Seniors and their families can take advantage of the many resources that Garland and the Dallas-Fort Worth community offer. State agencies can help seniors apply for government benefits and ease the transition into long-term care living. Other services can help seniors with legal needs, finding medical equipment and financial and health topics affecting the elderly.
Resource
Contact
Description
North Central Texas Area Agency on Aging
(800) 272-3921
The local Agency on Aging administers programs for the elderly in seven North Texas counties. Representatives can help seniors apply for government benefits, plus locate assistance paying for long-term care. Other programs from the AAA coordinate health screenings and seminars about topics that affect the elderly, such as the early indications of dementia, fall prevention and signs of a heart attack or stroke. It also addresses financial topics that affect the elderly, including preventing fraud and finding assistance in paying for long-term care.
Garland Senior Activity Center
(972) 205-2769
Local seniors can gather at the Garland Senior Activity Center and spend time visiting over a communal lunch, attending a hobby group or playing games. The senior center also hosts regular educational programs addressing topics that impact seniors, such as changes to Medicaid, learning to use technology and health screenings. There are also fitness classes for older adults, such as Silver Sneakers and chair yoga.
Dallas County Veterans Services
(972) 692-4939
Representatives of this agency help veterans apply for benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs, including the Aid & Attendance program to pay for assisted living and health care. It also has groups for people suffering from PTSD or grief and loss.
Wellness Center For Older Adults
(972) 953-7669
This community outreach program offers health screenings and information about health issues that impact the elderly. Counseling for different needs is held and training for caregivers. The Wellness Center also offers respite care for caregivers and different social programs for seniors. A loan closet has durable medical equipment that seniors may borrow indefinitely, plus a limited supply of disposable medical supplies.
Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman
(214) 823-5700
Ombudsman agents advocate for the needs of residents of long-term care homes in the state, including assisted living. They investigate complaints from residents and address them, plus provide families with information about long-term care homes so they can choose the right place for their loved one.