Agency on Aging goes above and beyond
Dawn Sonju retired from the Libby Dam Corps of Engineers to later find herself working for Western Montana Area VI Agency on Aging. Upon her retirement, she found herself disinterested and stumbled across an ad in the paper for the position. She thought to herself, “Wow, this job is for me; it’s a calling.”
Sonju felt it was a way to give back to the community. Growing up with a sister with disabilities and a mother who took on the role as a caregiver for her father who suffered from Alzheimer’s disease, Sonju had previous experience and figured it would be a perfect fit.
Agency on Aging, as Sonju states, is really a “one stop shop.” Not only does the agency assist with older citizens, but also young adults with disabilities. The agency is a nonprofit 501c organization, with a regional office located in Polson.
Currently, the VI Agency on Aging serves Lake, Mineral, Sanders, Lincoln counties and Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes.
There are a total of 10 area agencies in Montana, Sonju is responsible for area VI(6), while Brenda Turnbull oversees Eureka and Northern Lincoln County. The teams in the agencies serve a vast population in Montana.
The Agency on Aging is a melting pot of resources for Montanans. If the agency does not have what people are seeking, they take time to find the right resources or refer out for those specific needs.
With its ample amount of knowledge, Agency on Aging goes above and beyond when it comes to aiding the public on transportation assistance and simple basic home health care needs. Sonju indicates that some of her clients will come in to have her assist with the setting up of their cell phone voicemails or just to providing education when it comes to distinguishing junk mail versus important incoming letters or bills.
“Sometimes, seniors will walk in asking me to help them with texting or opting out on cell phone spam messages.”
The SHIP program also provides a variety of assistance when it comes to Medicare and insurance needs. Sonju explained that many seniors need guidance once they turn 65. The agency in return guides seniors and confirms if they meet qualifications for medicare. The savings program assists with premiums, prescriptions and other medical costs if they meet requirements. The Agency works closely with other programs as well, one being the VA protective care.
From simple physician appointment setting to reporting elder abuse, the agency does it all. The Senior Center also provides delivered meals or meals for pick-up. The Senior center is slowly reopening and offering a number of classes, activities and services. This is a great way to interact, socialize and see peers, play games and take classes.
Thompson Falls will hold information on legal services provided through the agency on July 28. For more information contact Dawn Sonju at (406) 283-1002.