 | |
Thoughts from
AAA8 Director:
Rick Hindman |
May is Older Americans Month
During Older Americans Month this May, we urge every citizen to take time to engage with our older citizens through enjoyable social interactions.the fruits of knowledge and experience that can be effectively transferred from generation to generation through meaningful social interactions. This year's national theme is Never Too Old to Play. In Ohio, the theme is more broad - Never Too Old...
Watch for a special letter to the editor in local papers across the region from Greg Green, the President of the AAA8 Regional Advisory Council.
The Buckeye Hills General Policy Council also passed a proclamation for May as Older Americans Month "urging every citizen to take time this month to engage with our older citizens through enjoyable social interactions." Check out the Ohio Dept. of Aging's web site for activities available and their Facebook page for a special photo contest. 
|
|
 
Independence By Design: May 9
What: Learn about the latest technology and design options available to support independent living for people of all ages and abilities. Featuring a presentation by Lifespan Design Studio, displays of the latest assistive devices and a variety of products and demonstrations.
5.5 hours CEUs - Cost $30
When: May 9
9am-3:30 p.m.
Where: Olde Dutch Restaurant 12791 State Route 664 South - Logan
Click Here for more details
|
|
|
|
 (AAA8) Partnership Award Presented to Memorial Health System
Honored with the Buckeye Hills Area Agency on Aging 8 (AAA8) Partnership Award was Memorial Health System.
The award recognizes a community leader who exemplifies the principles of vision and leadership and an ongoing commitment to the mission of AAA8 in the region. Shown accepting the award (center) is Jennifer Offenberger, Director of Marketing & PR with Memorial Health System, with Executive Director Misty Casto and Rick Hindman, Assistant. Exec. Dir. & AAA8 Director.
Last year, the Area Agency on Aging 8 (AAA8) and the Memorial Health System piloted a Care Transitions service to assist patients when they are sent home from the hospital. The program assists patients as they transition home from the hospital to help reduce avoidable re-hospitalizations by providing key resources. Participating patients are supported by a Transitions Coach for four weeks after discharge. The goal is to empower patients and caregivers with tools, skills and information to develop long-lasting health management skills.
Without the strong commitment and partnership of leaders and key staff at the Memorial Health System, the Care Transitions pilot would not have been possible or as successful. The Pilot also laid a groundwork for the future. The Buckeye Hills AAA8 was selected by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) as one of 23 sites across the nation to participate in the Community-Based Care Transitions program. Partnering with two other Southern Ohio Area Agencies and five medical facilities, the grant will provide care transition services to a 26-county area spanning rural areas.Click here to listen to the award presentation. |
|
Long-Term Care Ombudsman Volunteers Honored
In April the AAA8 Ombudsman staff held a recognition even for volunteers in the region. Present were (left to right) AAA8 Ombudsman staff Darlene Vandine and Sue Davidson with Washington County volunteers Alice Mugrage, Dennis Urban and Charlotte Kuehn and Ombudsman Director Kim Flanigan. Volunteers not present include: Jim Schultz, Glenn Dierkes, and Jeff Vogt. Last year six volunteers served 359 hours in the AAA8 region. Interested in volunteering? Call the Ombudsman staff at 1-800-331-2644.
Housing Program Searching for Spring Projects
With support on projects that address access issues for clients that have mobility needs and with minor home modification to provide safer home environments, the AAA8 is helping residents in Southeast Ohio stay at home. If you know of someone who needs support with a wheelchair ramp or minor home project, who meets program eligibility, call AAA8 at 1-800-331-2644. To learn more visit the Housing section of www.areaagency8.org.
|
|
 SE Ohio ADRN Coordinating Respite Subcommittee Activities
In the U.S. every year, 65.7 million unpaid family caregivers provide 80 percent of long-term care. In Ohio, nearly two million family caregivers provide care annually. Many do not identify themselves as a caregiver and are reluctant to ask for help. Those who do seek assistance find that there are limited providers, a bureaucratic maze of funding streams and services or eligibility criteria that is confusing and restrictive. Often, those who are ineligible for financial assistance may find they simply cannot afford to pay for respite services.
The SE Ohio ADRN's Respite Subcommittee is working toward the development of the"Caring to Help Others" Volunteer Network.Comprised of existing volunteer organizations, service providers and other interested parties, this network will unite and expand current respite programs, services and resources to families and caregivers regardless of age or special need, into an integrated Lifespan respite system in accordance with state and national trends using volunteers to "fill the gap."
The ADRN Respite Subcommittee is seeking volunteer organizations, respite providers, community groups and agencies, and other key stakeholders to help in the planning and development of the SE Ohio "Caring to Help Others" Volunteer Network.
To get involved and join the planning and development of the SE Ohio "Caring to Help Others" program, contact Mindy Cayton at 740-376-7645 or 1-800-331-2644.
The SE Ohio ADRN "Caring to Help Others" Volunteer Networkwill be piloted in Athens, Meigs and Washington Counties. It will then be introduced throughout the remainder of the SE Ohio ADRN service area; Hocking, Monroe, Morgan, Noble and Perry Counties.
|
 | |
Last year, AAA8 staff wore purple and these handmade bracelets to draw attention to the critical issue of elder abuse.
|
Make Plans for Elder Abuse Awareness Day June 15
The Area Agency on Aging 8 encourages partners across the region to recognize Elder Abuse Awareness Day this June 15. Individuals are asked to wear something purple in honor of the day.
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.
Communities and municipalities are encouraged to raise awareness of elder abuse issues and concerns. The day recognizes the significance of elder abuse as a public health and human rights issue. Governments, non-governmental organizations, educational institutions, religious groups, professionals in the field of aging, interested individuals as well as older persons themselves will promote a better understanding of abuse and neglect of older persons by raising awareness.
Raising awareness of elder abuse and neglect is a challenge and no effort is too small.
|
 Alzheimer's Association to Host Caregiver University Workshop in Washington County The Alzheimer's Association will host a series of Caregiver Universities throughout its area. Each University will consist of an entire day of workshops, lunch will also be provided. Workshop topics are designed to meet the needs of both professional and family caregivers. Caregiver University Workshop Topics - Caregiver Cafe, presented by Dr. Shirley Neitch
- Legal & Financial
- Can You See What I am Saying, presented by Amy Ernst
- Your Voice in Action, presented by Laurel Kirksey
- Get Moving: Exercise for the Caregiver and Person with Dementia, presented by Elaine White
- The Photo Album: A New Way of Understanding Dementia, presented by Jane Marks
Friday, June 22, 2012
Belpre Senior Center - 1614 Washington Blvd. Belpre, OH 45714 Visit the website to learn more or to register.
|
 Important Notice to AAA8 Providers:
The 2013 Request for Proposals (RFPs) for Title III B, C and D will be available for download from the AAA8 website on June 11, 2012. There will also be a mandatory Bidders Conference for interested providers the week of June 25 at a date to be determined. Please watch the AAA8 website for updates. |
|
|
|
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 [740-376-1034]
Asst. Exec. Dir. & AAA8 Director: Rick Hindman [740-376-1029]
Home Care Director: Jane Skeen, LSW [740-376-1041]
Programs Manager: Cathy Ash, LSW [740-376-7622]
Communications Director: Gwynn Stewart [740-376-1030]
Ombudsman Director: Kim Flanigan [740-376-7650]
PO Box 370 Reno, OH 45773 1-800-331-2644 www.areaagency8.org |
|
