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 Thoughts
from the Director:
Rick Hindman
Senior Nutrition Farmers Market Program Underway
Seniors who meet the eligibility guidelines are receiving some welcome relief from rising food budgets. The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) provides more than 1,500 income-eligible senior citizens across the region with special coupons worth $50 to buy produce.
The Seniors Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) is a USDA program that provides coupons to low-income seniors. Individuals are eligible for the Senior Farmers' Market if they are 60 + and have an annual income of $20,035 or less as a single person ($26,954 or less for a household of two). These SFMNP coupons may be exchanged for eligible foods from authorized farmers. Only fresh, locally grown fruits, herbs and vegetables are eligible to be purchased with the coupons.
For more details on this and other nutrition programs, contact AAA8 at 1-800-331-2644. |
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Tips for the Summer Heat
In the heat people who are 65 years of age or older may not compensate for heat stress efficiently and are less likely to sense and respond to change in temperature.
People who are physically ill, or have chronic health conditions like heart disease or high blood pressure, or who take certain medications, may be affected by extreme heat.
Some medications affect the body's ability to deal with excessive heat. People should avoid high-heat situations if medication instructions so caution.
Source:
Ohio Committee for Severe Weather Awareness |
New Federal Report Shows Greatest Spike in Volunteers Since 2003
Despite difficult economic times, the number of Americans volunteering in their communities jumped by 1.6 million last year, the largest increase in six years, according to a report released today by the Corporation for National and Community Service (the "Corporation.")
The Corporation's annual Volunteering in America report found that 63.4 million Americans volunteered through a formal organization last year, giving more than 8.1 billion hours of volunteer service worth an estimated $169 billion. View the complete report. |
 Save The Date:
AAA8 Choices Expo 2010: Nov.10! 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. Comfort Inn, Marietta Sponsorship & Exhibitor details are now available.
Call Mindy Cayton at 1-800-331-2644 for a brochure. |
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A Publication of Buckeye Hills Area Agency on Aging Serving Athens, Hocking, Meigs, Monroe, Morgan, Noble, Perry & Washington Counties
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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 Protecting Family Assets
Common Sense Long-Term Care Planning Seminar Offered July 8
Every aspect of American life is being affected by the aging population. More people are living longer and the birth rate is declining. The greatest effects are still to come now that the nation's 78 million baby boomers have begun turning 60.
If something happens today, will the family's assets be protected and preserved for tomorrow? On July 8 from 10 a.m. - Noon, The Area Agency on Aging 8 will host Elder Law Attorney Lynn Richardson, Esq, and Financial Planner Peter Keim, to present a program on Estate Planning and Elder Law issues at The AAA8 office (1400 Pike St. in Marietta.)
AAA8 will also be there with an Own Your Future information table. Own Your Future explains how planning ahead can dramatically affect quality of life as you age. Being educated, clarifying individual wishes and understanding the available options before a crisis hits is a gift to loved ones and it is peace of mind for seniors. A free planning kit and CD will be available.
"Many have been confused by government regulations, and misleading information from so-called 'experts,'" said AAA8 Director Rick Hindman. "It is our goal to provide the region's seniors and families with common sense planning information they can use. The goal is to help seniors develop a plan to preserve what they have so diligently worked for during their lives."
To RSVP for the free event or to learn more about other programs, call AAA8 at 1-800-331-2644 |
 Elder Abuse Awareness Day Events Hosted in June Abuse Ignores Age.
 Senior Centers in the region hosted Elder Abuse Awareness Event on World Awareness Day June 15. Individuals wore purple in honor of Elder Abuse Awareness Day. In addition, The Monroe County Council on Aging sponsored a balloon lift to draw attention to the serious issue of Elder Abuse. Present were Monroe County Commissioners (from left) John Pyles and Carl Davis. Shown in front are Council Sec. Betty Weber and Treas. Jean Ackerman (both are also members of the AAA8 Regional Advisory Council). In the back rown beside Commissioner Davis is GMN Transportation Coordinator Kristy Potter, Council member Caroline Workman and Monroe Senior Center Director Michele Hollins.
Elder abuse, neglect and financial exploitation of the elderly are growing problems. A U.S. Administration on Aging study found that 1.5 million people over the age of 60 are abused or neglected each year.
Abuse of elders takes many different forms, some involving intimidation or threats against the elderly, some involving neglect, and others involving financial exploitation. Raising awareness of elder abuse and neglect is a challenge and no effort is too small.  Around the region, events were also hosted in Marietta and Belpre. Mayors and Commissioners also supported the awareness effort with Proclamations. Shown at left is Belpre Mayor Mike Lorentz sharing his proclamation. Shown below at the O'Neill Senior Center in Marietta is Marietta Mayor Moon Mullen; Anita Vaughan of the JFS Adult Protective Services unit; AAA8 Home Care Director Jane Skeen, LSW, and Washington County Sheriff Larry Mincks.
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AAA8 Consumers to Receive ID Cards
Consumers using AAA8 programs, such as PASSPORT, Choices,
Assisted Living and Caregiver services, will soon receive a consumer ID card in the mail.
If you are a health care professional, please look for this card and contact AAA8 when a consumer is admitted or discharged from your facility. AAA8's goal is to provide professionals with support and assistance with discharge planning.   |
 Appalachian Regional Commission Hosts Local Health Care Roundtable
ARC's new Federal Co-Chair Earl Gohl, who was confirmed by the Senate in March, is visiting each of the Appalachian states to see ARC projects, meet with local leaders, and learn more about the economic development challenges and opportunities confronting individual communities across Appalachia. Fred Deel, Executive Director of the Governor's Office of Appalachia, hosted Mr. Gohl for a three-day tour of Ohio in June.
While in the region, they stopped at Marietta Memorial Hospital for a health care roundtable discussion. While basic access to quality health care continues to be a challenge in Appalachia's distressed counties, many communities are starting to emphasize the health care sector itself as a driver of local economic growth. They view health care not just as a question of quality of life and physical well-being but also as a major source of jobs, income, and economic well-being.
The roundtable explored how the health care sector and improved access to health care are contributing to the economy of Washington County and the surrounding area. Over the past decade, ARC has probably spent more on health care-related activities in Washington County than in any other county in Appalachia. From major equipment for Marietta Hospital to telemedicine and electronic medical records to training programs in health care fields at Marietta College and Washington State Community College, ARC has invested almost $2 million over the past decade to address health care needs in this area.
The roundtable provided an opportunity to discuss the impact that these projects are having in the area, how well they are working (as well as the problems that they may have encountered), and, ultimately, how they are contributing to the strength of the local economy. Representatives from Buckeye Hills and its Area Agency on Aging 8 were included in the event. |
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Governor Signs Home First Bill Into Law
When budget woes cause wait lists for home and community services, older adults' only option is to enter a nursing facility, a more expensive and often less preferred alternative. A new law will assure older Ohioans have home and community-based options. Many Aging network advocates were on hand in late May to witness Governor Ted Strickland sign House Bill 398 into Ohio law. |
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 Caregivers: Take a Break This Summer with AAA8 Respite Caregiver Support
Many caregivers of those with dementia struggle with mixed feelings of guilt and frustration at the thought of taking a vacation without their loved one. Yet, they need time off. Caregivers often fail to realize the importance of taking a break for their own health and well-being.
Respite care was specifically designed to give caregivers time off. Limited, short-term respite and resources are available through The Area Agency on Aging 8 (AAA8) Caregiver Advocacy Program. The professionals there, help caregivers take time away to rejuvenate through its respite program. Services such as caregiver support, personal care, homemaking, overnight respite, or adult day services, provide short-term assistance for an older person so the caregiver can have some free time.
Respite services are available to anyone caring for a loved one over the age of 60. For more details on these and other respite care provisions available through AAA8, call 1-800-331-2644. |
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