Who does BCCA serve?
Boone County Council on Aging serves seniors who are 55 years or older and live in Boone County. BCCA is the community-based senior agency that specializes in matching needs with resources.
We provide care management for those seniors with low incomes or limited local family. Most care management services are provided to seniors who are at 150% poverty (or $1,196 per month).
How many seniors does BCCA serve?
In 2006, BCCA served 1581 seniors and their families, through information, case management, and volunteer-based services.
What other agencies provide care management to seniors?
The Division of Family Services (DFS) at (573) 882-9180 is state funded and provides Medicaid, food stamps, blind pension, and qualified Medicare beneficiary.
The Division of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) at (573) 882-9474 is state funded and provides supervision and oversight of Medicaid in home services, conservatorship and guardianship. DHSS also investigates neglect and abuse claims. The hotline number to report abuse is 1(800) 392-0210.
Central Missouri Area Agency on Aging (CMAAA) at (573) 443-5823 is federally funded and provides transportation services, respite funds, and legal assistance. CMAAA also runs meal programs.
How can I beat the summer heat?
The Voluntary Action Center (VAC) and KOMU TV8 are helping families who need relief from the summer heat. Fans are given to low income families with children, the elderly, pregnant women, and persons with disabilities. To sign up for a free fan, stop by the VAC office at 800 N. Providence Road or call (573) 449-6959.
The Human Development Corporation (HDC) provides utility assistance toward household’s electric bills during the summer months. To be eligible, an individual needs to have a disconnect notice from his/her electric provider and must have an income at or below 125% poverty. People seeking this assistance need to stop by the HDC office at 807A N. Providence Road to make an appointment.
What is the Homestead Preservation Act?
If funded, the Homestead Preservation Act will allow qualified senior citizens and 100% disabled individuals to apply for a credit on their real estate property tax if those taxes increase more than 5% in a reassessment year. This act requires legislative appropriation to fund the credit. This credit will be applied against the taxes for the following year. Applications are available starting July 1 through September 20 in the Boone County Assessor’s Office. For additional information, contact the Boone County Assessor’s Office at (573) 886-4270.
I’m over 55 and looking for a job. Who can help?
Experience Works partners with other non-profit organizations and public agencies to provide paid work experience, training, and job-placement to seniors with limited incomes. Whether you are returning to the workforce or have never worked, Experience Works can help. For more information, please call 1(800) 368-7569.
If you are interested in volunteering, please consider becoming a volunteer with our Retired Senior and Volunteer (RSVP) program. RSVP provides seniors with the opportunity to use their life skills and stay active, while making a difference for those in need. Whether they choose to volunteer regularly, or wish to work on one-time special projects, RSVP volunteers make valuable contributions that help others in Boone County. Call us at (573) 442-7238 or visit our office to learn more about current volunteer opportunities for seniors in Boone County.
I’m retired and would like to volunteer. Do you have any ideas?
Our RSVP of Boone County program provides seniors with the opportunity to use their life skills and stay active, while making a difference for those in need. Whether they choose to volunteer regularly, or wish to work on one-time special projects.
In 2006, 474 RSVP volunteers served more than 58,525 documented hours of service, providing 55 agencies in Boone County with volunteers.
Call us at (573) 442-7238 or visit our office to learn more about current volunteer opportunities for seniors in Boone County.
Can I get a property tax credit refund?
To qualify for the Missouri property tax credit you must be 65 or older (or 100% disabled); have an income of $25,000 or less for an individual or $27,000 for a married couple; and have been a Missouri resident for the calendar year. Renters and those who live in residential care facilities or nursing homes may also apply for the property tax credit (also known as the “circuit breaker) even if you paid no property taxes or income taxes. BCCA staff members are able to assist homebound seniors fill out their property tax forms. Additional assistance is available during tax season for all other individuals who quality. Contact the Department of Revenue at (573) 884-3814 for additional information.
What is Carrier Alert?
If living alone worries you, the Carrier Alert program can offer you the comfort of knowing that someone who visits your home regularly can call for help if you need it. The United States Postal Service (National Association of Letter Carriers) has developed this free service especially for older adults and the homebound.
To register for this program, please contact BCCA at (573) 443-1111. If your letter carrier finds an accumulation of mail, he or she will notify BCCA and we will try to contact you or the contact you have designated. If the friend or relative cannot be reached, we will send a staff member to your home to check on your well-being.
How can I contact the local Social Security Administration office?
The local Social Security Administration office is located at 803 Gray Oak Drive, Columbia, MO 65201. The phone number is (573) 443-1379 or toll free at 1(800) 772-1213. The website is www.socialsecurity.gov
What are the senior housing options in Boone County?
For a listing of senior housing facilities, please consult the Senior Services Directory at seniornetwork.missouri.org
Low income housing for seniors may be available at Hanover Estates at (573) 474-0550; North Hampton Apartments at (573) 886-7808 or through the Columbia Housing Authority at 573) 443-2556.
What are the transportation options for seniors in Boone County?
Transportation options for seniors in Boone County include Paratransit at (573) 874-7290; OATS at (573) 449-3789; Medicaid at 1(888) 863-9513; or Central Missouri Agency on Aging at (573) 443-5823. Keep in mind, it may be necessary to contact these transportation companies/agencies several days before you actually need a ride.
My home needs repairs, but I can’t afford to pay. Who can help?
Very low-income seniors (62 and older) may be eligible for home repair grants through USDA Rural Development. Grants may be used for health and safety hazards such as roof repair, heating, electrical and plumbing systems, etc. For information, please call (573) 875-5540, ext. 4.
The Human Development Corporation (HDC) at (573) 443-8731 offers assistance with home weatherization for low income seniors 60 and older or 100% disabled.
The City of Columbia Planning Department at (573) 874-7239 offers emergency and rehab home repair for City of Columbia low income homeowners.
Is BCCA a county government agency?
No. BCCA is a private, nonprofit organization that is funded by the United Way, the City of Columbia, Boone County, and the generosity of community donors.
How does BCCA use volunteers?
Volunteers are needed to serve seniors in our community. BCCA volunteers assist low-income seniors with grocery shopping, yard maintenance, home repair, transportation to medical appointments, friendly visiting, and much more.
In 2006, 149 individual volunteers and 11 groups provided 3,202 hours of service to local seniors.
• 67 seniors received yard maintenance
• 23 seniors had contact with a friendly visitor
• 12 seniors had home repairs completed
• 37 seniors received food pantry delivery
• And much, much more.
How can I help?
BCCA provides services to seniors in a cost-effective manner through the generosity of our small army of volunteers. If you have time to serve, we welcome your involvement in our SeniorConnect program. If you don't have time to give, but would like to serve seniors in the community, consider making a donation to BCCA. BCCA is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt corporation, so your contributions are tax deductible. Visit the links to "Volunteer" or "Donate." You can help!
Back to top of page
