Eastern Agency on Aging is the best source of information, options and services for people as they grow older.

Have you heard or read that sentence before, but wondered exactly what it meant? You’re not alone. Recently I have been meeting people who, while familiar with the agency’s name, are a little unsure about what we actually do.

Charlotte Buck, 75, explained it best after receiving some much needed services.

“Eastern Agency is like a clearinghouse of information,” she said. “All it takes is one phone call to get some help and get questions answered. And if they don’t know the answer, they know who does, and will get it for you. It’s one-stop shopping for information. They help take care of things.”

The Community Services Outreach department of Eastern Agency assists seniors with any questions or problems they may have. Each consultant is well-versed in government programs such as Medicare, Social Security and the Healthy Maine Prescription card.

They also are knowledgeable about Medicaid, food stamps, transportation, housing options and long-term care. These are just a few of the things with which an Eastern Agency consultant can help.

If the individual is unable to come to the office, a consultant will make a home visit. Consultants educate seniors about certain government benefits, determine eligibility and help complete the necessary paperwork.

After a home visit, a consultant may suggest that the senior start receiving Meals for Me, also a program of Eastern Agency.

Meals for Me provides a hot, nutritious noontime meal to frail, homebound elderly.

“Often, if not for this program, an older person would have to have tea and toast for lunch,” said Gail Ward, director of nutrition at Eastern Agency. “And that is simply not enough for them.”

There are no income guidelines for this program. The only criteria for home delivery are that the individuals be homebound and have no one to cook for them.

Meals for Me also has meal sites throughout the area where seniors can get together and socialize while enjoying a hot meal. These sites provide companionship and a chance for the seniors to get out of their houses, said Ward.

Many sites play games, such as beano and cards. Some have auctions, craft fairs and holiday parties.

“There’s never a dull moment at a meal site,” said Ward.

The assisted living programs of Eastern Agency keep seniors well fed and entertained. Freeses in downtown is one of three facilities where EAA provides services.

Residents at Freeses receive three meals a day, housekeeping, assistance with personal care, health monitoring, service coordination, administration of medication and 24-hour staffing.

There also are daily activities to keep residents involved. Marie Sklarz, activities coordinator at Freeses, has exercise classes, craft classes, outside entertainment, games, a gardening club and even Mexican Day and a Hawaiian luau.

Activities are important, said Sklarz, because they keep the residents’ minds sharp and active. Participating in the activities keeps them from dwelling on their illnesses and can help prevent depression, she added.

Eastern Agency also operates Merry Gardens in Camden and Stearns in Millinocket.

Elderly who are in need of extra help but are not in an assisted living facility often depend on a family member for assistance.

Caregiving for an older person comes with its own variety of stress. Eastern Agency’s caregiver resource specialists can help reduce the anxiety while suggesting viable options that would benefit everyone involved. Home health care, respite and additional government benefits can relieve some caregiver stress.

Partners in Caring offers support for individuals caring for a person with Alzheimer’s disease. This program can help the caregiver pay for a few hours of respite. A little time for oneself can refresh the mind and renew the spirit.

There you have it. These are the major programs of Eastern Agency on Aging. If you need help or just have questions you’d like answered, call us. After all, we really are the best source of information, options and services for people as they grow older.

Carol Higgins is director of communications at Eastern Agency on Aging in Bangor. For more information about EAA’s programs and services, call Chuck or Marilyn at 941-2865 or log on www.eaaa.org.