Resource Center

Mental Health Resources:

https://health.wyo.gov/behavioralhealth/mhsa/treatment/cmhc

Contact Wyoming Crisis Support:
https://health.wyo.gov/behavioralhealth/mhsa/mental-health-crisis/

If you are concerned about a family member or loved one, call your local police department’s crisis intervention line or send a text message to the Crisis Line at 741-741.

To report any type of abuse, neglect or exploitation, please go to: https://dfs.wyo.gov/i-need-to-report/abuse-neglect-exploitation/

According to Wyoming law, everyone must report suspected abuse, neglect or exploitation of a child or vulnerable adult if they have reasonable cause to believe that it may be occurring. Child or adult abuse, neglect or exploitation has no boundaries according to sexual orientation, ethnic background, age, religion, disability, or gender, the reporting of abuse / neglect / exploitation of children and vulnerable adults is a 24-hour obligation.

If the situation warrants, please contact the local police department for immediate assistance or dial 911.

To learn about elder abuse and the signs associated with the mistreatment, visit the National Center on Elder Abuse at https://ncea.acl.gov/elder-abuse#gsc.tab=0.

Research suggests that one in ten older adults experience some form of abuse in the US. Elder abuse can happen to anyone by anyone and can occur in multiple settings and can come in many forms including, financial, neglect, emotional and physical abuse and abandonment.

Wyoming Assistive Technology Resources (WATR) – WATR is Wyoming’s Assistive Technology Act program and a resource for all assistive technology (AT) needs in Wyoming. AT may be a device or solution that enhances an individual’s ability to live, play, or work independently. AT can take the form of a device, tool, or adaptation that supports a person when participating in everyday activities and settings.

The Assistive Technology Act supports state efforts to improve the provision of assistive technology by providing states with financial assistance to implement State Level Activities and State Leadership Activities to meet the assistive technology needs of individuals with disabilities.

https://www.uwyo.edu/wind/watr/

Meeting the long-term care needs of loved ones who need help is often a demanding, around-the-clock job. Support and resources are available for Wyoming caregivers. You can visit https://www.communityresourcefinder.org/ to find out more about the different types of support available. Caregiver Action Network and the Family Caregiver Alliance are national organizations working to improve the quality of life for caregivers. Go to https://www.caregiveraction.org/ or Caregiver.org for more information.

Or you can contact Wyoming 211 and speak to an ADRC (Aging & Disability Resource Center) navigator to aid in your search by calling 307-757-0222 or email tgamino@wyoming211.org.

Because being a caregiver for loved ones who need help can be emotionally, physically and financially exhausting at the same time it is also rewarding and important. Because of this, caring for yourself is one of the most important things you can do for you and your loved one. Respite care can help provide you with the vital time you need for yourself, family and friends. This time is so essential to your own mental health, and it may also help eliminate the possibility of harboring resentment toward the loved one you are caring for.

For respite resources in your community, you can contact Wyoming 211 and speak to an ADRC (Aging & Disability Resource Center) navigator by calling 307-757-0222 or email tgamino@wyoming211.org. You may also go to: https://www.caregiver.org/faq/help-i-need-a-break-how-can-i-find-respite-care/.

Go to “How is Alzheimer’s Disease Diagnosed?”  https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/memory-loss-concerns.  Located there is information on assessing the possibility of Alzheimer’s and the 10 Early Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer’s.  There are also some good power point training sessions that can provide more information.

You can visit the following links to find more information regarding Alzheimer’s Disease:

https://www.alz.org/help-support

https://www.alz.org/help-support/resources/helpline

https://www.alz.org/help-support/resources

Most long-term care services, particularly those funded by Medicaid, Older Americans Act dollars, or state/local dollars, will not cross state lines. You may have to reapply once you get to Wyoming. You can contact the ADRC Navigator at Wyoming 211 by calling 307-757-0222 or send an email to: tgamino@wyoming211.org

Taking care of your health, whether it be physical, mental or cognitive, is important for healthy aging. Here are a few resources to help guide you to a happy and healthy lifestyle.

Third Age is a great website that offers ideas on living well, food, fitness, and so much more. Visit https://thirdage.com/ to get more information.

MyHealthfinder, https://health.gov/myhealthfinder, is a website that contains tips and tools related to your health conditions, healthy living, doctors appointments and more!

AARP.org Has a lot of senior related articles. It also has information on health, money, leisure activities, family issues and an online community you can participate in and meet other seniors.

VA Aid and Attendance benefits provide monthly payments added to the amount of a monthly VA pension for qualified Veterans and survivors. If you get a VA pension and you meet at least one of the requirements listed below, you may be eligible for this benefit:

• You need another person to help you perform daily activities, like bathing, feeding, and dressing, or
• You have to stay in bed—or spend a large portion of the day in bed—because of illness, or
• You are a patient in a nursing home due to the loss of mental or physical abilities related to a disability, or
• Your eyesight is limited (even with glasses or contact lenses you have only 5/200 or less in both eyes; or concentric contraction of the visual field to 5 degrees or less)

To find out if you are eligible, please go to:  https://www.va.gov/pension/aid-attendance-housebound/

The US Department of Veterans Affairs administers veteran benefits programs. You can learn about specific benefits on their website at https://benefits.va.gov/benefits/.

https://www.benefits.va.gov/cheyenne/ is the government website located in Cheyenne, Wyoming, however they cover the entire state of Wyoming for benefit information.