Madison’s appeal to seniors includes the many free resources available, some of which are listed here. They include means of covering some care costs, getting help when care quality drops and making friends in the community and improving it through voluntary work.
Resource
Contact
Service
Huntsville VA Clinic
(256) 533-8477
Huntsville VA Clinic is only 15 minutes from Madison. It offers U.S. military veterans primary care services, a pharmacy, optometry services and programs dealing specifically with women's health and mental health. The clinic can also refer seniors to veterans services that may help meet some of their care costs, such as the VA Aid and Attendance benefit.
Madison Senior Center
(256) 772-6242
Madison Senior Center is the hub of the older community, a place where they can spend time with friends, access some medical programs and converse with counselors who can advise them on Medicare and Medicaid issues. For entertainment and well-being, seniors can play billiards and cards, participate in one of the gentle physical fitness programs and join in with line dancing. There's also tennis and water aerobics for those who prefer something more active.
Long-Term Care Ombudsman
(256) 716-2451
The Long-Term Care Ombudsman advocates for seniors in residential care communities, focusing on increasing their quality of care and supporting them in disputes with their facilities. This can include investigating complaints seniors haven't been able to resolve directly with the managers in their communities. Families of seniors in assisted living and third parties can also register complaints. Additional services include helping seniors understand their rights and ensuring they receive all the services they're entitled to.
Volunteer Center of Madison County
(256) 880-7080
RSVP (Retired and Senior Volunteer Program) operates out of the Huntsville-Madison County Senior Center. Its purpose is to connect seniors who want to help their communities with local nonprofits who do just that. Seniors decide how much time they can spare and what their skills are and RSVP makes the link. It can involve admin work at the local police station, delivering meals to housebound seniors or working in the nearest senior center or thrift shop. Seniors can also assist at local events, such as the Alabama Sports Festival and Panoply.