The Wells County Council on Aging delivers services to resident’s
age 60 and older, or to people under age 60 who are physically
or mentally challenged.
The Wells County Council on Aging offers:
Transportation
Homemaker
Handy-chore
Assistance to the Homebound
Telephone Reassurance/Friendly Visitor
Personal Income Tax Assistance
Senior Citizen Discount Cards
Information and Assistance
To access any service, please call the Wells County Council on Aging at (260) 824-1070 or stop by the office located at 225 West Water Street, Bluffton, IN 46714. Our office hours are Monday through Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm.
Description of Wells County Council on Aging Services:
The Wells County Council on Aging delivers services to residents of all age groups, but especially seniors age 60+ and to persons physically or mentally challenged. Public Transportation is available to any Wells County resident regardless of age or disability.
Public Transportation
The priority of WOW! Wells on Wheels! is to provide affordable public transportation throughout Wells County, Indiana for everyone regardless of age, race, religion, sex, disabilities or national origin. WOW! public transportation funding is from: INDOT 5311, Wells County Government, United Way of Wells County, Aging & In-Home Services of Northeast Indiana Title III-B Older Americans Act, Fuel Sponsor of the Month Program, program fares and donations, fundraising efforts, and charitable contributions.
Transportation is available Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM until 5:30 PM. WOW! Wells on Wheels! Public Transportation includes several vans. Many of the vans are equipped with wheelchair accommodations. Examples of transportation destinations may include places of employment; a child-care location; medical facilities; shopping centers; hair appointments; social service organizations; banking; professional offices, such as a lawyer, or social activities; and any other place the rider cares to go.
To read complete information about WOW! Public Transportation, please go to the Public Transit web page tab at the top of this page. To schedule a ride contact WOW! at 260-824-1070 or 1-877-477-4WOW (4969) between 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM and ask to speak with the Dispatcher, or call anytime to leave a message.
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Homemaker
The Homemaker program is designed to help seniors and others with disabilities remain in their homes by providing cleaning services. Housekeepers are sent to homes usually every other week for 2 hours each visit. Up to 20% of the clientele can be age 59 or under if they are determined to be physically or mentally challenged by an Area III Case Manager. Homemakers are well trained and hard working. They make every effort to please the person being assisted.
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Handy-chore
The purpose of the Handy-chore program is to provide assistance with minor but essential home maintenance. Examples may include repairing door latches, replacing fire alarm batteries, replacing broken window glass, etc. Workers may build wheelchair ramps or install other handicap access equipment. Handy-chore goals do not include home beautification projects.
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Assistance to the Homebound
Homebound persons are provided with a trustworthy volunteer to assist with running errands, sorting & reading mail to the visually impaired, and a variety of other types of assistance.
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Telephone Reassurance/Friendly Visitor
Persons requiring this type of assistance are usually senior citizens who have very little contact within the community. Sometimes, the only contacts these isolated persons receive are from volunteers calling or making a short visit to check on their well-being.
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Personal Income Tax Assistance
Beginning in late February and ending around April 15th, a volunteer tax professional is available for senior citizens age 60+. Tax preparation and consultation services require an appointment. If you are interested in scheduling an appointment, please contact the office at (260) 824-1070.
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Senior Citizen Discount Card
Over 100 local businesses offer a discount to seniors age 55+. Restaurants, beauty shops, retail sales, auto services, etc. provide valuable specific discounts with presentation of our senior citizen discount card. These cards are good for the duration of the current year and are non-transferable with the purchaser’s name printed on the face. They may be purchased in our reception area for $7. The card can be laminated for an additional dollar. A list of participating businesses and their respective discount offers is provided with purchase of a card.
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Information and Assistance
Approximately 300 local services, including government offices, are available to assist all citizens of Wells County. With a phone call to (260) 824-1070, you have access to the “who, where, when, and how” with these services.
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Volunteer Opportunities
The council also enjoys the expertise and interest of several volunteers who assist in a variety of projects and services. To volunteer your time and talents, call us at (260) 824-1070 for an application so we might know your interests and how you too could contribute to the well-being of area senior citizens and challenged adults.
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Please contact the Wells County Council on Aging for information about services in addition to those listed above.
Funding Sources
Financial support comes from: Wells County Government, Indiana Department of Transportation, Aging and In-Home Services of Northeast Indiana, United Way of Wells County, Caylor-Nickel Foundation, fund-raising activities, Bluffton Kiwanis Club Designated Funds managed by the Wells County Foundation, program income, and contributions from concerned citizens. No contribution is too small and all funds collected directly assist Wells County residents. Contributions are tax deductible.
Please consider sending a contribution to support these and other services provided to persons requiring assistance.
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