insulation of attics, side walls, and crawlspaces; caulking; weather-stripping; sealing cracks; replacing glass; and installing other energy efficient devices

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