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 Thoughts from the Director:
Rick Hindman
Helping Older Adults Stay in Their Homes
There are more than 22 million senior homeowners (people age 65 and older) in the nation, and according to an AARP study, 85 percent of them want to remain in their own homes and communities for the balance of their lives. While their homes may suit their current needs, will they still be accessible and senior-friendly in the future as the homeowner's needs change?
Millions of home modification program dollars are spent in Ohio each year to remodel and renovate homes so they are accessible for seniors and people with disabilities.
As the aging network focuses on providing more home- and community-based services, one of the most important aspects is ensuring seniors' homes will support aging in place. With foresight, simple renovations can reduce the need for personal assistance and prolong the time period when frail elders can safely stay in the family home.
Simple, well-planned, cost-efficient renovations and modifications can ensure that seniors' homes will meet their needs. Most of these changes can be incorporated into the existing layout of the home without revealing their ultimate purpose.
Simple renovations, like installing grab bars in the tub and shower and handrails on both sides of the stairs- inside and outside- can make a house safer and decrease the chances of falling. Replacing scatter or throw rugs with non-slip flooring and adding bright lights over stairs and on landings can not only brighten the look of a house, but also increase safety. Lever-style door handles are easy for people of any age to open.
Other projects that might require more planning include relocating a bedroom and full bathroom to the first floor and installing a low- or no-threshold entrance to the home.
Many senior homeowners live in older homes that need maintenance and repairs to help them remain there safely and economically. Home repair and modification programs, available through the area agency on aging, can help.
Contact the area agency on aging at 1-800-331-2644 for more information about the services available to help older adults remain independent in the community.
Joe Gage, Housing Coordinator for the Buckeye Hills Area Agency on Aging District 8 (AAA8), is a Certified Aging-In-Place Specialist (CAPS) through the National Home Builders Association (NAHB). Gage is one of only two in the southeastern Ohio region with the designation.
Excerpts from The Ohio Dept. of Aging |
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Providers & Residents Invited to Regional Town Hall Forums
A town hall meeting is an informal public meeting where everybody in a county is invited to attend, voice their opinions and share ideas on how to work toward a better community, county and region. Join us for the town hall meeting in your area. Upcoming Forum Dates:
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ODA Rate Methodology Posted Online
The PASSPORT and Assisted Living Rate Methodology report is on the ODA website and can be accessed directly through the following link: ODA Rates | |
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 Choices Expo Living Healthy, Wealthy & Wise
Mark Your Calendars for Next Year's Event! Nov. 12, 2009
The Buckeye Hills (AAA8) Area Agency on Aging hosted its second annual Choices Expo at the Marietta Comfort Inn Nov. 12-13 Over 300 attended to receive a wealth of information about healthy lifestyles, long-term care options, caregiver services, basic health screenings, workshops about retirement planning and much more. Mark your calendars for next year's one-day event: Nov. 12, 2009!
 Cathy Ash, LSW, worked with Deputy Philip O'Brien of the Washington County Sheriff's Office to promote Project LIfesaver services.
 Mindy Cayton and Gwynn Clifford are shown with event Title Sponsor Frank Hoffer of Senior News. Cayton is the Expo event planner.
 Vicki Bennett, RN, assists an Expo participant with the Medication Management program.
 Exhibitors and participants enjoyed a fun-filled game of chair volleyball at the expo! Shown returning the ball is Ken Stewart, Mid-Ohio Valley Regional Coordinator for the Alzheimer's Association. |
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AAA8 Celebrates Caregivers at 2008 Appreciation Event
 Caregivers and supporting agencies from around the region gathered in Marietta at The Lafayette Hotel to honor services provided.
 Honored were Jack and Rose Casto, of Marietta. They received the 2008 Ohio Joined Hearts in Giving Award and have married more than 52 years. They have been active volunteers in their community for 35 years. They have taught Sunday school, coached girls basketball and helped with 4-H, Girl Scouts and Cub Scouts. They helped start a reading/tutoring center in the Reno school and were among the first volunteers. They fostered two children for a total of 4 years. They help at the local VFW post, preparing and serving dinners and helping to raise money for the Children's Hospital. They help the residents of the Washington County Home with various activities. |
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Ohio Senior Levies Revenue Tops $130 Million
 All 15 of the senior services property tax levies on the Nov. 4 ballot passed and will generate more than $8 million in new revenue to continue and expand services to Ohio's older adults. Revenue generated by these levies equals $136.3 million annually, up from $127.6 million.
In addition to state and federal funding, several Ohio counties, townships and villages use local senior services tax levies to enhance and expand services to older adults. Currently, 70 of Ohio's 88 counties operate countywide property tax levies.
The services most often funded by these levies include nutrition, transportation, in-home services (such as home-delivered meals and home health aides) and senior center administration. Some of the levies also will support home repair and chore services, emergency response systems, caregiver assistance and wellness promotion.
When senior levies do not pass, service providers need to re-evaluate those consumers on waiting lists and make referrals to other community agencies. It ultimately means that fewer seniors receive services and waiting lists continue to grow as the aging population and their needs increase.
Based on a 2006 study by the Ohio Association of Gerontology and Education, more than 90 percent of Ohio's senior service levies have been successful at the ballot box, with an average passage rate of 65 percent of the vote. Of the 14 levies passed on Nov. 4:
Levies in five counties received more than 70 percent of the vote. Levies in nine counties passed with more than 61 percent of the vote. In the AAA8 Region:
Hocking County: $233,118
Perry County: $156,318
Source: Ohio Dept. of Aging |
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Mark Your Calendars for 2009 AAA8 Quarterly Provider Meetings
 Please mark the following dates for AAA8 quarterly provider meetings. All will begin at 10 a.m. at locations to be announced in Marietta.
- Jan. 28
- April 22
- July 29
- Oct. 28
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| Assisted Living Waiver Open Enrollment Restored
 Effective November 18, open enrollment into the Assisted Living Waiver Program was restored in Ohio. Area Agencies on Aging will enroll eligible consumers as they request the service. There is no specific AAA slot allocation.
Assisted Living Waiver Amendment Proposed
Ohio Rep. Tom Brinkman (R-Cincinnati) introduced HB 420, a bill to promote transparency with respect to state spending. It passed the House and was referred to the Senate Finance & Financial Insitutions Committeee. On Nov. 19, an amended version of the bill was reported out of committee. One ammendment in the Assisted Living Program requirements will allow more qualified applicants into the program under these conditions:
- if they are on a waiting list,
- if a vacancy exists in a residential care facility participating in the assisted living program that is acceptable to the applicant, and
- if the applicant has been admitted to a nursing facility.
HB 420 passed (30-0) in the Senate on December 2, thirty-five provisions were added, but Senate President Bill Harris (R-Ashland) said the bill meets the constitutional requirement that a bill have only one subject because all the changes involve government administration. One added provision revises the Assisted Living program's Home First component and authorizes the establishment of waiting lists for the program.
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 Before Old Man Winter Arrives, Prepare with Ohio's Home Energy Assistance Programs
For an Application Location Near You, call 1-800-331-2644.
Did you know that with one Energy Assistance Application, clients may apply for several federally or state-funded energy assistance programs administered by the Ohio Dept. of Development?
The Home Energy Assistance Program ( HEAP), the Emergency Home Energy Assistance Program ( E-HEAP), and the Percentage of Income Payment Plan for ( PIPP) are on one form and The Energy Assistance Application can also be used to apply for the Home Weatherization Assistance Program (HWAP). And, the HEAP process is now available through The Ohio Benefits Bank - so any Benefits Bank location may serve clients seeking support for home heating bills.
To learn more, visit the AAA8 web site. For an application location near you, call 1-800-331-2644. | |
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