Recently, the Area Agency on Aging District 7, Inc. (AAA7) has been made aware of individuals in the area who have been knocking on doors claiming to be representatives of the AAA7.

Currently, these reports have generated from Lawrence and Scioto counties; however, the AAA7 asks everyone to heighten the awareness for their safety and protection. The AAA7 provides services in the following Ohio counties: Adams, Brown, Gallia, Highland, Jackson, Lawrence, Pike, Ross, Scioto and Vinton.

The community should note that all AAA7 representatives carry identification stating that they work for the agency and any visits to the home are scheduled beforehand – the AAA7 does not make unannounced visits.

Initial visits to an individual’s home to discuss long-term care options and resources are always scheduled by a community individual through a call directly to the AAA7.

The AAA7 provides the following advice:

Do not allow anyone in your home if the individual cannot provide proper identification such as an employee name badge. If the individual claims they are from the Area Agency on Aging, but it does not appear they are or they cannot provide the proper identification, please feel comfortable in calling our agency to confirm — the agency can be reached Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. by calling 1-800-582-7277.

AAA7 staff that visit homes for assessments gather personal information for referral purposes and will provide the consumer with a release of information form for signature and an AAA7 Statement of Privacy Practices.

As mentioned previously, AAA7 staff will not show up unannounced for an initial appointment. If someone comes to your home, unannounced, and claims to be a representative for the AAA7, chances are they are an imposter. You should ask the individual to leave your home and report to your local law enforcement. Be sure to report the description of the person and their vehicle.

If an individual receives a call from the AAA7, an employee name and call back number will always be presented to the consumer.

The Area Agency on Aging District 7 is a non-profit corporation that helps coordinate programs to help older adults and those with disabilities live safely and independently at home or in their community through long-term care home and community-based options.

The AAA7’s Aging and Disability Resource Center is available to help provide assistance and answers to any questions the community may have regarding long-term care options and resources.

The community can call Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. to speak directly to a nurse or social worker who will help answer any questions the caller may have.

Those interested in learning more can call toll-free at 1-800-582-7277 (TTY: 711) or e-mail at info@aaa7.org.