Orange County Seniors informed of services

The Texas Silver-Haired Legislature recently hosted its first forum to give the senior citizens of Orange County information about available services.

Sabrina Gray from the Greater Orange Area Chamber of Commerce and Evelyn Brandon of the Bridge City Chamber gave reports from their respective chambers about upcoming events, new businesses and general information about the area.

Brandon reported that there are several new businesses being established in Bridge City.

The Alzheimer’s Association was represented by Debbie Brozak.

“Alzheimer’s has replaced diabetes as the leading cause of death among seniors,” she said, adding that an ID bracelet is available for those with Alzheimer’s.

The bracelet includes information such as the name and address of the wearer and a phone number for relatives or caregivers.

 The area Alzheimer’s Association may be reached at 883-1613.

The Area Agency on Aging is a division of the Southeast Texas Regional Planning Commission and handles as many as 600 cases a year, depending on the funds available.

Counseling is available for those having problems with Social Security, Medicare or Medicaid claims of for those who have had claims denied.

“We are able to work with the appeal process for those who have had claims denied and we are also working a lot with Medicare Part D problems,” said agency representative Colleen Halliburton.

There is vast amount of information available through the 211 call service.

Most are aware of the information relative to area evacuations but there are also many social services that have services through 211.

The agency can also assist with the placement of handicap facilities in homes as well as transportation needs and home delivered meals. The agency’s phone number is 384-5704.

Other information was also given about area assisted living facilities, nursing homes, pharmaceutical uses and concerns for seniors, opportunities for seniors to donate their time and talents, the local hospital and the Silver-Haired Legislature.

Legislature representatives thanked First Baptist Church of Orange for hosting the event, and extended appreciation to Prescribed Home Health Care, Claybar Funeral Home, Omnibus Home Health Care, the S.A.L.T./T.R.I.A.D. group, Daniel Martin, veterans’ advocate; Sabine House, American Pharmaceuticals and Memorial Hermann Baptist Orange Hospital.