North Central - Flint Hills Area Agency on Aging

Specific Need

Invest in real help that your older friends and neighbors need. Inflation, higher costs and workforce issues have eroded the buying power of the funding for important services we provide and coordinate.  We are committed to serving the increasing numbers of older Kansans, people living with disabilities and caregivers who need our Agency’s help. Your gift will help multiply the differences we make in people's lives.

Our needs include:

• Funds to sustain Friendship Meals / Meals on Wheels at local Senior Centers in this part of Kansas as food, fuel, and supply costs escalate
• Support for helping people navigate their Medicare benefits -- avaialble from our Agency for a voluntary contribution
• Staffing for helping Kansas families access essential In-Home Services that make it possible for loved ones to maintain well-being at home

Mission

The North Central-Flint Hills Area Agency on Aging, Inc. is a private, non-profit organization that plans, coordinates and provides services in 18 north central Kansas counties to enhance the quality and dignity of life for older Kansans and those living with disabilities, as well as their families and family caregivers. We serve as the area-wide Aging and Disabilities Resource Center. All services are available without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability.

Profile

For almost 50 years the North Central-Flint Hills Area Agency on Aging has provided and coordinated community services to help older Kansans be healthy, stay engaged in life and maintain their well-being beyond the doorways of hospitals and nursing facilities.

Here are a few stories about people we have helped from "Stories from Hearts of Seniors":

Ron P. is "84 years young" and lives in Wamego with his daughter and son-in-law. Ron's health problems this past year made his family concerned since his daughter and son-in-law both work during the day. Now, the NC-FH AAA and Wamego Senior Center prepare and deliver meals to Ron each day so he isn't alone. His daughter is very grateful knowing that Ron's volunteer will be knocking on the door each week day to check on him with a hot meal in hand. When Ron was hospitalized, the Wamego Senior Center called his daughter to check on him. She appreciates that there are people who care about her father. Thanks to these "friendship meals" that are made possible by the Older Americans Act, funding from the State of Kansas and voluntary contributions, Ron and his family can go about their days with peace of mind. 

--Ron P., Wamego, KS 

Jay and Belinda H. live in Junction City. They have visited the NC-FH AAA to enroll in Medicare for at least eight years. Thanks to SHICK Counseling, Jay found the best Medicare Part D plan for his needs when he transitioned from the Affordable Care Act to Medicare. His SHICK counselor also helped determine his eligibility for the Medicare Savings Program. "Anytime I go there (NC-FH AAA) I get great help," Jay said. "If I could grade them from 1-10, I would give them a 10." 

--Jay H., Junction City 

Medicaid is very important for many older Kansans, yet it can be difficult to navigate. Janice A. knows this struggle all too well. She has been bounced on and off of Medicaid since 2019. Her frustration led her to the NC-FH AAA to speak with a case manager, Maley. Together they reached a Medicaid official over the phone and resolved the issues that Janice was facing. Through the Home and Community Based Services-Frail and Elderly Waiver Maley was able to get Janice on full Medicaid. For Janice, this was a major triumph. She rests much easier now that she knows In-home will be there for her through Medicaid.

--Janice A., Manhattan, KS