Council On Aging
| Name | Title | |
| Joni Schaff | Council on Aging Director | jschaff@bighorncountymt.gov |
| Merla Mullenberg | Lodge Grass Supervisor | mmullenberg@bighorncountymt.gov |
| Council on Aging | bhccoa@bighorncountymt.gov |
Funded by
- Big Horn County State of Montana
- Federal Government
- Project income
- In-kind contributions
On July 25, 1969, the Big Horn Association of Senior Citizens, of Hardin , Montana established the Senior Citizens program, now known as the Big Horn County Council on Aging (COA). The COA policies and assurances are under provisions of Section 1321.161 (c) (2) of Title III Federal Regulations. The Federal Older Americans’ Act Section 306 (a) (2) (c). The State Area II Agency on Aging, Social and Rehabilitation Service, Community Service Division.
In July, 1974, the Big Horn County Council on Aging incorporated as a non-profit Montana organization under the laws of the State of Montana . This program was established as a tool for the promotion, and that priority should be geared to our most important resources: The Senior Citizens, People and Community.
WE ARE HERE TO HELP!Lodge Grass
Lodge Grass Senior Center is a Satellite Center of the Big Horn County Council on Aging and is under the direct supervision of the Director at the Hardin office.
- Transportation
- Congregate Meals
- Home Delivered Meals
- Legal/Tax Referral
- Health Care/Screening
- Advocacy
- Center Activities/Recreation
- Information & Referral Service
- Tax Aide
- Pedicure
- Educational/Health Films
- Exercise/Low Impact Classes
General Background on the Council On Aging Concept
The programs functions are established to:
- Promote and develop programs and activities that benefit Senior Citizens;
- Cooperate with the Montana State Unit on Aging, and Area II Agency on Aging, also public and private agencies of the Community, State and National level, to more efficiently meet the needs and provide opportunities for older persons;
- Participate in referral services in areas of Health, Housing, Finances and Transportation;
- Bring people together for socialization;
- Be aware and interested in the aspects, and needs of the Aging, promote appropriate public relations and endeavors, and coordinate activities, and fiscal management; and
- Seek out resources at the local, State, and National levels, to provide services for the Aging.
Summary
The Council on Aging also acts as a liaison organization for any agency interested in the positive effects for elderly people. The main purpose is to promote the development of a comprehensive and coordinated service system to meet the needs of the older persons.
With this approach, the COA hopes to achieve involvement; plan services and coordinate planning with other agencies and organizations which promote opportunities to the elderly, on a wider range in both the public and private sectors.
The result will be to promote a better future outlook with new and expanded benefits and opportunities for Senior Citizens that will enhance and fulfill their lives to the maximum.
Helpful Resources
General Information
AARP National Headquarters
(888) 687-2277
601 E. Street NW, Washington DC, 20049
American Red Cross of Montana
(800) 272-6668
http://www.montanaredcross.com
Disabled American Veterans National Headquarters (DAV)
(877) 426-2838
Eldercare Locator (can put you in touch with your Area Agency on Aging)
(800) 677-1116
Food Stamp Hotline
(800) 332-2272
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
(800) 829-1040
24-hour refund information hotline: (800) 829-4477
Medicare Part A & Part B (for hospital care and skilled nursing care)
(800) 633-4227
Medicare Fraud and Abuse Hotline
(800) 447-7828
Call if you suspect Medicare fraud or abuse.
http://www.medicare.gov/FraudAbuse
Medicare Railroad
(800) 833-4455
Montana Center on Disabilities
(406) 657-2312
National “DO NOT CALL” Registry
(888) 382-1222
Register phone numbers to keep solicitors from calling.
http://www.donotcall.gov
Social Security
(866) 895-1795 or (866) 365-7107
For questions on Medicare eligibility and Medicare cards.
2900 4th Ave N., Rm 100,
Billings, MT 59105
Stop Junk Mail – Direct Marketing Associates
PO Box 9008, Farmington, NY 11735-9008
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
(800) 827.1000
State Information
AARP
(406) 441-2277 or (866) 295-7278
30 West 14th Street, Suite 301, Helena, MT 59601
American Cancer Society
(406) 256-7150
1903 Central Ave, Billings, MT 59101
Fax: (406) 256-7170
Alzheimer’s Association – Montana Chapter
(406) 252-3053
3010 11th Ave N, Billings, MT 59101
http://www.alz-mt.org
Better Business Bureau
(800) 356-1007
Blind and Low Vision Services
(888) 279-7532
111 Sanders, P.O. Box 4210, Suite 307, Helena MT 59604-4210
24 Hour Helpline for Montana for respite care
(877) 252-3053
Certification Bureau
(406) 444-2009
Questions/concerns regarding home-help agencies and nursing homes.
Citizens Advocate-Governors Office (Helena)
(800) 332-2272
Ask for Office on Aging-assistance or information including statewide resources
Consumer Fraud Complaints (Consumer Affairs)
(800) 481-6896
Department of Public Health and Human Services
(406) 655-7622
Addictive and Mental Disorders Division/ Local Advisory Councils (LAC)
2121 Rosebud Drive, Suite D17, Billings, MT 59102
Fax: (406) 652-1895
Disabled American Veterans (DAV)
(406) 443-8754
VA Montana Health Care System & Regional Office
1892 Williams St., Bldg 141, Rm. 109
PO Box 189, Fort Harrison, MT 59363-0189
Fax: (406) 442-3490
Energy Share of Montana
(406) 248-1477
(HRDC District VII)
(800) 433-1411
Medicaid Questions Line
(800) 362-8312
Medicaid Waiver Questions
(800) 219-7035
Montana Department of Public Health & Human Services (Aging Office)
(406) 655-7652
Montana Senior Citizens Association
(800) 553-5341
P.O. Box 423, Helena MT 59624
Montana State Refund Hotline (Automated)
(406) 444-9840
For personal questions regarding refunds call 896-4014
Montana Veterans Affairs Division
(406) 248-8579 or (406) 324-3000 or (406) 324-3740
P.O. Box 4789, Fort Harrison, MT 59636
Montana State Attorney General
(406) 444-2026
215 N. Sanders St., P.O. Box 201401, Helena MT 59624
E-mail: contactdoj@mt.gov
Mountain Pacific Quality Health Foundation
(800) 497-8232
Call if you have a complaint about the quality of care you receive from your physician, hospital, nursing home or medical health plan.
Regional Ombudsman for Area II
(406) 256-6568
State Insurance Commissioner (Helena)
(800) 332-6148
P.O. Box 409, Helena, MT 59064
http://www.state.mt.us/sao/insdiv.htm
State Health Insurance Counseling Program (SHIP)
(800) 551-3191
State Office on Aging, 111 N. Sanders Street, Helena MT 59604
SHIP volunteers can assist with Medicaid/Supplemental Insurance questions
State Nursing Home Ombudsman (Helena)
(800) 332-2272
Assists with concerns of nursing home residents
State Long-Term Care Ombudsman
(800) 332-2272
111 N. Sanders Street, P.O. Box 4210, Helena, MT 59604
State Office on Aging (Dept. Of Public Health & Human Services)
(406) 444-5622
Telemarketing Fraud Unit
(406) 444-9405
Regional Information
Aging Services Help Line
(800) 551-3191
Montana Area Agencies on Aging Association, Helena
(800) 332-2272
Area Agencies on Aging
Area I
P.O. Box 1309, Glendive, MT 59330
E-mail: lbrengle@aemt.org
(406) 377-3564
Fax: (406) 336-3570
Counties served:
Carter, Custer, Daniels, Dawson, Fallon, Garfield,
McCone, Phillips, Powder River, Prairie, Richland,
Roosevelt, Rosebud, Sheridan, Treasure,
Valley, Wibaux
Area II
1502 4th Street West, P.O. Box 127
Roundup, MT 59072
(406) 323-1320 or (800) 551-3191
E-mail: areatwo@midriveres.com
Counties served:
Bighorn, Carbon, Fergus, Golden Valley,
Judith Basin, Mussellshell, Petroleum, Stillwater,
Sweet Grass, Wheatland, Yellowstone