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May 2011
  
   

Thoughts from

AAA8 Director: 

Rick Hindman 
Rick Hindman

  

Scripps Study Finds Promising Results for 

Ohio's Nursing Home Diversion & Transition Program
 

Area Agencies on Aging across Ohio have been participating in a new program aimed at diverting and transitioning Ohioans from nursing homes. According to a recent four-page report from the Scripps Gerontology Center, it has helped approximately two-thirds of a targeted group of older Ohioans remain in or return to their own homes and communities.  

 

The report, "Ohio's Aging Network Efforts to Enhance Nursing Home Diversion and Transition," reveals that of 1,259 Ohioans who had been in a nursing home for three months or longer, but were identified as possibly able to live non-institutionally, 53 percent were living in their own homes and communities after six months, and another 14 percent transitioned to assisted living, less restrictive and less costly than nursing home care.

 

Of 1,974 older Ohioans deemed "at risk" of entering a nursing home, nearly two-thirds were still living in their own homes and communities after six months. In that same time period, 18 percent were deceased and only 17 percent had entered a nursing home.

 

The intervention and study, conducted between March 2010 and February 2011, is as follow-up to and evaluation of a legislative directive that the Ohio Department Aging (ODA) and the state's 12 area agencies on aging (AAAs) develop a state nursing home diversion and transition program. ODA and the AAAs, along with state and local long-term-care ombudsmen, worked together to identify long-stay nursing home residents who might be able to live more independently, as well as older persons whose health and lack of family and social support put them "at very high risk" of nursing home placement. Some of these high risk persons were already enrolled in the state's PASSPORT home-care program, or experiencing a short stay in a nursing home or hospital.

Interventions used by the state to help divert and transition mostly older

Ohioans in this concentrated effort include more pro-active planning, along with increased in-home and community services and enhanced caregiver training and support.

 

Download the report

 

May is Older Americans Month
 

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.

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.

Post A Photo on ODA's Facebook 

To celebrate Older Americans Month (May), the Ohio Department of Aging is conducting its second annual Older Americans Month photo project on Facebook.

All Ohioans, regardless of age, are invited to submit photos that they believe capture the essence of the 2011 Older Americans Month theme, "Older Ohioans - Connecting Communities."

From now through May 31, Ohioans can vist ODA's Facebook and post photos they have taken or own to the department's wall. Posting requires a free Facebook account and the photos must conform to Facebook's terms of service. Individuals also may submit their photos by mail to: Ohio Department of Aging, ATTN: Communications Division, 50 W. Broad St./9th Fl., Columbus OH 43215-3363. Please note: we cannot return photos.

 

walk

 

  

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.

AAA8 and its employees are doing our part to fight Alzheimer's. The AAA8 Movers & Groovers Team walked in Athens on April 9 to raise funds for the Alzheimer's Association to 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. We will be walking again in September, so please Donate Here!

Thank you for supporting AAA8's efforts. We're on the MOVE to end Alzheimer's!

 

 

June 15 is Elder Abuse Awareness Day

Make plans now to help draw attention to the issues of Elder Abuse on June 15 during the 6th annual World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.
 

Wear purple! If we don't take a stand, who will?

Raising awareness of elder abuse and neglect is a challenge and no effort is too small.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Aging & Disability Resource Network (ADRN) Unveils Community-Based Web Site for Seniors, People with Disabilities, Caregivers & Service Providers

 

Network of CareAs part of the Southeast Ohio Aging & Disability Resource Network (ADRN), at its semi-annual meeting, Buckeye Hills and its Area Agency on Aging 8 (AAA8) introduced a breakthrough solution - The Network of Care website (www.networkofcare.org) that empowers seniors and people with disabilities, caregivers and service providers with comprehensive long-term care services, information and education available in the eight-county region. The Southeast Ohio version may be accessed directly at http://SEOhioADRN.oh.networkofcare.org/aging.

 

"Our goal is to give individuals the tools they need to age with dignity and to assist their caregivers in the process, said Rick Hindman, AAA8 Director. "The Network of Care site helps people find the right services at the right time. It is a great resource for folks to find information, resources, and even confidentially manage their personal medical information on the free personal health record."

 

The Network of Care will help people find resources without having to waste a lot of time searching.  As a resource of Southeastern Ohio Aging and Disability Resource Network, the site will also enable service providers to help clients connect to the resources they need through better inter-agency communications.

 

The President of Trilogy Integrated Resources, Inc., Bruce Bronzan, the company that created The Network of Care, helped AAA8 launch the site at the Semi-Annual meeting.

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"The Network of Care is a great resource for providers. It is like a multi-million dollar piece of community resource on their desk," said Bronzan. "It is a major rolodex and a 'best-in-class' health library, as well as a free personal health record."

 

2010 Annual RptBuckeye Hills Releases 2010 Annual Report

 

Buckeye Hills-Hocking Valley Regional Development District (BH-HVRDD) hosted its Semi-Annual Meeting where it released the 2010 Annual Report to the District's eight-county region (Athens, Hocking, Meigs, Monroe, Morgan, Noble, Perry and Washington).  In addition, a new slate of officers was announced and includes: President: Ron Moore, Morgan County; Vice-President: Virgil Thompson, Noble County and Treasurer: Cora Marshall, Washington County.   

Nearly 100 representatives from the region and state and federal agencies attended. Leaders from Buckeye Hills and its Area Agency on Aging (AAA8) provided annual updates on programs in the region. To view the 2010 Annual Report visit http://www.buckeyehills.org

  

Simcox Award

Shown receiving the award is Co-op Secretary & Treasurer Rebecca Jenei of Genesis Caregivers.

Buckeye Hills Honors Home Healthcare Co-operative

 

The Buckeye Hills Simcox Leadership Award recognizes a current or past District Board member, business, community or county leader who exemplifies the principles of vision and leadership and commitment to the success of the region.

 

"The Buckeye Hills Area Agency on Aging (AAA8) network of providers delivered more than $11.8 million dollars of services across the region last year," said AAA8 Director Rick Hindman.  "They served more than 250,000 home-delivered and congregate meals and provided homemaker and caregiver services to meet the needs of our nearly 1,150 PASSPORT clients throughout the year." In 2009, AAA8 worked to formalize a cooperative for its rural health care providers - The Home Healthcare Provider Co-operative (HHPC).       

 

The Home Healthcare Provider Co-op leaders worked with a variety of regional home healthcare provider representatives to form with the
 purpose to "work together to benefit members with shared resources to strengthen the home health workforce."

 

The goals and vision for the Home Healthcare Provider Cooperative are: to reduce employee turnover in home health agencies; to partner with educators to provide standardized training (resulting in a higher quality of care for the patient); to reduce replacement costs and training overhead, in order that employers will be able to offer improved worker benefits and an incentive for individuals to enter and remain in the home healthcare field; and finally, to create a career ladder model in the home health industry. 

 

The Co-op is led by Mike Gordon of Fosterbridge, President; Angie Robinson of Valley Home Care, Vice Pres. and Rebecca Jenei of Genesis Caregivers, Secretary/Treasurer.  Accepting the award was Jenei. To learn more or to join the co-operative, visit its web site at www.hhpc.biz.

 

Beth Shaver

Shown above is Beth Shaver of the Meigs County Council on Aging with Rick Hindman, AAA8 Director.  

Area Agency Announces Partnership Award

 

The Area Agency on Aging 8 Partnership Award recognizes a current or past Buckeye Hills AAA8 Regional Advisory Council member, provider, community or county leader who exemplifies the principles of vision and leadership and an ongoing commitment to the mission of AAA8 in the 8-county region. 
 
 

"This year's award goes to someone who is hard at work every day serving seniors," said Rick Hindman, AAA8 Director. "Since 1987 she has had a role with Seniors in Meigs County planning and implementing programs and being a staunch advocate for funding and services."

 

As the Director of The Meigs County Council on Aging agency serving older adults and their families in Meigs County, Shaver is a key partner in the community. She is always thinking of new and exciting programs. New bakery services for the community at the holidays, Friday meals for businesses, catering events and a Community Wellness Center, just to name a few.

 

AAA8 was pleased to honor Beth Shaver of the Meigs County Council on Aging with the Area Agency on Aging Partnership Award.  

PASSPORT Program Featured on Legislator Visit

 

Thompson
At their home in Noble County, AAA8 PASSPORT client Don Hesson (seated) is shown with his wife, Marlene. Standing are AAA8 Director Rick Hindman; Summit Acres Home Care Director Chris Singer, RN; Ohio Rep. Andy Thompson (93rd District); and AAA8 PASSPORT Case Manager Jim Hooper, LSW.

Surrounded by the tranquility of the countryside and the day-to-day sightings of wildlife on their farm, Don and Marlene Hesson are enjoying their 60th year of marriage together at home. Following a hospitalization and stay at a nursing facility, Don is now at home thanks to the state's PASSPORT program.

To learn more about how PASSPORT is helping families in his region, Ohio Rep. Andy Thompson visited with the Noble County residents who are taking full advantage of the state's In-Home Care for people age 60+.

"It is such a big help to us," said Marlene. "No one knows how much until you need it. The girls who come to care for Don are like part of the family"

Don just celebrated his 80th birthday and is glad to be at home. To stay there, the PASSPORT program provides support to his primary caregiver, Marlene, through an emergency response system and the necessary medical equipment as well as critical personal care services.

"Funded through Medicaid, last year PASSPORT allowed about 1,200 seniors in our region to remain at home for a fraction of the cost of a nursing home placement," said Rick Hindman, AAA8 Director. "This in-home program serves as a substantial cost-saving measure for the state, as well being the much preferred choice for seniors. Don's care plan will cost $10,610 this year as compared to the average annual nursing home costs of $60,000."

According to AARP, nine out of 10 people surveyed would prefer to receive long-term care services in their own home or community.

Anyone interested in learning more should request a free in-home consultation and details on PASSPORT or Assisted Living options by calling AAA8 at 1-800-331-2644 or by visiting www.areaagency8.org .You can also find us on Facebook. AAA8 serves Athens, Hocking, Meigs, Monroe, Morgan, Noble, Perry and Washington Counties.

AAA8 Participates in Statewide "Save Senior Services"  Legislative Event

 

Advocates for the aging laud Gov. John Kasich's plan to increase by 15 percent the number of elderly and disabled persons who will receive home care, but contend that his administration underestimates the funds needed to achieve that objective.

 

"We share the goal to keep more older and disabled Ohioans in their homes for as long as possible to slow the growth of Medicaid spending and provide consumers with an array of choices," said Larke Recchie, executive director of the Ohio Association of Area Agencies on Aging.

 

"But at the same time, the budget cuts senior services by 23 percent over two years, reduces staff who connect people to home and community care by 15 percent, and decreases payments to service providers by 3 percent. The math doesn't work. You can't serve more people with less money," Recchie said.

 

"Area Agencies on Aging have 30 years' experience making this system work, and we believe the administration underestimates what's needed to serve more people at home and in the community," she said. "The Kasich Administration and aging advocates see the same target, but their aim is off."

 

About 36,000 older and disabled Ohioans currently are enrolled in Medicaid-funded programs, including PASSPORT and Assisted Living, administered by Area Agencies on Aging. PASSPORT is already the lowest cost of any long-term care options. Recchie noted that there is no "play" in an individual's care plan costs.

 

Area Agencies on Aging are local, not-for-profit organizations that operate on very lean margins. We aren't large public-sector bureaucracies. The new administration hopes to save public-sector costs through pension reform and health-care program changes. Unfortunately, these savings don't benefit the not-for-profit network of Area Agencies on Aging," Recchie said.

 

The aging association has calculated that cuts in staff positions for care managers and assessors may result in a waiting list that could grow to more than 11,000 people trying to get into programs. Many who might have been able to remain at home will turn to more expensive nursing homes to get the care they need.

 

"The services we provide are basic, but essential. What do we take away? Bathing? Medication? Transportation to the doctor? At what point are the supports so diminished that the frail elderly have no option but to move into a nursing home that costs taxpayers three times the cost of keeping people in their homes?"  asked Recchie.

 

Area Agencies on Aging shared this message with state legislators at the annual spring conference in Columbus coinciding with the start of budget hearings in the Ohio House of Representatives.  

 

Advocates for the AAA8 region met with legislators and their staff to work toward a budget that reaches the common goals of expanding consumer choices, protecting seniors' health and safety, and providing value to taxpayers.

Rep. Bill Hayes

Shown at left is AAA8 Home Care Director Jane Skeen, LSW; Ruth McElfresh, AAA8 Regional Advisory Council Member; AAA8 Director Rick Hindman; Rep. Bill Hayes (91st District) and Misty Casto, Buckeye Hills Exec. Director 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thompson

Shown at left are Casto, McElfresh; Hindman; Rep. Andy Thompson (93rd District) and Skeen.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Phillips Staff

Shown at left are Skeen, McElfresh; Hindman; Casto and Meredith Tucker from Rep. Debbie Phillips office (92nd District)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Local, State & National News

Washington County Woman Named 2011 APS Worker of the Year

Vaughn

Shown with Vaughn are Tom Ballengee, Washington County JFS Director, and Frank Fleischer, OCAPS representative.

Washington County Dept. of Job and Family Services employee Anita Vaughan was recently awarded as the Adult Protective Services worker of the year by the Ohio Coalition for Adult Protective Services (OCAPS). 

 

OCAPS is a statewide coalition that strives to enhance the provision of services to adults at risk of abuse, neglect and exploitation through education and advocacy.

 

Vaughan received the prestigious award at the 26th annual OCAPS conference held at Columbus State Community College on March 25, 2011. Washington County DJFS Director Tom Ballengee made the presentation at the conference's award luncheon.

 

"I cannot think of a more deserving person to receive APS worker of the year than Anita Vaughan," Ballengee said. "Washington County is lucky to have a person like Anita helping to care for the needs of our elderly."

 

Vaughan received a crystal plaque and a $1000 scholarship for registration and travel expenses to attend the National Adult Protective Services Association (NAPSA) conference in Buffalo, NY. Vaughan's family and social service co-workers were in attendance for the ceremony.

 

Vaughan was nominated by her peers in social services, elder care services and the health care field. Nominees for the award are required to be from one of Ohio's 88 county Job and Family Service agencies or a designated agency completing APS investigations.

 

"She is devoted to making sure the rights of seniors in our community are protected," said Kelly Bauerbach, Washington County DJFS Social Services Supervisor. "The people in her profession all felt that Anita was passionate about her work, genuinely cares for those that she helps and would do whatever was needed of her to make sure their life was better in some way."

 
 

Long-Term Care Ombudsman Annual Report Available

 

The State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Annual Report for FY 2010 is now available. The report notes that complaints about residents not being treated with dignity and respect or staff attitudes are among the top five most frequent complaints received in every long-term care setting including home and community-based care.

  

Annual Update from Perry County Senior Center

Director Jeannie Goodin shared the following update on The Perry Senior Center in the Perry Tribune:

The nutrition program serves 85 home-delivered meals a day with seven routes; Congregate meals are available Monday through Friday. Senior Day was attended by 158 seniors and Thanksgiving dinner was 151 seniors. They also purchased a Ford 15 seat passenger van for trips and replaced sidewalks behind their facility. Through donations from organizations and individuals, the Center purchased 22 new tables.

 
 

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Ohio Agribility Resources Available

"Promoting success in agriculture for Ohio's farmers and farm families coping with a disability or long term health condition."

 

The Ohio AgrAbility Project promotes independence through rehabilitation and establishes service capacity to meet the needs of Ohio farm families with disabling injuries. Through an eclectic combination of education, networking, and assistive technology the project bridges agricultural clientele to the disability services and appropriate technologies. The Ohio AgrAbility Project is a collaborative effort between Ohio State University Extension and Easter Seals.

 

The partnership combines resources, knowledge, and outreach. This comprehensive approach involves assessment of current needs, resource development, on-farm assessments, and identification of providers all in an effort to optimize the clientele's farmstead planning and support their sustainability in an agricultural occupation. Ohio AgrAbility has released a new AgrAbility Fact sheet titled: Safety for the Senior Farmer.  

 

The target population for the Ohio AgrAbility Project is farmers and/or their family members and other farm workers experiencing disability due to accident, injury or health condition. The goal of the entire project is to enhance the quality of life and financial stability for people with disabilities in agriculture.

A Publication of Buckeye Hills Area Agency on Aging Serving Athens, Hocking, Meigs, Monroe, Morgan, Noble, Perry & Washington Counties

AAA8 Staff Resources:
Executive Director: Misty Casto
Asst. Exec. Dir. & AAA8 Director: Rick Hindman
Home Care Director: Jane Skeen, LSW
Programs Manager: Cathy Ash, LSW
Communications Director: Gwynn Stewart
Ombudsman Director: Kim Flanigan
PO Box 370 Reno, OH  45773  1-800-331-2644 www.areaagency8.org