Welcome! The Area V Agency on Aging located in Pocatello provides information and support which maximizes independence and quality of life for older adults, 60 years of age and older, individuals with disabilities and vulnerable adults 18 years and older. The agency serves the citizens of Bannock, Bear Lake, Bingham, Caribou, Franklin, Oneida and Power counties. We welcome you to our website for information on advocacy and services. We are the designated and local Aging and Disability Resource Center for southeast Idaho. SICOG does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, or creed in the admission, treatment or participation of its programs, services, activities, or employment.
Provides assistance for individuals and families by linking them not only to services within our agency, but also to local services available in the communities of the seven counties we serve. This service provides resources to help families and individuals make informed choices. Some services might include transportation, and Medicare and Medicaid information for the elderly and disabled.
Information and Assistance (I&A) Specialists are available to answer questions and provide guidance as you navigate the numerous programs, organizations and options available as we get older. They can help us with the following:
To receive the following services, an assessment is required: Home-Delivered Meals, Homemaker, Respite and Chore. Have the following information ready when speaking with an Information and Assistance Specialist:
Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs) are the first place to go to get accurate, unbiased information on all aspects of life related to aging or living with a disability. ADRCs are friendly, welcoming places where anyone—individuals, concerned families or friends, or professionals working with issues related to aging or disabilities—can go for information specifically tailored to their situation. The ADRC provides information on a broad range of programs and services, helps people understand the various long term care options available to them, helps people apply for programs and benefits, and serves as the access point for publicly-funded long term care. These services can be provided at the ADRC, via telephone, or through a home visit, whichever is more convenient to the individual seeking help.
An Aging and Disability Resource Center provides the following services and more:
Contact the Information and Assistance staff at 208-233-4032
Discharge Planning is a process, not a single event. Medicare defines discharge planning as: “A process used to decide what a patient needs for a smooth transition from one level of care to another.”
As a result of this process, the discharge plan may address the options:
Staff of the ADRC work with the hospital case manager and the patient to ensure that he/she has the information they need to make informed decisions about their support options as they move through critical transition points in the health and long term support system. Contact the Information and Assistance staff at 208-233-4032.
Evidenced based programs support healthy lifestyles and promote healthy behaviors reducing the need for more costly medical interventions. Individuals can learn more about available evidenced programs and practices in the areas of both aging and disabilities and then determine which best meets the need of each person.
We currently offer the Mind over Matter Healthy Bowels, Healthy Bladder (MOM)
Mind Over Matter: Healthy Bowels, Healthy Bladder (MOM) is a researched and proven program designed to give women the tools they need to take control of bladder and bowel leakage. Join a MOM workshop and learn strategies for preventing or lessening symptoms including information sharing, group activities, simple exercises, and dietary changes. With practice, these new skills are proven to help you avoid or reduce leakage so you can keep doing the things that matter most to you.
Falls are a significant concern for older adults, often leading to serious injuries and a decline in independence. However, many falls can be prevented through proactive measures. This guide provides essential information on the causes of falls and practical steps to reduce the risk.
As we age, several factors can increase the likelihood of falling:
Taking care of your overall health and making simple changes at home can significantly reduce the risk of falling:
Use Assistive Devices if Needed: Canes, walkers, or other aids can provide additional support. Ensure they are properly fitted and used correctly.
Experiencing a fall can be alarming. Here’s what to do if it happens:
By understanding the factors that lead to falls and implementing these preventive measures, you can maintain your independence and reduce the risk of injury.
For the vulnerable elderly and disabled, silence can be just as painful as actual abuse, neglect, self neglect and exploitation. Unless the silence is broken, help never comes.
There are vulnerable adults in Idaho who are unable to protect themselves from abuse or exploitation by others. There are also vulnerable adults who are neglected by persons caring for them. Still other vulnerable adults are unable to care for themselves and have no one else to help them.
Adult Protective Services helps to protect vulnerable adults by investigating reports of Abuse, Exploitation, Neglect and Self Neglect of Vulnerable Adults. Adult Protective Services works with the individual, the family and other agencies to find solutions.
APS also provides education and training to community partners, local service providers, and the public.
The Idaho Adult Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation Act (Idaho Statute Title 39 Chapter 53) defines the following:
A Long-term Care Ombudsman (LTCO) is a specially trained and certified advocate who works to improve the quality of life and the quality of care of residents living in long term (residential and skilled nursing) care facilities. Ombudsman works for residents in long-term care facility all services are confidential and free of charge.
If you have concerns about issues in a long-term care facility you can file a complaint by letter, phone, or in person. Often times concerns can be cleared up with just a simple conservation.
The local Ombudsman for Southeast Idaho Area V Agency on Aging:
Under the federal Older Americans Act (OAA) every state is required to have an Ombudsman Program that addresses complaints and advocates for improvements in the long-term care system. Each state has an Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman, headed by a full-time State Long-Term Care Ombudsman who directs the program statewide. Across the nation, staff and thousands of volunteers are designated by State Ombudsmen as representatives to directly serve residents.
The Idaho LTCO program protects and advocates for the health, safety, welfare, and rights of individuals residents residing in skilled nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and other similar adult care facilities. The Ombudsman work to resolve problems individual residents face by investigating complaints, providing interventions on behalf of residents, and effect change at the local, state, and national levels to improve quality of care. In addition to identifying, investigating, and resolving complaints,
Ombudsman program responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Ombudsman programs do not:
Caring for someone with dementia can be challenging. Caregivers should:
Dementia capability means being prepared for the challenges of dementia, whether for yourself or a loved one. By understanding the condition, making lifestyle adjustments, and seeking support, individuals can live fulfilling lives despite the challenges dementia brings.
For more resources, speak with a healthcare provider or visit organizations like the Alzheimer’s Association for guidance and support.
The Area Agency on Aging offers a Support Group for Caregivers. It is held monthly at the Area Agency on Aging offices at 214 East Center Street on the 4th Wednesday at 2:00 pm.
Caregivers need a mix of practical skills and emotional strength to support those they care for. Whether you’re looking after a loved one or working as a professional caregiver, these skills can make caregiving easier and more effective.
Caring for someone can be challenging, but with love and patience, you can make a big difference!
Partnership program with the Idaho Food Bank which administers this program to improve the health of low-income elderly persons 60 years of age and older, by supplementing their diets with a monthly nutritious food box of USDA foods that includes nutrition information and helpful recipes.
To know more about this program, contact: Information and Assistance (208) 233-4032
Nutrition services help older adults stay healthy by providing meals and support. These services aim to:
Reduce hunger and poor nutrition
Adults 60 and older who are homebound, frail, and unable to cook
A standardized service as defined by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics that provides individualized guidance to individuals who are at nutritional risk because of their health or nutrition history, dietary intake, chronic illness, or medication use, or to caregivers. Counseling is provided one-on-one by a registered dietitian and addresses the options and methods for improving nutrition status with a measurable goal.
An intervention targeting Older Americans Act participants and caregivers that uses information dissemination, instruction, or training with the intent to support food, nutrition, and physical activity choices and behaviors in order to maintain or improve health and address nutrition-related conditions. Content is consistent with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans; is accurate, culturally sensitive, regionally appropriate, and considers personal preferences; and is overseen by a registered dietitian or individual of comparable expertise as defined in the OAA.
Information about home delivered meal providers in the seven counties we serve can be found here:
The Area V Agency on Aging located in Pocatello provides information and support which maximizes independence and quality of life for older adults, 60 years of age and older, individuals with disabilities and vulnerable adults 18 years and older.
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