AAA8

 

Sept. 2012

Rick Hindman
Thoughts from  
AAA8 Director: 
Rick Hindman

September is National Senior Center Month! 

 

The Area Agency on Aging 8 (AAA8) is pleased to promote September as National Senior Center Month. It is a great time to showcase the valuable programs and services that these hubs of activity provide residents across our region.

 

Whether it's a home delivered meal, opportunities for senior employment, social networking through a game of cards or educational options through programs, seniors across the region and Ohio gain from the time they spend at the centers.

 

According to the Ohio Department of Aging, Ohio has a network of more than 450 full- and part-time senior centers, which offer Ohioans age 60 and older a place to go for nutritious meals, social activities, volunteer opportunities, health screenings, health and consumer education, creative arts, exercise and more.

 

Many multipurpose senior centers work with local partners to deliver home and community-based services that allow older adults to live independently in their own homes (i.e., transportation services, meals-on-wheels, adult day care, telephone reassurance, senior companions, personal care, homemaker services and more). 

  

To learn more about locally funded services for the older population, click here to read a research brief on Tax Levies in Ohio prepared by The Scripps Gerontology Center.

The report reveals that as federal funding through the Older Americans Act has not kept pace with either inflation of the increased growth in the older population, in Ohio, many areas have added property tax levies to generate revenue for aging services. These programs serve about one of every ten of Ohio's 2.1 million citizens age 60 and older. Sadly, 44% of Ohio's levy counties still report waiting lists for one or more of their services.

 

For a list of centers in
the AAA8 region, visit www.areaagency8.org.

 
Nominations Sought for Senior Citizens Hall of Fame
Due to ODA by Nov. 30

The Ohio Department of Aging celebrates outstanding older Ohioans for their achievements and contributions to others; for the roles they play in their communities, state and nation; and for what they do to promote productive and enjoyable lives.

Since 1977, more than 350 individuals have been inducted into the Ohio Senior Citizens Hall of Fame for contributions toward the benefit of humankind after age 60, or for a continuation of efforts begun before that age.

Click here to Nominate someone.

Please let Gwynn Stewart at AAA8 know if you nominate someone from the AAA8 region by calling 1-800-331-2644 ext. 210.





SAVE THE DATE:
2012 o4a Annual Conference on Aging October 29-30, 2012 Hilton Columbus at Easton

o4a's statewide conference offers expert information, key contacts, new resources, and products/services.

Click the flier above for more details!

Medication Disposal Event in Marietta - Sept.29

 

The AAA8 office will be one of a few sites at the Sept. 29 medication disposal event in Marietta from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Dispose of unwanted, unused or expired medications safely. For more details, contact the Washington County Sheriff's office at 376-7070 ext. 0.    

  

 

Ohio's Direct Service Workforce
Applied Research
Conference
Stakeholder Summit for Ohio Direct Service Workforce Initiative

October 4
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Fawcett Center
2400 Olentangy River Road Columbus, OH
Register by Sept. 21

In order to support the work of Ohio's Direct Service Workforce Initiative, the Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services (ODJFS) and the Ohio Colleges of Medicine Government Resource Center (GRC) are sponsoring an applied research conference for interested stakeholders in the field of long term care.

Research topics to be presented include:  

  • Examining Direct Service Worker Turnover in Ohio
  • Identifying Competencies in Ohio's Long Term Care Workers Serving the Elderly Population in Ohio
  • An Inventory of Data Available on Ohio's Long Term Direct Care Workforce
  • Ohio's Direct Workforce Initiative and Health Care Integration: Exploring Job Roles and Competencies
  • Organizational Best Practices in Ohio Home Care Agencies and Nursing Homes
  • Workforce and Curriculum Development for Community Health Care Workers in Weinland Park

The conference agenda will also include a presentation of the core competencies shared between direct service workers who are employed in the fields of developmental disabilities, home health, behavioral health and nursing homes. A state panel will discuss how these competencies may be used to drive better quality standards and training of the long term care direct service workers.

 

Attendees who would benefit from the conference include providers, employees, trainers, college faculty, state agency personnel, consumers and families involved or interested in long term care or its workforce issues.

 

Registration is $30; Click here to register


tackAAA8 to Offer Program  

for Region's Professional Network

 

In years past, response to the Choices Expo Exhibitor event evaluation indicated that networking with other agencies and organizations has proven to be the most beneficial aspect of the Expo. Additional input received from the aging and disability networks indicates that there is a need for professional education events that are cost effective with minimal travel time.

 

Based on evaluation results gathered from network partners on the post-event Choices Expo surveys the past few years, it has been determined that the Choices Expo will not be offered in its previous format this year. Instead, plans are underway to provide a conference that is more focused on professionals in the aging and disability networks, providing an opportunity for:

  • Business-to-business networking and showcasing
  • Educational workshops with continuing education credits
  • Keynote speakers on topics related to current events and trends

A wide variety of consumer-focused offerings are held throughout the AAA8 service area (i.e. health fairs, outreach and wellness events). As resources are becoming more limited, we need to re-evaluate how we do business, how we can avoid duplication of efforts and determine what will make the greater positive impact on the network of providers who serve consumers.

 

Watch for more details here as the event takes shape, if you have suggestions for program offerings, contact Mindy Cayton at 740-376-7645 or [email protected].  

 

Choices Expo AAA8 thanks all the sponsors and network partners for all of their tremendous support of The Choices Expo the past four years!

Care TransitionsRegional Care Transitions Program Works to Keep Residents Home

 

From his front porch in Marietta, 85-year-old Robert Hill has an extraordinary view of the beautiful Muskingum River. Near the historic Harmar Village, the Hills make their home. Robert recently returned there from a stay in the hospital for a new pacemaker.

 

Carolyn Ditchendorf, LSW, a Transitions Coach with the Area Agency on Aging 8 (AAA8) and its Medicare Community-Based Care Transitions Program (CCTP) visited Robert to help make the transition from the hospital as seamless as possible.

 

Following discharge from a hospital, patients often require care from different medical professionals in many settings. A Transition Coach works with the patient and family for four weeks after a hospital stay to help them be better prepared to take care of their health conditions and help them meet their needs. This program focuses on the patient, and family or caregiver educating them about how to better self-manage their healthcare.

 

"I found it very helpful to review the discharge plan and all of the medications," said Robert. "It was very reassuring to me to have support from the program. I also had a list of questions for the doctor when we returned for my check-up." Transitions Coach Carolyn explains that Robert also gets great support at home from Judy, his wife of almost 62 years. "He is doing a great job of recording his blood pressure and blood sugar information to take to his physicians as well," added Carolyn.

 

"Following his recovery, Robert set a personal goal to return to the classroom," explained Carolyn. He is a retired Professor Emeritus of Political Science at Marietta College, and will return to the Learning in Retirement program this fall when he will teach an 8-week course on the American Constitution.

 

"There is an obvious underlying goal of Care Transitions to reduce unnecessary hospital readmissions and reduce Medicare costs," said AAA8 Director Rick Hindman. "But more importantly, the goal is to empower people to be an active part of their health care. It provides proven supports for individuals to help them heal and be at home - where most people say they would rather be."

 

This program focuses directly on improved patient outcomes such as reduced readmission to hospitals; decreased emergency department visits; discharging patients to the most appropriate, cost effective setting and streamlining access to quality long-term services and support.

 

Care Transitions PartnersShown at a recent planning/training session are representatives from the participating Area Agencies on Aging include Buckeye Hills AAA8 - Southeast Ohio (Marietta) as the lead agency, AAA6 - Central Ohio (Columbus) and AAA7 - Southern Ohio (Rio Grande). The hospital partners include Fairfield Medical Center (Lancaster), Memorial Health Systems (Marietta), Adena Regional Medical Center (Chillicothe), Holzer Medical Center (Gallipolis) and the Southern Ohio Medical Center (Portsmouth). Learn more at http://www.areaagency8.org/services/care-transitions

Conference Shares Care Transitions
Collaboration Opportunities

The Southern Ohio Community Care Transitions Project (CCTP) hosted a conference for the aging network in August. One of the keynote speakers was Robert Applebaum, PhD, MSW, BA, Director, Scripps Gerontology Center; Professor, Department of Sociology and Gerontology at Miami University. He is shown at left with AAA8 Director Rick Hindman.

Dr. Applebaum shared an overview of the research tracking the progress and challenges of delivering long-term services and supports in Ohio. Some statistics he shared include:
  • 6 million older people with disability - will more than double by 2040
  • Long-term care is currently about 1/3 of Ohio's Medicaid expenditures (36%) 
  • Medicaid is about 22% of state budgets (24% in Ohio) 
  • Noble County in the AAA8 region will have more than 50% of its population over 60 by 2040 (shown below at far left is Ruth McElfresh of the AAA8 Regional Advisory Council representing Noble County).

CCTP is one of three CMS funded projects in the state of Ohio. Created through the collaborative efforts of three Area Agencies on Aging and five Acute Care Facilities, this project covers a 26-county service area, much of which is rural. The Southern Ohio CCTP is seeking to expand this collaboration across all care settings including Skilled Nursing Facilities, Home and Community Based Services, Dialysis Centers, Assisted Living Facilities and Home and Community Based Services.

The conference shared Community Care Transitions best practices and details on the role of community partners along the continuum of care.

Dr. David Montgomery, Medical Director at Marietta Care and Rehabilitation and Alisa Bond, Admissions Director for Homestead Care and Rehab shared ideas for improving transitions between nursing and acute care facilities. Dr. Montgomery shared key physician-specific ideas and obstacles as well as made recommendations for "quick wins" the group could collaborate to achieve.

Denise Bauer, Executive Director Fairhope Hospice and Palliative Care provided insights from the home and community-based services perspective and outcomes from the chronic disease pilot experience at Fairfield Medical Center.  

Bauer shared details on the chronic illness care model with the goal to improve care to maximize the quality of life for people facing serious illness and for their families.

Many great conversations happened at the conference and collaborations are beginning to form! Click Here t
o learn more! 

Long-Term Care Ombudsman Staff Attend National Conference
Staff from the AAA8 Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program attended the 12th National Conference 

sponsored by the Pioneer Network last month. This is the nation's largest meeting solely focused on transforming the culture of aging. There were three countries represented and over a 1,000 participants. Shown are Ombudsman Director Kim Flanigan and Darlene Vandine, LPN, Ombudsman Specialist. 

 

The conference served as the gathering place for those interested in helping achieve culture change across the continuum of aging services, safeguarding the rights of dignity and choice in the lives of everyone. The conference allowed time to share work, learn from others and refuel the passion to continue working toward a culture of aging that is life-affirming, satisfying, humane and meaningful. 

 

To learn more about the Ombudsman program, visit http://www.areaagency8.org/services/ombudsman.

Project Lifesaver Program Promoted at Washington County Fair (Sept. 4-9)

 

The task of searching for wandering or lost individuals with Alzheimer's, autism, Down syndrome, dementia or other cognitive conditions is a growing and serious responsibility.

 

Without effective procedures and equipment, searches can involve multiple agencies, hundreds of officers, countless man hours and thousands of dollars. More importantly, because time is of the essence, every minute lost increases the risk of a tragic outcome.

 

Working hand in hand with trained public safety agencies like the County Sheriff Offices, The Buckeye Hills Area Agency on Aging 8 (AAA8) is offering a critical resource - Project Lifesaver. Shown above demonstrating how someone enrolled in the Project Lifesaver program is found when missing are Deputy Rick Shipp (holding the antennae) and Lieutenant Eric Yonley, both of the Monroe County Sheriff's Office.  

Photo courtesy of Monroe County Beacon

  

The program is designed as a rapid response search and rescue service, using state of the art technologies and strategies to prevent or reduce the potential of harm to individuals suffering from Alzheimer's, Downs Syndrome, Autism, traumatic brain injuries, and cognitive impairments. These individuals may tend to wander away from their residences and become confused or dart away.

 

The one-ounce transmitter emits a personalized silent constant radio signal 24-hrs a day. The transmitter is housed in a wristband unit that looks like a watch. It can be worn on the wrist or ankle. The radio signal can be located up to several miles away on land or in the air. Once notified the team responds on the ground to the wanderer's area and starts searching with the mobile locator tracking system.   

 

"The Sheriff's Offices in each of our eight counties have been tremendous partners in the success of the program," said Caregiver Advocacy Manager Cathy Ash, LSW. "We appreciate the officers who are willing to be trained and support the program throughout the year."

  

Shown at left are Washington County Sheriff's Office Representatives (from left) Sgt. Jeff Young and Lt. Brad Thorpe with AAA8 Program Manager Cathy Ash being honored last year for their support of Project Lifesaver.  

 

Project Lifesaver is made available at no cost as funding is available in the AAA8 region through grants and private donations (fundraising). The average unit cost is $300.

 

If you would like to make a donation to the program, you can do so by calling 1-800-331-2644. You may designate the donation by county. If you know someone who might benefit from the Project Lifesaver service, contact AAA8 and program details can be shared with the caregiver or family members.

 

AAA8 thanks the Sheriff's Office partners in each of our eight counties for their ongoing support of Project Lifesaver. AAA8 serves seniors and caregivers Athens, Hocking, Meigs, Monroe, Morgan, Noble, Perry and Washington Counties. For more information, call 1-800-331-2644 or visit www.areaagency8.org. Learn more at the Washington County Fair Sept. 4-9 from 1-4 p.m. by visiting the Sheriff's Office display.  

 

ComputerSoutheast Ohio ADRN Launches New & Improved Network of Care Web Resource     

The SE Ohio version of Network of Care may be accessed directly with the QR Code seen here: Network of Care QR Code   

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

http://SEOhioADRN.oh.networkofcare.org/aging.

 

Accessing state-of-art health library resources and local programs, the 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.

 

To learn more about SE Ohio ADRN programs and services, call 1-800-331-2644 or visit www.areaagency8.org .The ADRN serves Athens, Hocking, Meigs, Monroe, Morgan, Noble, Perry and Washington Counties.  

2012 Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program Season Underway


Seniors across the region are enjoying the opportunity to access summer's fresh fruits and vegetables purchased at farmers' markets and road-side stands through the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program.

 

The program runs from May 1, 2012-October 31, 2012. The good news is that 1,513 seniors across the AAA8 region, who met the eligibility guidelines, will receive some welcome relief from rising food budgets. However, the bad news is that nearly 775 seniors have been placed on waiting lists for the market program. AAA8 administers the program for ODA & USDA.

Falls Awareness and Prevention Key this Fall Season

 

Every 15 seconds, an older adult is treated in the emergency room for a fall; every 29 minutes, an older adult dies following a fall. Falls are the leading cause of injury-related death for older Americans. According to the National Council on Aging, falls threaten seniors' safety and independence and generate enormous economic and personal costs.

 

However, the Area Agency on Aging 8 (AAA8) offers practical community partnerships, lifestyle adjustments and information to work to reduce the number of falls.

 

For public spaces or businesses, there are a number of things to create a safer walking environment for people of diverse ages and abilities.

  1. Remove tripping hazards. Take a close look at floors, steps, walkways and parking lots.
  2. Adjust the lighting. It is important to be able to see where one is walking. People are more likely to fall when blinded by glare, disoriented by shadows or unable to see because of poor lighting. Remember, aging eyes may take significantly longer to adjust from one lighting level to another.
  3. Keep it dry. Do everything you can to keep the floor dry. At the entry, use walk-off mats that are flush with the floor surface. Work to keep restroom floors dry by paying closer attention to how far the towels or hand dryers are from the sink.
  4. Lend a hand (rail.) In spots where there is risk, such as on steps, slopes, potentially slippery surfaces, etc. a secure hand rail may help prevent a fall. The rails offer an opportunity to steady and pause as necessary, to regain balance or rest.
  5. Amp up the contrast. No matter how well you adjust lighting, some will still struggle to perceive critical edges. Consider painting color contrasts for instance in the stairway between the wall and stairs or paint handrails or doors a contrasting color.

The Ohio Department of Aging offers the following five easy steps to reduce the risk of falls in the Home:

  1. Increase physical activity. Simple exercise, like walking or swimming at least 15 minutes a day can help build muscle strength and improve balance, which can prevent falls. If unable to participate in these activities, ask a doctor for other types of activities that could help build strength and balance.
  2. See an eye doctor once each year. Age-related eye diseases, such as cataracts, macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy, can increase the risk of falling. Early detection is key to minimizing the effects of these conditions. 
  3. Review medications. Talk to the doctor about medicines and whether they may cause drowsiness or dizziness. Discuss things to ensure medicines are taken safely.
  4. Remove environmental hazards. Look around the house for anything that could increase the risk of falls, including poor lighting, loose rugs, slippery floors and unsteady furniture. Remove or modify these hazards. Identify areas where additional lighting, grab bars and other safety support are needed.
  5. Think, plan and slow down. Many falls are caused by hurrying. Slow down and think through the task you are performing. Be mindful of possible falls risks and act accordingly.

Falls are not a normal part of aging.There are simple steps that older adults can take to reduce their risk for a fall. For more information, contact the Area Agency on Aging at 1-800-331-2644 or visit http://seohioadrn.oh.networkofcare.org/aging/fall-prevention/

 

Injured Elderly Woman Found by Meals on Wheels Driver
Article reprinted with permission from Athens Messenger
By SARA BRUMFIELD

After Betty Powers, 79, of The Plains fell and sustained major injuries to her head three weeks ago, she became confused and didn't know the seriousness of her injury. However, her Meals on Wheels driver saw the gash on her head and sprang into action to apply pressure to her wound and alert emergency personnel - showing that Meals on Wheels delivers more than just a hot meal to home-bound seniors.

"She basically, in my opinion, saved her life," said Cheri Campbell, Powers' daughter.

It was during her normal meal delivery that driver Bev Hemsworth suspected something was wrong with Powers. She said she knocked on Powers' door and it took her a long time to answer.

"She opened the door a little bit like she didn't want me to see her, but then her cat ran out and when she opened the door, I saw she was bleeding from the head," Hemsworth said of the incident. "She was bleeding bad."

Hemsworth said she found some paper towels and applied pressure to Powers' wound and called 911. She said Powers claimed she slipped and fell in the bathroom, but that her memory was fuzzy.

"It was pretty scary," she said. "There was blood everywhere."

Campbell said that Powers told doctors at O'Bleness Memorial Hospital she was standing on the toilet to reach for something when she fell. The fall caused Powers' brain to bleed and she was flown to Grant Medical Center in Columbus.

According to Campbell, she checks on her mother - who lives alone - daily in the early afternoon. She said when she walked into her mother's home that afternoon, there was blood everywhere and her mother was not there. After talking to the neighbors, she found out that her mother had been transported to the hospital.

Campbell said she believes her mother fell sometime before 11 a.m. that day and was found by Hemsworth about an hour or so later when she delivered her meal. She said her mother has an emergency alert bracelet, but became disoriented after the fall and didn't think to push the button.
Powers' brain bleed stabilized after two weeks in Grant, and when doctors learned she had a heart problem that may have led to her fall as well as previous falls, a pacemaker was implanted. Powers is now at Kimes Nursing Home where she is receiving rehabilitation and is expected to return home in a few weeks.

"She's doing very well," Campbell said.

The incident shows that the Meals on Wheels program delivers more than food to seniors and disabled persons. According to Teresa Cline-Scurlock, operations support manager of food and nutrition at Hocking-Athens-Perry Community Action (which operates the Meals on Wheels program), the program is a safety net for those who are home bound.

Cline-Scurlock said Meals on Wheels drivers receive CPR and first-aid training on a quarterly basis.

"They're aware of what to look for," she said, noting that drivers have noticed when clients have taken the wrong medication or have suffered a stroke or heart attack.

"They've seen so many different experiences," Cline-Scurlock said. "We're dealing with very delicate people."

According to Cline-Scurlock, the five Meals on Wheels drivers that deliver food in Athens and Hocking Counties consider the clients as an addition to their family.

"These people helped take care of us in the community when we were growing up and it's our turn to return the favor," she said. "Our drivers are compassionate, dedicated people."

Cline-Scurlock said the program also has volunteer drivers.

"We do constant training, and it really pays off," she said. "People shouldn't take this program for granted."

"We always check to make sure people are OK," Hemsworth said. "For some people, we're the only person they see all day."

Hemsworth said that about half of the clients receiving the service live alone. The program delivers hot meals on Monday, Wednesday and Friday; however, meals for Tuesday and Thursday are included in the drop-offs.
Because many of the clients live alone, some cherish their household pets that keep them company. Cline-Scurlock said that Hocking-Athens-Perry Community Action received a grant to also supply those clients with pet food. In the winter, the drivers also give blankets and flashlights to clients in case of winter power outages.

"They do all kinds of nice things," Campbell said. "They do much more than deliver meals. They're a lifeline for many people."

For information about Meals on Wheels in Athens County, visit www.hapcap.org or call 767-4500.
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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:
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