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 Thoughts
from the Director:
Rick Hindman
April is national volunteer month and month and AAA8 celebrates those who share their abilities, time and talent to support the aging and their families across the district.
From volunteers on the County Councils on Aging and the AAA8 Regional Advisory Council, to those serving with RSVPs or helping at senior centers or as caregivers, individuals are making a difference!
Volunteers across the district are sharing their life experiences, wisdom and expertise to help organizations thrive. These volunteers believe that each person is able to make a difference and contribute to creating healthy communities. We are proud that so many are engaged and active.
If you or someone you know are interested in using skills to help people or important causes, and if you want to meet people who share your interests, then learn how to get involved by contacting our office, or your area senior center or RSVP organization.
I continue to be amazed at how volunteers impact others when they are open to the possibilities of what we can do for others - together! If you are a volunteer, we salute you! If you are not and want to learn more, call us at 1-800-331-2644. |
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AAA8 Staff Resources
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Executive Director: Misty Casto
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Asst. Exec. Dir. & AAA8 Director: Rick Hindman
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Home Care Director: Jane Skeen, LSW
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Programs Manager: Cathy Ash, LSW
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Communications Director: Gwynn Stewart | |
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Volunteerism & Intergenerational Engagement Alive at O'Neill Center
 For the past three years, Brendon George (Battle Creek, Mich.) has been a volunteer at O'Neill Center in Marietta (Washington County). There, Brendon shares his time and expertise helping out with a variety of programs.
Brendon has spent 100 hours at the O'Neill Senior Center's Adult Day Services, delivering meals, calling bingo cards, putting on talent shows and preparing public relations programs for the elderly.
"The O'Neill Senior Center provides invaluable assistance, and I believe its continued existence is essential in maintaining a healthy environment for local seniors," said Brendon.
"I think what keeps me going is just the hope that when my friends do come to this point in their own lives, they have someone who is willing to take good care of them-someone who will laugh when they laugh, listen when they talk and love them for who they are," Brendon added.
"This is a great kid," said Terry L. Zdrale, Executive Director at O'Neill. "He is quite humble and really does deserve recognition."
Portions of this article were used with permission from Marietta College. |
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Calling All SE Ohio Farmers!
 The Area Agency on Aging 8 is currently seeking farmers to participate in the 2010 Senior Farmer's Market Nutrition Program in Athens, Hocking, Meigs, Monroe, Morgan, Noble, Perry and Washington Counties.
The purpose of the Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) is to improve the nutritional health of low-income seniors and to increase business for local farmers. The program is funded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to increase the provision of fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs and honey to eligible seniors.
Eligible seniors will receive ten, $5 coupons. The coupons will be valid thru July 31 and October 31, 2010 (interim dates may apply). Coupons will be valid for the dates as indicated on each coupon. Coupons can only be redeemed by authorized farmers who sell specific produce and honey at farmers' markets or roadside stands. The 2010 program will end October 31 or when all USDA funds are expended.
Please refer Interested farmers to AAA8 at 1-800-331-2644 for details.
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 Alzheimer's Association 2010 Facts & Figures Report
In the United States, 5.3 million people are living with Alzheimer's disease, and a new individual is diagnosed with the disease every 70 seconds. Unless something is done, by 2050, up to 16 million Americans will have Alzheimer's, and a new case will be diagnosed every 33 seconds.
To see the full report, go to www.alz.org.
Link to information Ohio's state statistics. |
Hospital to Home Program Accepting Referrals
Helping patients transition from "in-patient" to "in-home."
 The AAA8 Hospital to Home Program provides a smooth transition from "in-patient" to "in-home." It is a "warm hand-off" from one level of care to another helping to establish a true continuum.
Funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, participants will receive five home delivered meals per week for up to four weeks. At the end of four weeks, if the patient is still unable to care for themselves, a second assessment will be performed and a new care plan developed.
The AAA8 Hospital to Home Program will compliment the existing services provided by the hospital discharge planner. The Hospital to Home Program begins with referral from the hospital to the AAA8 for an in-patient assessment (Long-Term Care Consultation) conducted for individuals who
could require in-home assistance with day-today activities upon discharge to home-short term or long term. If the assessment cannot be scheduled in hospital, the assessor will follow up with the patient after they arrive home.
A Long-Term Care Consultation provides options and education about types of care, how to pay for it and other factors in making long-term care decisions. To refer a patient who is being discharged from a hospital or nursing facility, call 1-800-331-2644.
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Funding Available to Assist Seniors with Accessibility Modifications and Minor Home Repairs
Know a senior who needs assistance with minor home repairs or modifications to help them stay in their home or to age comfortably in place? The Buckeye Hills Area Agency on Aging (AAA8) can help.
Above: This home in Perry County's Roseville received a new sidewalk and wheelchair ramp through a Housing Assistance Grant.
"These grants fund repairs for homeowners who are 60 years of age or older with 35 percent area median income level or less and own their home or have a life estate in the property," said Joe Gage, AAA8 Housing Coordinator. "For residents who qualify monies may be used to assist with the costs associated with accessibility modifications such as widening doorways, wheelchair ramps, handicap modifications of a bathroom or kitchen and other home repairs."
To be eligible, homeowners must live in the Buckeye Hills region, be 60 years of age or older and meet annual income eligibility limits. To learn more about Housing Assistance, PASSPORT or other services call the Area Agency on Aging at 1-800-331-2644 or visit www.areaagency8.org. | |
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