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Thoughts from
AAA8 Director:
Rick Hindman
Housing Programs
Helping Keep Seniors at Home
Ohio is working hard to balance its long-term care system and offer seniors the opportunity to choose where they want their care. At the Buckeye Hills Area Agency on Aging, we are working to support eligible seniors with critically needed housing support services.
Ohio can save an estimated $500 million over the next two-year budget period by balancing its long-term care spending 50-50 between nursing homes and in-home care. To do that, we must continue to provide resources for home modification and to help seniors stay safe.
Helping individuals remain independent in their homes is what the Housing program is all about.
Over the past two years, the Buckeye Hills Housing program completed 100 home repair projects with funding support from The Ohio Housing Trust Fund: $384,400; USDA Rural Development: $141,574 and the Senior Services Block Grant:
$24,150. These projects used a variety of state and federal resources to address handicap access issues for clients that had mobility needs and minor home modification to provide safer home environments.
In 2010, Buckeye Hills also received grant for its Homeless Prevention program that helped 30 families move into or maintain residence in their homes through eviction prevention and direct housing of homeless for a total cost of $37,180. The 2010 Foreclosure Prevention program was able to stop foreclosure proceedings for 40 families at a cost of $82,626.
To refer a senior or to learn more, contact Joe Gage, Housing Coordinator, at 1-800-331-2644.
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O'Neill Center Honored for 25 Years of Service to Seniors
The O'Neill Center in Marietta celebrated its 25th year of serving seniors in Washington County with an open house celebration on March 28. The Buckeye Hills AAA8 Executive Committee passed a Resolution in support of the occasion.
Resolution
Honoring The O'Neill Center for 25 Years of Service
WHEREAS, Washington County seniors are valued members of society and it is our collective responsibility to ensure they have vital community resources; and
WHEREAS, it was 25 years ago that The O'Neill Center was established to serve seniors of Washington County; and
WHEREAS, the O'Neill Center provides a wide range of enriching, engaging, and empowering activities to keep seniors health, independent, and productive; and
WHEREAS, Washington County seniors have been served diligently by the staff and volunteers at The O'Neill Center for 25 years thereby contributing to the well-being of our communities.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, We, the Executive Committee of Buckeye Hills-Hocking Valley Regional Development District and the Area Agency on Aging 8 do hereby recognize The O'Neill Center for its service to seniors and the community of Washington County; and
We, The Executive Committee of Buckeye Hills-Hocking Valley Regional Development District and the Area Agency on Aging 8 celebrate the accomplishments and services of The O'Neill Center to seniors and the community of Washington County.
AAA8 Team to Join Alzheimer's Walk in Athens
At AAA8, we are determined to make a difference in the fight against Alzheimer's disease. By participating in the 2010 Alzheimer's Association Memory Walk, we are committed to raising awareness and funds for Alzheimer research, care and support.
Currently more than 5 million Americans have Alzheimer's, and 78 million baby boomers are at risk - unless we find a way to change the course of this disease.
We want to do our part to fight Alzheimer's, but we need your support! We ask that you please consider a donation to the AAA8 Movers & Groovers Team to help the Alzheimer's Association advance research into prevention, treatments and a cure for Alzheimer's. For the millions already affected by the disease, the Association offers care, education, support and resources in communities nationwide. Donate Here
Thank you for supporting AAA8's efforts. We're on the MOVE to end Alzheimer's! |
Assisting "Presumptive" Consumers
Our office received an Ohio Department of Aging notice this month regarding Medicaid claims processing. The enhanced FMAP will be expiring at the end of June and they are asking for our help in making sure that all claims for Medicaid waiver services are up to date and submitted in a timely manner.
We are asking that you review and submit all claims for the last 6 months that have not been processed through our system. After those claims are caught up, please try to keep submissions as current as possible.
ODA has given AAA8 a deadline of June 13, 2011, to have all enhanced FMAP eligible claims into the system. If at all feasible, we would like to be able to process your billing for June services before that date. To do this, claims must be submitted to our office by June 8, 2011. Call 1-800-331-2644 with questions.
Healthy U Classes Scheduled in Athens & Marietta
At Healthy U...learn what U can do to manage symptoms, reduce fatigue and feel better to take control of your chronic illness rather than letting the illness control U!
Join us one time a week for 6 weeks...Learn how to take control of the symptoms andcomplications of your chronic disease in thisself-management workshop.
Workshop will be held at:
United Seniors of Athens
701 E. State Street, Suite 101,
Athens, OH 45701
Beginning June 6, 2011
9:00am-11:30am
Call 740-594-3535 to pre-register
The Betsey Mills Club
300 4th Street, Marietta
Beginning April 6, 2011
10:00am-12:30pm
Call 740-373-4981 to pre-register
This program is made possible by a joint effort of the Administration on Aging, the National Council on Aging, the Ohio Department of Aging, the Ohio Department of Health and your local Area Agency on Aging |
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Buckeye Hills Programs Among Those Facing State Budget Proposal Cuts
The two-year budget proposed by Gov. John Kasich impacts programs at Buckeye Hills and its Area Agency on Aging.
Aging (PASSPORT):
Ohio's Area Agencies on Aging are pleased that Governor Kasich's budget plan continues to shift the balance in long-term care funding toward cost-effective home and community care.
The budget recognizes Area Agencies on Aging's success in reining in Medicaid costs through more cost-effective home care. The budget sets forth a plan for a unified long-term care budget in which spending on services and care settings will be driven by the actual needs and choices of seniors and people with disabilities, rather than by separate budget line items.
However, the budget does propose changes and cuts to the long-term care system that could jeopardize Area Agencies on Aging and their ability to provide the same services that have benefitted older adults and saved taxpayers money. The budget anticipates growth in Medicaid programs such as PASSPORT and Assisted Living, but proposes changes in the funding needed to serve that growth.
For Example: PASSPORT Home Care providers will see a three percent reduction in reimbursements. In addition, each PASSPORT client care plan will see an across-the-board reduction of eight percent in year one and an additional 15 percent cut in year two. A 23% care plan service reduction means a serious impact to rural home care providers who are already struggling to provide services with gas at nearly $4 a gallon. The Area Agency on Aging will also see a 15 percent PASSPORT administrative reduction.
Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC): The Ohio Department of Development is undergoing many changes including the creation of a private job creation engine known as JobsOhio.
Buckeye Hills serves as one of Ohio's Local Development Districts (LDD) for the 32-county Appalachian Regional Commission. Under Kasich's proposal, at the state level, as we currently understand it, the state's Appalachian Regional Commission ARC project funding is cut by 17% in 2012 but so far the LDD administration and ARC federal dues line items are whole. Ohio pays an assessment (which the state titles Dues) to the federal ARC to access federal administrative support and funding for the 32-county region (over $4 million for infrastructure, health care, job creation and training projects and over $20milllion for work on the Appalachian Development Highway System.)
As with many of the General Revenue Fund line items in the Department of Development, the 2013 budget contains no funding for the ARC programs in their line items, but we understand that the funding remains and has been rolled into one Economic Development line item until more is known about the funding needed for the new JobsOhio organization.
The following was published in the Capitol Monitor as the Hearing dates for the Ohio House of Representatives Finance & Appropriations Process:
Health & Human Services Subcommittee Budget Hearings:
April 4 (3 p.m.) in HR 313 - Dept. of JFS / Medicaid
April 1 (10 a.m.) in HR 313 - Dept. of Aging & Dept. of Health
Public Testimony: April 6-8
The goal is to have the House version of HB153 - The Budget - on the House floor for a vote on Thursday, May 5.
Subcommittees are to have ammendments in by Friday, Apr. 15 |
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Buckeye Hills Executive Committee Represents Region
The Buckeye Hills Executive Committee is comprised of four non-elected representatives, one minority representative, Mayors of the two largest cities in the District, and eight county representatives appointed by county commissioners. Two-thirds of the Executive Committee are elected officials; one-third are non-elected officials and minority representatives.
Shown are the 2011 Executive Committee members present at the Feb. meeting: Front from left: Marietta Mayor Michael Mullen; Monroe County Commissioner John Pyles; Board President, Ron Moore - Private Sector of Morgan County; Meigs County Commissioner Tim Ihle; Athens Mayor Paul Wiehl; and Gary Starner - Private Sector of Hocking County; Second row: Hocking County Commissioner Clark Sheets; Sue Baker - Private Sector of Meigs County; Morgan County Commissioner Dean Cain; John Curtis - Private Sector of Monroe County; Perry County Commissioner Fred Shriner and Board Vice-President & Noble County Commissioner Virgil Thompson. Not shown are Athens County Commissioner Lenny Eilason and Board Treasurer & Washington County Commissioner Cora Marshall.
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 SE Ohio ADRN Continues to Form
You could certainly tell that it was St. Patrick's Day by those who attended the SE Ohio Aging & Disability Resource Network meeting. There are many still working to develop the SE Ohio ADRN effort. Shown above seated are Mike Turner, United Seniors of Athens County; Joan Stroh, AAA8 Regional Advisory Council; Hollie Orders, Washington County Home; Debbie Huff, AAA8 Staff; Standing: Marjie Moore, Scenic Hills Senior Center; Hocking County Commissioner Sandra Ogle; Mindy Cayton, AAA8 Staff; Terry Zdrale, O'Neill Center; Row 3: Cindy Shockey, Brain Injury Assoc. of Ohio; Kelly Bauerbach, Washington County JFS and not shown were Rick Hindman, AAA8 Director and Connie Strahler, Washington County Board of Developmental Disabilities.
The ADRN initiative is part of a nationwide effort to restructure services and supports for older adults, all persons with disabilities, family members and caregivers. It also complements long term care system change activities designed to enhance access by older adults and people with disabilities of all ages to community living, personal choice and independence.
The overall goal of the ADRC Program is to empower individuals to effectively navigate their health and other long-term support options. To support the SE Ohio ADRN effort, join us at the next meeting - April 21 at 9:30 a.m.-Noon at the AAA8 Office in Marietta. |
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Thanks for Joining the Community Conversation
Buckeye Hills AAA8 Regional Advisory Council was pleased to co-host the regional Community Conversation March 25 in Marietta. Nearly 65 from across the region participated.
Shown are: Kent Moore Rep. for U.S. Senator Rob Portman; Danielle Nameth Rep. for U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown; Nora Nees, Ohio Association of Second Harvest Foodbanks; Jack Frech, Athens... County Job & Family Services. Second row from left: Jeff Griffin Rep. for U.S. Congressman Bill Johnson; Greg Green, President, BH-AAA8 Regional Advisory Council; Will Petrik, Advocates for Ohio's Future and Dick Stevens, SE Ohio Regional Food Service.
In partnership with member food banks, the Ohio Job and Family Services Director's Association and Advocates for Ohio's Future, the Ohio Association of Second Harvest Foodbanks invited local social service agencies, local legislators and program participants to community conversations across the state. Those in attendance shared the impact of programs administered by Ohio's safety net network in their lives as well as how continuing these programs and supports is vital to Ohio's most vulnerable populations. |
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Farmers Market 2011 Applications Available April 1!
Seniors who meet the eligibility guidelines, will soon be receiving some welcome relief from rising food budgets. The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) provides income-eligible senior citizens with special coupons worth $50 to buy produce.
The Seniors Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) is a USDA and Ohio Department of Aging program in which grants are awarded to provide coupons to low-income seniors.
In 2011, eligibility will be based on HOUSEHOLD income, NOT individual income. Individuals are eligible for the Senior Farmers' Market if they are 60 + and have an annual income of $20,147 or less as a single person ($27,214 or less for a household of two).
Program 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.
Each eligible senior receives $50 per person; grant funding is limited and coupons are distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis. Each person will receive a total of ten $5 coupons: five $5 coupons valid from May 1- July 31 and five $5 coupons valid from Aug. 1- Oct. 31. Coupons may only be redeemed by authorized participating farmers who sell produce at farmers' markets, or roadside stands. The program will end Oct. 31, 2011.
Program applications will be received ONLY BY MAIL. On April 1, applications will be available at some of the region's Senior Center locations, at the AAA8 office and online at www.areaagency8.org.
Applications must be returned by U.S. mail to AAA8 P.O. Box 370 Reno, OH 45773 postmarked no earlier than the following dates:
April 6 - Athens and Hocking
April 13 - Washington
April 20 - Meigs, Morgan, Monroe, Noble & Perry
Applications will be checked for the appropriate postmark, date-stamped and processed for distribution on a first-come, first-served basis. Ineligible applicants will receive a letter indicating the reason for ineligibility. Once each county's allocations have been filled, waiting lists will receive a letter.
Local farmers are also needed to participate in the Market program. Farmer contracts are due by March 31. For more details on what products are included in the program or to become an authorized SFMNP farmer, contact the Area Agency on Aging 8 (AAA8) at 1-800-331-2644. This institution is an equal opportunity provider. |
Need Census 2010 Data?
The first round of data from the 2010 Census was delivered to the State on March 9. This data includes basic population information for Counties, Cities, Villages, and Townships. The Ohio Dept. of Development - Office of Strategic Research has produced several documents containing this information, which you can freely access online at: http://www.development.ohio.gov/research/Census2010.htm.
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Local, State & National News 
Seniors Enjoy St. Patty's Day at Scenic Hills
This photo was captured by The Logan Daily News as folks enjoyed St. Patrick's Day festivities at the Scenic Hills Senior Center.
 Washington County High School Honors Seniors
This photo was captured by The Marietta Time when about 80 Washington County senior citizens to attend the annual luncheon put on by students at Washington County Ft. Frye High School in the FCCLA (Family, Community and Career Leaders of America) group.
FCCLA adviser Jane Lennox said the annual celebration is a service project for the group and a way to give back to the community. About 40 students in FCCLA worked to put the luncheon together, gathering prizes, making food and setting up the school's gymnasium. They also helped those in attendance get their food, refilled drinks and spent time talking with their guests. 
Perry Senior Center Hosts Coal Miners Fair
From left: Yvonne Adair and Brenda Forker at the annual Perry County Coal Miners Health Fair. There were many vendors participating including AAA8, Ohio Dept. of Insurance, and Ohio Dept. of Labor. Skin cancer evaluations and lung testing as well as other health and wellness tests were available.
USDA Rural Office Announces Home Repair Loan Program
The USDA Rural Development is accepting applications for rehab loan and grant programs to assist residents with repair of homes in rural Ohio. Those who are at least 62 and can't show repayment ability for a repair loan may qualify for help with safety and health hazards. Call the USDA Marietta Office at 740-373-7113.
Meigs County RSVP Receives ServeOhio Award
The RSVP of the Meigs County Council on Aging received a 2011 ServeOhio Award in recognition of the outstanding programming and services to Meigs residents. As part of the award, they will receive a cash award of $2,500. The RSVP group also received a award for its Make a Difference Day raffle to benefit local victims of the Reedsville tornadoes and for the Hemlock Christian Church which was destroyed by arsonists.
 Dental Study Determines Need
The results of a five-state dental study determine a great need for services in Ohio - especially in rural areas like Southeastern Ohio.There is a severe lack of access to dental care in Ohio and the study revealed this as the state's No. 1 unmet health care need.
Statistics from the report show there are more than 204,000 children without coverage and more than 3.1 million adults including almost a million senior citizens. The study was conducted by The Universal Health Care Action Network of Ohio.
From The Ohio Department of Aging: Theme for Older Americans Month Announced
May observance will celebrate ways older Ohioans connect communities
The Ohio Department of Aging announced that the state's theme for Older Americans Month 2011 is "Older Ohioans - Connecting Communities." The state and the nation observe each May as Older Americans Month, a time to celebrate the contributions our elders make to their communities and to promote choice, independence and quality of life for all older citizens. The department establishes a theme each year to promote awareness of issues unique to this age group and to help local organizations plan events throughout the state.
"Our elders inspire us and strengthen the fabric of our communities in many creative ways," said Bonnie Kantor-Burman, director of the department. "Their shared histories, experiences and knowledge have given our communities their character, and our elders are out and about every day giving back and making a difference."
The 2011 theme acknowledges not only the roles older Ohioans play in the culture and economy of their communities, but also on the progress Ohio is making to help ensure that our elders have the resources and choices they need to remain engaged in and connected to their communities. More information about Older Americans Month and the 2011 theme is available on the department's website at www.aging.ohio.gov/news/olderamericansmonth/.
The website also includes a toolkit to help local senior centers, community leaders, advocates and others plan activities for the month and, specifically, for Senior Citizens Day, which is May 17 this year. Resources on the site include an event planning guide, activity ideas, publicity materials, posters and other useful items. Organizations hosting activities are invited to list their events on the website as well. Local celebrations traditionally include awards dinners, picnics, dances, health fairs, intergenerational activities and more.
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Smarter State Spending
Join the Advocacy Effort & Help Save Ohio's Budget
Use your voice to help reform long-term care in Ohio. Ohio's Area Agencies on Aging want to ensure Choice for the elderly and Smarter State Spending with your hard-earned money!
Ohio's state spending has been nursing home-biased for too long. Let's even the playing field and give in-home care more of a chance.
We all want to stay in our homes as we age. You can help make that dream possible for thousands of vulnerable elderly by making in-home care a more viable option.Ohio is at a crossroads on this issue, but we have a very short time-frame to make our voices heard.
Ask that the 129th General Assembly be a good steward with your tax dollars.
A few clicks can change the course of history!
 Join the Effort at Fair Care Ohio.
 Find Fair Care Ohio on Facebook.
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