Central Plains Area Agency on Aging

10/12/2026

09/30/2026

“Extra Help” is a Medicare program to help people with limited income and resources

pay Medicare drug coverage (Part D) costs. Some people qualify automatically for

Extra Help, while others need to apply.

Visit SSA.gov/extrahelp to apply for Extra Help. If you need help filling out the application, your local SHICK volunteer can help. Call 1.800.860.5260 to speak to a local counselor today!

09/28/2026

You have two options for how to get your Medicare coverage. Here's a quick overview of the differences and similarities between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage. You may choose one option and later decide to try the other. Be aware that there are limitations on when you can make these changes.

Call your local SHICK counselor with your Medicare questions or to compare your Medicare coverage options at 800.860.5260.

09/23/2026

September is Healthy Aging Month! As a Medicare beneficiary, you get an Annual Wellness Visit as a benefit. Note that an Annual Wellness Visit is different from a physical.

If you haven't scheduled your wellness, check yet, now would be a great time to do so!

Want to know about what preventative services Medicare covers? Contact your local SHICK counselor at 1.800.860.5260

09/22/2026

Last Tuesday, AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP of Sedgwick County came together with volunteers, project staff, partners, and AmeriCorps agency staff from across the country for a special National Celebration.
We were proud to join virtually with 1,853 people across 429 locations nationwide, bringing together volunteers and those who support their service in communities across the USA.
We were also honored to have Sedgwick County Commissioner Ryan Baty and Stephen Shaughnessy, Director of Sedgwick County Department of Aging and Disabilities, join us as we celebrated the important role AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers play in our community.
From Sedgwick County to communities across the nation, volunteers are showing what is possible when we come together to serve.
We are proud to be part of the AmeriCorps Seniors family and grateful for every volunteer who gives their time, talents, and heart to our community.
Serve. Connect. Make a Difference.

If you or someone you know is 55 years of age or greater and is interested in volunteer opportunities in Sedgwick County, call 316-660-5120.

09/21/2026

September is World Alzheimer's Awareness Month. Seniors who have Alzheimer's are at an even greater risk for fraud and abuse. This article covers six signs of elder abuse in seniors with dementia: https://dailycaring.com/signs-of-elder-abuse-in-seniors-with-dementia/.

Contact your local to learn how you can help people protect against Medicare fraud, errors, and abuse at 800.860.5260. Contact your local SHICK at 800.860.5260 to speak to someone about your Medicare needs.

09/18/2026

September is National Falls Prevention Month. Falls can often be prevented through everyday actions: staying active, reviewing medications, checking vision, improving home safety, and speaking up when you feel unsteady.

Take one fall-prevention step today—and encourage someone you care about to do the same.

09/17/2026

We're excited to share that our program, In-Home Counseling and Community Support Groups, has been featured in USAging Aging Innovations Awards Video Series! This video showcases how we're helping improve the lives of older adults through innovative solutions and compassionate service.

The program addresses mental health concerns and caregiver stress through comprehensive clinical assessments and the provision of in-home or community-based counseling sessions. Additionally, it delivers community-based psychoeducation and outreach to promote mental wellness, reduce stigma associated with therapy and treatment, and increase awareness of mental health risk factors.

Take a look and share with your network: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6zkjDTbhQVA

For more information about CPAAA's Counseling and Caregiver Support services call 1-800-367-7298

We’re excited to honor our 2026 Aging Innovations Award winners wit...

09/16/2026

Join Us at the Kansas State Fair!

From September 11th to 20th, 2026, the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services Medicare Programs Team will be at Table 48 in the Meadowlark Building. Come visit us for all your Medicare needs!

Our representatives will be on hand to provide information on:

· Getting Extra Help to pay for Medicare costs

· Signing up for Medicare

· Changing Medicare plans

· Addressing Medicare fraud, error, or abuse

Don't miss out on this opportunity to get your Medicare questions answered and learn more about the support available to you. We can't wait to see you there!

09/15/2026

Some medications—or combinations of medications—can affect balance, alertness, or blood pressure. Vision changes can also make it harder to see obstacles and changes in flooring.

This month, consider scheduling:

A medication review with your pharmacist or provider
A vision exam
A conversation about dizziness, weakness, or feeling unsteady