How Individuals Ages 60 and Older Can Receive Help from HOTCOG's Health and Human Services Department

We want to get the word about what services are available to older individuals in the Heart of Texas! Here at the Heart of Texas Council of Governments (HOTCOG), we provide beneficial services to these individuals. 

The Health and Human Services Division of HOTCOG is made up of four service departments: Area Agency on Aging of the Heart of Texas, Heart of Texas Aging & Disability Resource Center, Heart of Texas 2-1-1 Call Center, and Heart of Texas Rural Transit District.

Heart of Texas Area Agency on Aging Programs

The Heart of Texas Area Agency on Aging (Heart of Texas AAA) offers help for adults ages 60 and older. They also offer assistance to their family and friend caregivers.

The Heart of Texas AAA provides several FREE evidence-based health education workshops. Through research, feedback, and participant follow-up, evidence-based programs have proven to be very useful for participants. Workshop participants will receive a complimentary workbook.

The workshops below are open to participants living in Bosque, Falls, Freestone, Hill, Limestone, and McLennan. Course locations include libraries, senior centers, churches, and more.

A Matter of Balance™ 

This particular program was designed to help prevent falls for those who have experienced a fall or those who have a fear of falling. The in-person or virtual workshop includes fall prevention education and practical strategies for managing falls. The course will also cover exercises that can help with balance, plus strengthen muscles and flexibility. 

Stress-Busting Program (SBP) for Family Caregivers™  

This Program includes two workshops for family caregivers. The Heart of Texas AAA offers SBP-Dementia to caregivers of loved ones with Alzheimer’s Disease and certain types of dementia. The other program they is offer SBP-General for family caregivers of loved ones with general chronic health conditions including but not limited to heart disease, arthritis, cancer, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, and stroke. 

Both workshops address the needs of caregivers focusing primarily on reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. Participants can expect to receive educational and problem-solving tips, stress management and relaxation techniques, plus general support. Call Heart of Texas AAA at (254) 292-1857 to register or to request a workshop in your location.

Heart of Texas AAA also has other free services that are available to eligible individuals age 60 and older and their caregivers. For details, call the Aging and Disability Resource Center at (254) 292-1855. 

Aging & Disability Resource Center Assistance

The Heart of Texas Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC) is responsible for providing resource information and referrals to the AAA. Older individuals can receive information and assistance from the ADRC about local programs and resources related to aging.

Heart of Texas 2-1-1 Call Center Assistance

Another number that older individuals in Texas can call is “211.” Available 24 hours a day and 7 days a week, the 2-1-1 resource center directs individuals to the appropriate service providers or agencies for proper assistance. By simply dialing 2-1-1, individuals in need can receive free assistance with specific concerns like food, shelter, clothing, assistance with paying utility bills, medical assistance, eldercare, and more.

Heart of Texas Rural Transportation District

The Heart of Texas Rural Transportation District (HOTRTD) is another helpful service for older individuals, providing rural transportation in Bosque, Falls, Freestone, Hill, and Limestone counties Monday through Friday each week. Each HOTCOG-owned vehicle seats 3 to 12 passengers and the drivers possess a valid Commercial Driver’s License. Fees per person range from 1 to 4 dollars, depending on the length of the trip.

The above are only a handful of ways individuals ages 60 and older can benefit from The Health and Human Services Division of HOTCOG. Learn more about some of our other helpful programs here.