Area Agency on Aging of the Panhandle

09/09/2026

💙 Want to make a difference in the lives of older adults? Become a Volunteer Ombudsman!

Our Volunteer Ombudsmen are advocates for residents living in nursing homes and assisted living communities—helping ensure their voices are heard and their rights, dignity, and quality of life are respected.

🎥 Learn more about this meaningful volunteer opportunity in our recent interview with NewsChannel 10!

👉 Watch the interview and see how you can make a difference:
💙 Want to make a difference in the lives of older adults? Become a Volunteer Ombudsman!

Our Volunteer Ombudsmen are advocates for residents living in nursing homes and assisted living communities—helping ensure their voices are heard and their rights, dignity, and quality of life are respected.

🎥 Learn more about this meaningful volunteer opportunity in our recent interview with NewsChannel 10!

👉 Watch the interview and see how you can make a difference:
https://www.newschannel10.com/video/2026/09/08/become-an-ombudsman-with-area-agency-aging/

💙 Your voice can make a difference. Your time can make an impact. Become a Volunteer Ombudsman!

💙 Your voice can make a difference. Your time can make an impact. Become a Volunteer Ombudsman!

Debra King and Dana Hoyler with the Area Agency on Aging speak about being an ombudsman.

09/09/2026

Are you ready to step into their world?

Join the Area Agency on Aging of the Panhandle and The Craig on September 16th for an interactive Dementia Live® experience!

Dementia Live gives you a glimpse into what it may be like to experience the world with dementia—how everyday sights, sounds, and tasks can become confusing, overwhelming, or frustrating.

This is an experience you won’t want to miss!

And don’t worry—it’s not an all-day event! You’ll simply choose a time slot and spend about 45 minutes with us.

Interested in experiencing Dementia Live?

Call 806-201-2958 to reserve your spot!

Come curious. Leave with a better understanding of what someone living with dementia may experience every day.

09/03/2026

💙 Lend your time. Share your voice. Make an impact.

Volunteer Ombudsmen play an important role in supporting residents of long-term care communities. Through regular visits and conversations, volunteers listen to residents, learn about their concerns, and help advocate for their rights and well-being.

✔ Flexible hours
✔ No experience required
✔ Free 36-hour certification training
✔ Mileage reimbursement
✔ Ongoing staff support

Interested in learning more?
Contact Dana Hoyler, Panhandle Managing Local Ombudsman, at 806-350-1748.

Improve lives. Speak up for others. Make a difference.

09/02/2026

💙 Thank you, Kingdom Keys Network Christian Radio, for having us on your Community Radio!

We're excited to share what's coming up this month with the AAA of the Panhandle.

👢 Stomp Out Scammers - September 15
🧭 Destination Medicare - September 22 & 24

Tune in today at 5:00 PM to hear more about these upcoming events and how to register!

08/31/2026

Are you caring for a loved one and finding yourself navigating the confusing world of Medicare?

Join the Area Agency on Aging for our September Caregiver Educational Support Group as we dive into:

📚 The Ins & Outs of Medicare

We'll talk about Medicare, answer questions, and help you better understand the resources and options available to you and your loved one.

But this group is about more than education! It's also a place to:

🤝 Connect with other caregivers
💬 Share experiences and challenges
❤️ Talk in a safe, supportive environment
💡 Find local resources and guidance from professionals

📅 Wednesday, September 2nd
⏰ 12:00–1:00 PM
📍 Central Church of Christ – Commons Room
1401 S. Madison St., Amarillo, TX 79101

🥪 Lunch will be provided!

RSVP is required to Makayla Stewart:
📞 806-331-2227
📧 [email protected]

Come learn, ask questions, eat lunch, and connect with others who understand the caregiving journey. You don't have to navigate it alone.

08/26/2026

📖 AAA Book of the Month: When Caregiving Calls

This month’s featured book is When Caregiving Calls! 💙

Caregiving can bring moments of love, frustration, uncertainty, exhaustion, and joy—all while you're trying to navigate a role you may have never expected to take on.

When Caregiving Calls offers encouragement and perspective for those finding their way through the caregiving journey. It’s a reminder that you don’t have to have all the answers, and you don’t have to walk this journey alone.

Whether you’re new to caregiving or have been providing care for years, this month’s book is an opportunity to pause, reflect, and feel a little less alone.

📚 Looking for a copy? Visit one of the AAA Caregiver Libraries to browse our collection of free resources and books for caregivers.

💙 Because sometimes, caregivers need care, too.

08/24/2026

The Area Agency on Aging is joining in the fight against Alzheimer's on August 29th at Sam Houston park!

The walk to end Alzheimer's is the largest support group of the year with activities, entertainment, food trucks and more!

This event is free to attend and very rewarding!

So grab you friendly pet, rowdy kids and your sunglasses and join us!

Area Agency on Aging is walking for our caregivers, clients, families and friends!

Do not have a team? Feel free to join ours!

Want to create a team, it is simple and free!

Register your team: https://act.alz.org/site/TR?sid=23938&type=fr_informational&pg=informational&fr_id=19961

Join AAA team: https://act.alz.org/site/TR?team_id=1087607&pg=team&fr_id=19961

08/19/2026

The Texas Panhandle heat has been no joke lately! 🥵☀️

With temperatures reaching into the triple digits recently—and more hot weather ahead—it's especially important for caregivers to keep an eye on older adults and those who may be more vulnerable to heat-related illness.

Heat exhaustion can quickly become heat stroke, which is a medical emergency. Knowing the warning signs and having a plan to stay cool can make all the difference.

Encourage regular hydration
Keep the home as cool as possible
Check on loved ones regularly
Know the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke
Have a plan if air conditioning isn't available

Our August Caregiver Assistance Newsletter includes helpful information on recognizing heat-related illness, what to do in an emergency, and ways to prevent heat stroke indoors.

Stay cool, stay hydrated, and check on the people you care about! 💙

08/12/2026

Did you know?

The Area Agency on Aging has FREE Caregiver Libraries located throughout the Texas Panhandle!

Our caregiver libraries are filled with books designed to educate, encourage, and support family caregivers through every stage of the caregiving journey.

📍 Check out the list below to find the library nearest you.

Borrowing a book is easy:
✅ Visit your nearest caregiver library.
✅ Sign your name and county on the checkout sheet.
✅ Choose a book.
✅ Take it home and enjoy!

Whether you're looking for practical caregiving tips, dementia education, or a little encouragement, there's something for everyone. We hope you'll take advantage of this free resource and share it with other caregivers in your community!

Interested in hosting a Caregiver Library?

We're always looking to expand our network and make these free resources more accessible to caregivers across the Texas Panhandle.

If your organization would like to become a Caregiver Library location, please contact Makayla Stewart with the Area Agency on Aging Caregiver Support Program at 806-331-2227. We'd love to partner with you!

08/10/2026

📢 Medicare Savings Program: QMB

The Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) Program can help eligible Medicare beneficiaries pay for Medicare Part A and Part B premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments.

2026 Income & Resource Limits:
Individual: Income up to $1,350/month | Resources up to $9,950
Married couple: Income up to $1,824/month | Resources up to $14,910

Think you may be eligible or have questions? Contact our Benefits Counselor at 806-331-2227 for more information and assistance.