Area V Agency on Aging

01/05/2026

What does an Ombudsman do?

Here is a short video to help assist with any questions and how our Ombudsman can best support you and your family members.

What Does A Long-Term Care Ombudsman Do? In this informative video, we will discuss the vital role of Long-Term Care Ombudsmen in supporting residents of nur...

01/04/2026

Class Opportunity! 📚

We are looking for women in the community who are interested in participating in the Mind Over Matter: Healthy Bowels, Healthy Bladder (MOM) incontinence class.

This is a free course, and all materials are provided at no cost. The class offers practical tools and strategies to help manage bladder and bowel health and improve quality of life.

Women only class
55 years and older
Living independently

Please contact the Area V Agency on Aging to schedule a class or sign up for a class.

📞 208-233-4032
Email: cara.griffiths@sicog.org

01/03/2026

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Have You Had “The Medicare Talk” With Your Parents Yet?

Let’s be honest—talking to your parents about Medicare isn’t exactly as fun as debating which streaming service to keep. But Medicare can be confusing for many seniors approaching 65, and missing enrollment deadlines can lead to penalties and coverage gaps… which is way less fun. 😬

Here’s where you, the responsible adult child, come in. A quick chat now can help your parents:
✔️ Understand their Medicare choices (Parts A, B, C & D, but less confusing than it sounds)
✔️ Avoid surprise penalties
✔️ Get coverage that actually fits their health needs

💻 Learn more:
✅ New To Medicare – https://doi.idaho.gov/shiba/new-to-medicare/
✅ Medicare Shoppers Guide – https://doi.idaho.gov/2025-shoppers-guide-022625/
✅ Or call SHIBA at 1-800-247-4422 to speak directly with one of our trained volunteers.

👉 Know a friend or sibling who also needs to have “the Medicare talk”? Tag them before they procrastinate. 😅

12/31/2025

Happy New Year! SICOG offices will be closed January 1 and will reopen January 2. We look forward to serving you in the new year!

12/26/2025

Thank you to all of our volunteers who participated in the ProAge Connections Christmas Card project for seniors across our seven counties. Together, we were able to deliver 500 Christmas cards and ProAge postcards to seniors living in assisted living facilities, nursing facilities, and memory care. Our main focus was on our rural communities and our seniors in our rural communities were very much recognized.
With the help of our dedicated volunteers, we were able to bring smiles to so many faces and share the joy of the Christmas season with individuals who truly appreciated the kindness and connection.
Our next big event will take place in February for End Loneliness Month. If you were unable to participate in the Christmas card project, we are now accepting Valentine’s Day cards and pocket hearts for this upcoming initiative. 💞
Thank you again to our wonderful community members for your compassion, generosity,

12/23/2025

In observance of Christmas, the Area Agency on Aging at SICOG will be closed on December 24 and December 25. We will resume normal operations on December 26.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from all of us at the Area Agency on Aging at SICOG!

12/22/2025

Check on your loved ones this holiday season!

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As you check in on loved ones this holiday season, take a few minutes to ask about the following checklist to ensure they aren't victims of Medicare fraud, errors, or abuse.

For more information, contact the .

12/20/2025

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12/17/2025

Fifty years ago, Elma Holder and a small group of advocates raised their voices to expose poor nursing home conditions and demand dignity and quality care. From that moment, the National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care was born.

Today, advocates across the country continue that fight - because long-term care consumers still face issues like understaffing, abuse, and rights violations. Raise your voice - and theirs. Together, we can make residents’ voices stronger. Your support makes it possible.

12/16/2025

Kinship families are families in which children are raised by relatives or close family friends instead of their biological parents. These caregivers are often grandparents, aunts, uncles, adult siblings, cousins, or godparents.
Key points about kinship families
Why they form: Parents may be unable to care for children due to illness, substance use, incarceration, military deployment, death, or other crises.
Types of kinship care:
Informal kinship care: Private arrangements without child welfare system involvement.
Formal kinship care: Arrangements made through child welfare or foster care systems.
Benefits:
Greater emotional stability and continuity for children
Maintains cultural, familial, and community connections
Often less trauma than placement with non-relatives
Challenges:
Financial strain
Legal custody and decision-making issues
Caregivers may face health, housing, or support limitations
Kinship families play a crucial role in child well-being and are increasingly recognized in social services and family policy.

This two-minute video, created with our “Bridging Systems for Kinship Families” partners in Idaho, provides an overview of kinship families and the challenge...

12/15/2025

The holidays are coming fast — and while the season is filled with memories, music, and moments that warm the heart, it can also feel a little overwhelming for many seniors. Between the travel, the planning, and the busy schedules, it’s easy to feel like the celebrations move faster than we do.

But here’s the truth: the holidays don’t need to be exhausting to be meaningful. They can be peaceful, joyful, and beautifully simple. Whether you’ll be celebrating with family, enjoying quiet traditions at home, or connecting with loved ones from afar, this guide is here to help you soak in the season comfortably, safely, and with a full heart.

This year, let’s make the holidays feel like they’re truly yours again.

Learn how seniors can enjoy the holidays with safe gatherings, reduced stress, and joyful, healthy traditions.