Public help for elderly showcased

PRESQUE ISLE – The Aroostook Agency on Aging and AARP Maine have launched a three-month campaign beginning in March to explain public benefit programs available to Maine’s older residents.

“Making Ends Meet” is a program, presented by AAA and co-sponsored by AARP Maine, that will provide information on benefit programs and allow seniors to enroll in or arrange for a private appointment to determine if they may be eligible to receive increased help.

These free information programs will be held at locations throughout Aroostook County in March:

. 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 6, Stockholm School Dining Center, School Street, Stockholm.

. 10 a.m. Thursday, March 7, Community Center, Main Street, Oakfield.

. 10 a.m. Tuesday, March 12, VFW Hall, Van Buren Road, Caribou.

. 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 13, Eagle Lake Senior Center, Main Street, Eagle Lake.

. Noon Thursday, March 14, Dining Center, Van Buren Community Center, Champlain Street, Van Buren.

. 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 20, Ricker Plaza Dining Center, 73 Military St., Houlton.

. 11 a.m. Thursday, March 21, Senior Center (Forever Young Club), Dining Center, 523 Main St., Madawaska

. 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 27, Lyndon Heights Dining Center, Lyndon Street, Caribou.

. 10:30 a.m. Thursday, March 28, Fort Kent Dining Center, 12 East Main St., Fort Kent.

The workshop will include such issues as increasing the amount in Social Security checks; paying less for prescription drugs; getting help with medical bills; paying less for groceries; and taking care of a spouse if a senior must go to a nursing home.

Mail-in postcard forms will be distributed at all workshops and will be available at many locations throughout The County so seniors can request a confidential appointment with trained staff to receive more information.

Seniors, veterans, church or civic organizations also may arrange to have a presentation at their meetings.

For more information, contact Brenda Barker, AAA education and outreach director, at 764-3396 or (877) 353-3771.