AAA7. You may have seen this acronym or perhaps have heard about it, but what exactly does it stand for? What does it mean?

Although one version of the acronym “AAA” covers automobiles and traveling, the AAA7 stands for the Area Agency on Aging District 7, a non-profit corporation designated by the State of Ohio to be the planning, coordinating and administrative agency for federal and state programs in Adams, Brown, Gallia, Highland, Jackson, Lawrence, Pike, Ross, Scioto and Vinton counties in Ohio.

The programs coordinated by the AAA7 are available to help older adults and those with disabilities live safely and independently in their own homes through services paid for by Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Administration, other federal and state resources, as well as private pay.

These services include, but are not limited to: information, referral and assistance; personal care and homemaking; respite care; adult day care; assisted living; caregiver support; case management; home repair; transportation; home-delivered meals; community-center meal programs; legal assistance; and linkage to community services.

In short, the AAA7 provides services that enable older adults and individuals with disabilities to remain in the one place they call their own … home.

Choice – Independence – Quality. The AAA7 strives each day to make these available to those individuals in our district who need our assistance.

In order to support this, our Agency’s slogan, “Helping You Age Better,” was developed to promote positivity and assistance as a part of the aging process.

Aging is experienced by everyone, but no one should go through it alone or without assistance.

Each and every one of us deserves to experience choice, independence and quality, and the AAA7 is here to provide these to seniors and those with disabilities in our district.

Individuals who feel they could benefit, or know of someone who could benefit from the services the AAA7 provides are encouraged to call our toll-free number at 1-800-582-7277 (TTY 1-888-270-1550).

You will have the opportunity to speak directly with a nurse or social worker who will assist you with information surrounding the programs and services that are available to best serve your needs.

Our caring and competent staff works side-by-side with older adults and their families to arrange long-term care consultations, in-home services and a number of other programs that promote safe and independent living at home.

Let us help you “age better.”

Pamela K. Matura is executive ddirector of the Area Agency on Aging District 7. The non-profit agency serves senior citizens in Adams, Brown, Gallia, Highland, Jackson, Lawrence, Pike, Ross, Scioto and Vinton counties.