WITHIN THE CITY of Augusta, we have a wide variety of community support and health services available to residents of our community and individuals living in surrounding areas.

This article will highlight some of the many services available and how they promote successful aging in place, remaining independent as long as possible and reducing emergent costs through preventative care.

First of all, the Alfond Center for Health, a $312 million dollar regional hospital constructed in 2013 to replace MaineGeneral Medical Center, was built to improve the delivery and quality of medical services for people living in and around Augusta. Next door to our new hospital is the Harold Alfond Cancer Center that has continuously provided state-of-the-art oncology care for nine years to the Kennebec Valley region. MaineGeneral also offers long-term care options at both Grey Birch and Glenridge Gardens nursing facilities. MaineGeneral Health also offers multiple health services within Augusta at the Express Care office and other practices.

Spectrum Generations is the Area Agency on Aging located in Augusta and provides a wide variety of services to aging residents from care management, case management, Legacy Corps, Caregiver Respite Program, SAVVY Caregiver course instruction and Aging & Disability Resource Coordination. Spectrum Generations also runs the William S. Cohen Community Center (also known as the Cohen Senior Center — located in Hallowell) where the Southern Kennebec County Meals on Wheels Program and Adult Day Break (Community Support Program) are housed. Spectrum Generations is always looking for volunteers to help provide services to homebound seniors and veterans.

The Maine Veterans’ Home and the Togus Veterans Administration Medical Center are two great facilities that provide medical care for veterans and their spouses. The City of Augusta is also home to an Aging Excellence office; numerous state offices and departments; Kennebec Behavioral Health; ESM Inc.; Crisis & Counseling; The Family Violence Project; Legal Services for the Elderly; a Concentra Urgent Care office; Riverview Psychiatric Center; Maine Vocational & Rehabilitation Associates Inc.; Motivational Services and many other mental health and community support services for people of all ages. The USDA runs a food bank for income-eligible Augusta residents over the age of 60 and provides 30 pounds of food for each eligible recipient.

As you can see, Augusta offers a wealth of services to its residents. As part of the Age-Friendly Initiative, our committee wants to inform Augusta residents of the various programs available and improve the livability for residents of all ages. Do not hesitate to contact us for more information or contact any of the agencies listed above to see if you or a loved one qualifies for services.

Visit our Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/augusta.age.friendly2016.

Sara Grant, a resident of Augusta, is a social worker currently pursuing her master’s degree with a focus on gerontology at University of New England. Sara is an active member of Augusta’s Age-Friendly Committee. This is the fourth in an eight-part series of columns on the committee.

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