Serving the Seniors of Barbour, Coffee, Covington, Dale, Geneva, Henry and Houston Counties.
The Southern Alabama Regional Council on Aging (SARCOA), Area Agency on Aging is the agency to turn to for help with concerns facing Senior adults of southeast Alabama. The Area Agency on Aging can assist Seniors in bringing together the resources needed to maintain their dignity and independence.
SARCOA was formed in 1986 by a multijurisdictional agreement
of the seven county governments of Barbour, Coffee,
Covington, Dale, Geneva, Henry and Houston. It was designated
as the Area Agency on Aging for southeast Alabama by Governor
George Wallace and the Alabama Commission on Aging (now known
as the Alabama Department of Senior Services).
SARCOA is one of thirteen Area Agencies on Aging in Alabama operating under the framework of the Older Americans Act. There are over 650 Area Agencies in the nation serving as advocates for the elderly and administering a network of services within their designated region.
Primary funding for the SARCOA programs is based on the federal Older Americans Act and the Social Security Act. State funds are used to match federal dollars and to fund state Senior programs. Additional cash and in-kind support from local government and community further enhances the service network.
Approximately 60,000 Seniors currently live in this predominantly rural region. 18.9% of Alabamians 60 years and older reside in the SARCOA area, making it the sixth largest Senior population in the state.
The SARCOA Board of Directors, appointed by the seven county governments, guides and directs the Area Agency on Aging. An Advisory Board comprised of Seniors and community representatives informs the SARCOA staff and Board of Directors of the concerns and issues of area Seniors.
Wiregrass Senior Resource Center
The Wiregrass Senior Resource Center will serve as a convenient, coordinated one-stop point of entry for information, referrals, access and assistance to seniors, their families and caregivers. It will provide personalized assistance to individuals in assessing, developing and implementing a plan designed to meet seniors’ specific long-term care needs and help them live a healthy, independent life.
The Wiregrass Senior Resource Center will also house the SARCOA programs including SenioRx/Wellness, Caregivers, Ombudsman, Medicaid Waiver and Volunteer programs. SARCOA administrative offices will also be located in the facility. The Wiregrass Senior Resource Center will be located at 1075 South Brannon Stand Road, Dothan, Alabama.
