The Office of Senior Affairs (OSA) was created to help Dallas seniors maintain the highest quality of life possible by providing information / referrals on senior services, educational programming and other resources that support and promote financial and social well-being.  The OSA also provides staff support to the City of Dallas Senior Affairs Commission (SAC) and its five (5) working committees (Safety & Health, Budget, Social Needs, Transportation, and Housing).

The following services and programs are offered by the Office of Senior Affairs:

Casework

The Office of Community Care Senior Services caseworkers provide referrals and information to at-risk seniors needing resources for elder abuse, housing, health and dental care, utility assistance, transportation and other social services.

Contact: (214) 670-5227

Outreach

Educational materials, presentations, training and informational seminars are provided and/or facilitated by the OSA to community groups, neighborhood associations and senior centers to educate and inform the public on senior resources and issues affecting older adults. These issues include, but are not limited to, isolation, elder abuse, health care and housing.

Contact: (214) 670-5227

Senior Affairs Commission

The OSA provides staff support to the Senior Affairs Commission (SAC). The Senior Affairs Commission is a 15-member advisory board appointed by the Mayor and City Council to help ensure the provision of services to the elderly.

Contact: (214) 671-9258

Programs

Senior Ombudsman Program

The Senior Ombudsman Program is designed to give an official mandated voice to seniors in nursing home and assisted living facilities by addressing concerns and seeking resolutions to problems or issues to enhance the quality of life for residents in long term care facilities. The program also offers information to seniors and their families about nursing home facilities, selection and/or any related nursing home issues. The Senior Ombudsman Program is implemented by The Senior Source.

Contact: (214) 823-5700

Older Americans Employment Initiative Program

Provides employment assistance to older adults age 60 and above throughout Dallas, including:

• Training on Job Search Techniques
• Assisting older adults with Job Search
• Providing referrals

The Program also provides community presentations to seniors on employment training and other related topics of interest. The Older Americans Employment Initiative Program is implemented by The Senior Source.

Contact: (214) 823-5700

Senior Dental Health Care Program

Provides dental health services to low-moderate income seniors aged 60 and older residing within the City of Dallas. Dental health services include: exams, cleanings, fluoride treatment, sealants, flings, extractions, root canals, treatment for infections and oral health education. Services are free to eligible residents and are provided by the Texas A&M University College of Dentistry at the following locations:

North Dallas Shared Ministries (NDSM)

2875 Merrell Road

Dallas, Texas 75229

(214) 358-8729

Agape Clinic

4104 Junius Street

Dallas, Texas 75246

(972) 707-7782

To schedule an appointment for services, please contact North Dallas Shared Ministries or the Agape Clinic.

Senior Medical Transportation Program (SMTP)

The City of Dallas Senior Medical Transportation (SMTP) is NOT currently accepting new clients. All new completed SMTP Application Packets will be placed on a Wait List until further availability.

The City of Dallas Senior Medical Transportation Program (SMTP) is a LAST RESORT service for low to moderate income persons 60 and older who reside within the City of Dallas and do not qualify for other Transportation programs. It provides free transportation for medical appointments within the City of Dallas, with “door to door” service. This is accomplished through a contractual agreement with an outside vendor approved by City Council. 

To qualify for the Senior Medical Transportation Program, clients must provide written documentation of denial from DART Paratransit and/or Medicaid’s LogistiCare Program. Clients can contact DART directly at 214-979-1111. Medicaid clients can contact LogistiCare at 1-855-288-3133.

Once the client has acquired the letter(s) of denial from other transportation programs, they can call the City of Dallas Senior Medical Transportation (SMTP) at 214-670-7235. SMTP Staff will mail out the Application Form and will explain the application process. The client will complete and hand in a SMTP Application Packet, which includes the SMTP Application Form, Copy of Photo ID and copy of Denial Letter/Proof of Denial from Dart Paratransit and/or LogistiCare.

For more information, please contact the City of Dallas Senior Medical Transportation (SMTP) at (214) 670-7235.

Contact: (214) 670-7235

The Texas Ramp Project

Volunteers of the Texas Ramp Project in the Dallas area build wheelchair ramps for the low-income and disabled in Dallas County and southern Collin County. The Office of Senior Affairs accepts ramp installation intake calls/applications for the Texas Ramp Project.

Contact: (214) 670-5227

Operation WaterShare

Provides assistance with Dallas Water Utilities to persons aged 60 and older facing financial hardships due to water leaks or other difficult circumstances.

Contact: (214) 670-5227

Senior Affairs Commission

The Senior Affairs Commission is a 15-member advisory board appointed by the Mayor and City Council to help ensure the provision of services to the elderly.