FAQ

General Questions

Q: What is your service area?

A: We serve Woodbury, Monona, Plymouth, Cherokee and Ida Counties in Iowa. We can only provide services within our service area.

Q: How can I make a donation to Siouxland Aging Services?

A: Click on “home” at the top of your screen and select the “donation” tab. Follow the instructions as listed.

Q: How can I report elder abuse or fraud anonymously?

A: Call Siouxland Aging Services and our receptionist will direct you to the proper department.

Q: How can I find out about services in other areas and states?

A: Click on our “Links” tab which will list informational web sites that may assist you.

Q: What about a newsletter?

A: Siouxland Aging Services has two newsletters: a monthly Caregiver Newsletter and a bi-monthly Siouxland Aging Newsletter. If you wish to be added to our mailing list, call Siouxland Aging. (The newsletters are at no charge.)

Q: What if I have health concerns, but I don't want to leave my home?

A: This is where Siouxland Aging Services can be especially helpful. We offer programs to help you to determine the specific types of assistance you need to remain independent. Go to our "Services" section to explore the program(s) available to you.

Advocacy

Q: I’m suspicious that something I’ve received in the mail, through a phone call, or by email may be a scam. Can you help me?

A: Yes, Siouxland Aging Services’ Advocacy Coordinator has information on current scams circulating in Siouxland and around the state. If yours is a new one, we can check out its validity. In addition, the Advocacy Coordinator and SMP volunteers present programs to help seniors to avoid becoming victims of scams, healthcare fraud, and identity theft.

Q: What is SMP?

A: Senior Medicare Patrol is a national program empowering seniors to prevent healthcare fraud and to avoid becoming victims of scams and identity theft. Siouxland Aging Services is a member of this statewide program, bringing valuable information to Siouxland Seniors, researching and answering questions, and advocating for those who have become victims. Senior volunteers are an important component of this program. If you have skills in assisting with presentation, from speaking to helping greet and pass out papers, consider this volunteer opportunity.

Q: What should I do if I’ve become a victim of a scam?

A: Contact the Advocacy Coordinator at Siouxland Aging Services. You will be assisted with verifying the fraud and contacting local law enforcement when necessary.

Q: Is assistance with completing Iowa’s Rent Reimbursement available?

A: Yes, our Advocacy Coordinator is available to assist seniors (ages 60+) with these forms. Rent Reimbursement forms for the previous year become available in mid-January. Appointments may be made by calling Siouxland Aging Services. Since Rent Reimbursements have filing deadlines in the December two years after the year for which you are filing (for example, Rent Reimbursements for 2008 have a filing deadline in December 2010.), appointments may be made year-round. You must bring all necessary documentation for your appointment.

Case Management

Q: What services does the Case Management Program provide?

A: Our Case Management Program helps to coordinate those direct services that may be provided by other agencies.

Q: Do I have to enroll in your Case Management Program for a specific period of time?

A: No. If you decide that you no longer want to receive services in our Case Management Program, you can request to be discharged at any time.

Q: Is there a minimum number of services that I must receive from area providers in order to be in the Case Management Program?

A: A person in our Case Management Program must have at least 2 services from different area providers. If on the Elderly Waiver, then you must have at least 1 service to be in our program.

Q: Dealing with many providers for older adults is confusing. How can I keep track of who does what?

A: Case Managers know the types of services that are available in your community and which agency does what. The Case Managers coordinate with other agencies to complete the care plan set-up by the consumer.

Q: How do I know that Case Managers will have a clear idea of what my needs are?

A: When you contact Siouxland Aging Services, you will receive a thorough and personal evaluation of your situation by a qualified Case Manager. This helps us determine what type of assistance you'll need. Care providers are then contacted by your Case Manager according to the types of community services you have requested.

Q: I'm on a fixed income. How can I afford this?

A: The cost of Case Management Program won't make you feel like you're in over your head. The community in-home health services chosen by the consumer do have a fee but Siouxland Aging Services may be able to assist in paying for those.

Q: Are there programs available to help pay for services if I am not able to afford it?

A: Our Case Managers try to help find funding from several sources that could help in paying for services. Examples include Medicaid or T-19, the Elderly Waiver, Medicare, or grant funding if qualifications are met.

Q: My needs change. Do you offer a program that is flexible?

A: Because Case Managers are familiar with a variety of community services available to older adults, you'll have a number of options. Whatever types of services are recommended, you control what happens. You decide.

Q: Will your Case Managers try to get my loved one into a nursing home?

A: Our Case Management program’s goal is to try to help them remain in their home for as long as it is safely possible.

Congregate Meals

Q: What Are congregate meals?

A: Congregate meals are hot, nutritious noon meals served to older citizens who choose to participate in the program. Meals are served at approximately 30 meal sites throughout the Siouxland Aging service area.

Q: Who is eligible to participate?

A: Eligible participants are persons 60 years of age or older, or the spouse of someone who is 60 years of age or older.

Q: What does the meal cost?

A: You will not be charged for the meal. Instead, you are asked to contribute as much towards the total meal cost ($5.50) as you can afford. (Suggested contribution is $2.75 - $5.50)

Q: What type of diet is served?

A: Each meal meets one third of the recommended dietary intake established by the Older Americans Act. Our menus are for a general diet, but are also suitable for low sodium, low fat, and diabetic diet plans. Special diet requests need a physicians order.

Q: What else does the Congregate Meal Program offer?

A: Friendship and fun – information on topics of interest to the elderly – nutrition education and wellness – entertainment – dancing – cards – socializing.

Q: What must I do to participate?

A: To participate, meal reservations must be made at least one day in advance. Go to the Nutrition section to find a meal site near you or call Siouxland Aging Services for more information.

Home Delivered Meals on Wheels Program or MOW’s

Q: What are home delivered meals?

A: One hot nutritious noon meal delivered to the homes of eligible seniors each day, Monday through Friday from most meal sites.

Q: What type of diet is served?

A: Each meal meets one third of the recommended dietary intake established by the Older Americans Act. Our menus are for a general diet, but are also suitable for low sodium, low fat, and diabetic diet plans. Special diet requests need a physicians order.

Q: Who is eligible for home delivered meals?

A: Any elderly person 60 years of age or older who is homebound or convalescing and their caretaker, spouse, or disabled child living in their home is eligible. Regardless of race, color, religion, or national origin who is unable to prepare their own meals. Must be home-bound (unable to leave their home without assistance) and does not have anyone to help with meal preparation.

Q: How is the service provided?

A: Meals are prepared at the local Congregate Meal Site. Community volunteers, who volunteer their time and transportation, deliver the meals to the participants.

Q: How much do the meals cost?

A: Our total cost to prepare the meal is $5.75 per meal. Our suggested contribution is $3.25 - $5.75 per meal or as much of this amount as you are able to contribute. A monthly statement goes out at the end of the month to reflect how many meals you have received. This is not a bill however we do encourage consumers to contribute what they can afford. Meals are not covered by Medicare.

Q: What are the advantages of the MOW’s Program?

A: Elderly persons living alone are checked on periodically by volunteers who deliver the meals. Our files list persons to call in case of emergency. Volunteers not only bring food, but friendship. This may be the only social contact the senior has each day. Seniors are often able to stay in their own homes longer instead of going to an assisted living facility or nursing home.

Q: What if I cannot be home to get my meal?

A: If you will be gone for vacation, doctor’s appointment or any other reason, please notify the site manager at least one day prior to your absence. You may let her know when you will return and meal delivery will be resumed on that date. Due to health and sanitation regulations, we are not able to leave a meal unless you are home.

Q: Will meals be delivered in inclement weather?

A: During inclement weather, meals will not be served if your local school is canceled. Listen to your local radio or television station for announcements regarding meal site closings in your area.

Q: Who do I contact to receive meals?

A: Go to the Nutrition section, contact your local congregate meal site manager or contact Siouxland Aging Services Nutrition Department at 712-279-6900 ext. 25 or 800-798-6916.

Housing

Q. Who is eligible for the housing complexes that Siouxland Aging Services Manages?

A. Applicants income must not exceed income limits set forth by HUD for Woodbury and Monona County. Also, the head of household must be 62 years of age or older.

Q. What is the rent amount that I will need to pay?

A. Rent is based on the income of the household. A rough estimate may be calculated by totaling all members gross annual income of the household, dividing by 12 (months) and then multiply by 30%. (Out of pocket medical expenses can be calculated and used as deductions, i.e. pharmacy, doctors, health insurance, etc.).

Q. Is a security deposit required?

A. Yes, the security deposit due is equal to one month rent, which is based on your income.

Q. Are there other costs other then Rent and Security deposit that I should know about?

A. If a person has a pet, there is a $300 pet deposit required. However, a payment agreement may be set up with management. Also, phone and cable are the tenant’s responsibility; however, the complex pays for all utilities.

Q. How big are the apartments?

A. All complexes are comprised of 1BR units, approx. 540 square ft. in size.

Q. Are there any activities offered at the complex?

A. Yes, coffee hour, bingo, potlucks, game night, movie night, speakers, etc.

Iowa Family Caregiver

Q: I am a caregiver for my senior parents; do you have any programs that would help me?

A: Yes. Siouxland Aging Services has a Caregiver Specialist on staff to assist you. Call and schedule an appointment to discuss your situation and how we may be able to help you.

Q: Who is eligible to participate in the Iowa Family Caregiver Program?

A: A Caregiver caring for a senior who is 60 years old or older, grandparents 55 years or older caring for a child under the age of 18 and someone 18 years old and older diagnosed with some form of dementia.