St. Andrew's Senior Solutions

07/17/2025

Mark your calendars, Missouri's Master Plan on Aging Town Hall will be held at the South County Senior Center on July 31st, 2025 at 9am. Stay and join us for lunch following the meeting, RSVP for lunch at 314-631-8698.

07/15/2025

Today marks 60 years since the Older Americans Act (OAA) became law, a landmark commitment to helping older adults age with dignity, independence, and support.

Since 1965, the OAA has connected millions of older adults to vital services like meals, transportation, in-home care, and caregiver support. It also laid the groundwork for the nationwide aging network, including Area Agencies on Aging and senior centers.

As we celebrate this milestone, we recommit to building a Missouri and a nation where everyone can age well!

07/04/2025

07/03/2025

The “Big Beautiful Bill” is back in the U.S. House and could be voted on as early as today.

This bill includes proposed changes to two essential programs: Medicaid and SNAP (food assistance) - both lifelines for older adults and their caregivers.

What’s at stake for older Missourians:

Medicaid work requirements could lead to coverage loss for adults ages 50–64, especially those with chronic health conditions or caregiving responsibilities. Even eligible individuals could lose coverage due to reporting issues or red tape.

SNAP cuts would reduce access to groceries for older adults at a time when food prices are rising and many are on fixed incomes.

These programs help older adults remain healthy, safe, and independent, covering in-home care, prescriptions, and putting food on the table.

We’ll continue monitoring the bill and sharing updates on what it could mean for our aging communities.

07/01/2025

As part of the federal budget reconciliation process, new proposals in the U.S. Senate could significantly reduce Medicaid funding, with serious consequences for Missouri’s health care system and communities. Recent analyses of the budget reconciliation bill have shown:

•170,000 Missourians could lose coverage
•$21 billion in potential Medicaid funding losses for Missouri over 10 years
•Hospitals, especially in rural areas, would be deeply affected
•Older adults and their caregivers would face reduced access to vital services

Medicaid is a foundation of support that helps older Missourians live independently, stay healthy, and remain at home. It covers essential services that Medicare and private insurance often do not.

For family caregivers, Medicaid-funded services offer critical relief, helping them manage responsibilities while keeping their loved ones safe and supported.

According to a new analysis by the Missouri Foundation for Health and Manatt:

• Missouri could lose nearly 12% of its federal Medicaid funding
• Over $10.9 billion in hospital Medicaid funding could be cut
• Rural hospitals could face losses of up to $1.4 billion
• Coverage loss due to new eligibility requirements could affect tens of thousands, including older adults and people with disabilities

These proposed changes are moving quickly. The Senate is voting on amendments in the reconciliation process today. These changes would have long-term effects on health care access across the state.

Understanding what’s at stake is essential. By sharing accurate, timely information, we can help ensure that communities across Missouri are aware and prepared.

06/30/2025

As Elder Abuse Awareness Month comes to a close today, our commitment to protecting older adults continues every day!

Abuse can be physical, emotional, financial, or even neglect. And it often goes unreported. But you can make a difference with a few simple steps, such as:

1) Learning the signs of elder abuse
2) Checking in on older adults in your life
3) Speaking up if something doesn’t feel right. In Missouri, you can make a confidential report by calling 1-800-392-0210 or online at: https://moapss.health.mo.gov/.

Let’s build a safer, more respectful world for our elders - not just in June, but all year long!

06/26/2025

Join us on July 15 at noon for an update from Amy Blouin with the Missouri Budget Project with information on proposed cuts to the Medicaid program, which would result in unprecedented reductions in health services for Missourians.

Register at https://www.mohomecare.org/events

06/25/2025

Did you know? Medicaid (MO HealthNet) helps cover the cost of 2 out of every 3 nursing home beds in Missouri.

That’s because long-term care services—like nursing homes—are incredibly expensive and not fully covered by Medicare or most private insurance.

Medicaid is a critical lifeline for older adults and their families, helping ensure that Missourians can access the care they need without incurring financial hardship.

That’s why it’s so important to let your elected leaders know why Medicaid matters to you and your loved ones. Your story can make a difference. Don't know who your elected official is? You can find their information here: https://www.congress.gov/members/find-your-member

Source: https://mffh.org/publications/missouri-medicaid-basics-2025/

06/19/2025

Aging with Dignity - Missouri's Master Plan on Aging
Master Plan on Aging Town Hall will be held at the South County Senior Center on Thursday, July 31 from 9-11am. Also it will be virtually on Thursday, August 7 from 9-11am join the link https://stateofmo.webex.com/stateofmo/j.php?
MTID=md3f158dd569113b6ee6b4aa454a7df75 or Monday, August 11 from 1-3 pm join the link https://stateofmo.webex.com/stateofmo/j.php?
MTID=maa94b601a2f02677adedbbf592370739. If you have any questions, please reach out to the Bureau of Senior Programs by calling 573-526-4542 or emailing us at MoStatePlanOnAging@health.mo.gov.

06/18/2025

Did you know Medicaid (aka MO HealthNet) covers nearly 1 in 10 older Missourians?

It provides critical services that Medicare and most private insurance do not cover. Services that are covered by Medicaid help older adults stay healthy, independent, and at home, which include:

✔️ Personal care & housekeeping
✔️ Rides to medical appointments or the pharmacy
✔️ Home-delivered meals
✔️ Adult day programs

Staying at home is what most people want — and it’s more affordable than nursing home care!

Has Medicaid helped you or a loved one?
Share your story to help others understand just how vital these services are!



Source: https://mobudget.org/mo-healthnet-quick-facts/ #:~:text=Nearly%20100%2C000%20older%20adults%2C%209,based%20care%20is%20not%20appropriate.

06/15/2025

DHSS recognizes World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

JEFFERSON CITY, MO -- June 15 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, an event that seeks to unite communities around the world to raise awareness about elder abuse. In Missouri, the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) receives and investigates reports of abuse, neglect, bullying and exploitation of some of the state’s most vulnerable individuals - the elderly and disabled. Last year, DHSS received and investigated 41,929 reports, an average of about 115 each day. That number is on the rise, though the crimes are vastly underreported.

“As people age, it can become increasingly difficult for them to stay involved and connected to their communities and families. As a result, older people are more likely to experience social isolation, which increases the likelihood of abuse, neglect and exploitation,” said Sarah Willson, director of DHSS.

Elder abuse is widespread. Every year an estimated 1 in 10 older Americans are victims of elder abuse, neglect or exploitation.

“This all-too-common tragedy impacts aging adults wherever they call home and in communities throughout Missouri,” says Willson.

Despite its prevalence, experts believe that elder abuse is significantly underreported, in part because so many communities lack the social supports that would make it easier for those who experience abuse to report it. Sadly, research estimates that for every reported adult abuse or neglect case, 23 go unreported to the authorities.

Together, communities can address the issue of elder abuse and help prevent it by strengthening education and social support and by reducing social isolation.

Anyone who suspects a senior or disabled Missourian is being abused, neglected, bullied or exploited, should report to the Missouri Adult Abuse and Neglect Hotline at 1-800-392-0210, which is operational from 7 a.m. through 8 p.m., 365 days a year. Online reporting is also available 24/7 at Health.Mo.Gov/abuse.

Everyone is encouraged to wear purple and communities across Missouri are encouraged to display World Elder Abuse Awareness Day banners, posters and yard signs along with purple ribbons, flags or pinwheels to bring awareness to this public health issue.

For more information about how to make a difference, visit Health.Mo.Gov/weaad.

DHSS employees pose with World Elder Abuse Awareness Day banner and pinwheels

06/13/2025

An estimated 5 million, or 1 in 10, older Americans experience elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation. Working together across our networks, we can generate awareness and foster action to end elder abuse. Let’s work to keep everyone safe as we age. Supportive communities and resources are essential to engaging older people and preventing abuse. http://eldermistreatment.usc.edu/weaad-home