The Masonic Fraternity of Oklahoma is once again partnering with the South Western Oklahoma Development Authority (SWODA) Area Agency on Aging (AAA), along with other Area Agencies on Aging across the state, to assist with funding direct services for people 55 years of age and older in need of some type assistance not otherwise provided by other agencies.
Some of the types of services include dentures and/or dental work, minor home repairs, wheelchair ramps and heaters and/or heater repairs.
There is an application and funds will be used on a first come, first served basis until they are all utilized. Funding for each type of service will be limited.
Those who have desperate or unique needs should file an application because those situations considered on a case-by-case basis. Assistance will be available once per person every three year.
The SWODA Aging Services Information Assistant receives calls daily from older people and/or their caregivers with needs, and many are told nothing is available to help. This Masonic funding enables AAA staff to assist many callers with resources not available previously.
This funding “will not only help Oklahoma’s older population but will also relieve some of the stress placed on caregivers whose older relatives are continually turned down because of the lack of resources for needed help,” said Anita Martinez, SWODA director of Aging Services.
Counties covered by the SWODA AAA are Beckham, Custer, Greer, Harmon, Jackson, Kiowa, Roger Mills and Washita.
The SWODA AAA has in-depth working knowledge of current government programs that are available to older Oklahomans, as well as knowledge of the existence of service gaps or non-covered needs of Oklahoma’s older citizens.
To learn more about this and other available services, call the SWODA AAA Information and Assistance Specialist, Joanie Swanson at 1-800-627-4882, ext. 126 or call the statewide tollfree Senior Info Line at 1-800-211-2116.