Area Agencies on Aging (AAA)

The Idaho Commission on Aging plans and coordinates, funds, and monitors a statewide program of services to assist Idahoans in planning for present and future Long Term Care needs by partnering with six statewide Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) to help ensure that older Americans and their families have the information and assistance they need to make informed decisions and choices about their care options. These choices help families care for their loved ones, help people stay in their homes, and provide care options other than nursing home facilities. The Area Agency on Aging will soon be expanding their roles with participation as a single point entry for the Aging and Disability Resource Centers. Each AAA develops a plan for its service area, assuring that programs and services respond to local needs. The planning process includes a comprehensive needs analysis, research, service delivery strategies, and involvement of older persons in the planning and operation of programs to meet their special needs. For more information on programs and services provided by the AAA in your local community, please visit www.idahoaging.com.

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Where Can I Go for Health Services?

The best place to go for health services is your regular health care provider. However, if you do not have one, the links below provide other options.

Find Free or Low-Cost Mammograms and Pap Smears: National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program

HIV Testing Resources

Find Affordable Health Care in Your Community (HRSA)

Current income guidelines for uninsured children

Community Wellness

For information on what immunizations are needed, call the Idaho Shot Line-208-321-2229 or dial 2-1-1 for answers.

Cata Ingalls, RN Immunization Resource for medical providers, schools and day cares 208-321-BABY (2229)

Thanks to Delta Dental of Idaho who has launched a new (and superb) dental health website for parents, caregivers, and professionals who are working with children and need guidance in identifying dental conditions and knowing when to seek treatment. View their new website.

NEW! HealthCare.gov is a comprehensive website to help individuals and families find information about the health coverage options available to them and the people in their communities.

Be active outdoors and indoors.

Make fall yard work fun. Have kids come up with different ways to pick up leaves or pine cones (i.e., squatting, bending, leaning, stretching, or balancing on one foot). Sing, dance, and explore. Provide kids with rakes and other tools that are kid-sized for comfort and safety. For indoor fun, play board games and computer games that encourage physical activity. Have a song-and-dance talent show. Draw, color, and explore with health in mind. Remember that children and adolescents should be active for at least one hour a day, and adults should be active for at least 2½ hours a week. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen and insect repellent to protect you and your family from the sun, mosquitoes, and ticks.  This information courtesy of the (Idaho) Central District Health Department website www.cdhd.idaho.gov  Learn more information on health-related topics  and free/low cost health services by visiting your regional Health District website.