AAA8


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Feb. 2014 


null "Caring to Help Others" Volunteer Network Telephone Reassurance Program Launches


Helping shut-ins feel more connected to the community is the goal of a partnership of the Washington County RSVP and AAA8.  With funding
received from the Lifespan Respite Initiative, The Caring to Help Others Phone Reassurance program began as a pilot in Washington County.

Volunteers
will contact individuals enrolled in the program on a regular basis to help minimize loneliness and feelings of isolation for those who are homebound.  Volunteers are trained to understand depression and loneliness in seniors and will learn how to respond and refer those who may need additional support or services.

"The call from an RSVP volunteer will help seniors stay connected and support them in staying independently in their own homes," said
Caring to Help Others Volunteer Network Coordinator, Mindy Cayton, Program Development Coordinator for AAA8. "We are excited to see The Caring to Help Others program launch in the region."

 

The Caring to Help Others Volunteer Network is a program developed by the SE Ohio Aging and Disability Resource Network.    

   

AAA8 & OSHIIP: Helping Medicare Consumers $ave! 

 

Thanks to volunteers in the Buckeye Hills Area Agency on Aging, region 8 area who assisted Medicare consumers in saving! Know a senior who needs to save money on Medicare premiums or prescriptions? For more information, contact AAA8 at 1-800-331-2644!

Thanks, OSHIIP volunteers, you helped save Ohio Medicare consumers
$16.4 Million in 2013!
 

At AAA8, staff in the Information & Assistance department help Medicare consumers with questions and resources to save them money such as
Medicare Part D Extra Help/Low-Income Subsidy (LIS) and the Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs).

  

Available to assist are Gerri VanNoy, SWA, CIRS-A, and Brandi Hesson, CIRS-A. They are certified, professional specialists in Aging I&R.   

 

Person Centered Care Coalition Hosts Round Table   

The next Long-Term Care Ombudsman Person Centered Care Coalition round table meeting will be at Genesis Nursing and Rehabilitation Center at Marietta, 117 Bartlett Street Marietta on March 12 at 10-12.  Click here to learn more.  

 

  

Older Americans Act Funding Update

  

In January, the federal legislature provided details for a FY2014 Omnibus Spending Bill. In the legislation, the Older Americans Act (OAA) Title III C nutrition programs received a significant boost in funding. In addition, most other OAA programs were also level funded.  

(Title III B Supportive Services; Title III D Preventive Health; Title III E National Family Caregiver Support Program and Title VII Elder Abuse and LTC Ombudsman programs.)  

  

Across the AAA8 region, Older Americans Act funded providers will deliver nearly $700,000 in programs and services annually for 2014-2015. These providers include: Athens County: United Seniors of Athens County; Athens County Job & Family Services; Hocking, Athens, Perry Community Action Program (HAPCAP) and SE Ohio Transportation

Hocking County: HAPCAP and Scenic Hills Senior Center 

Meigs County: Meigs County Council on Aging

Monroe County: GMN Tri-County, CAC, Inc.
Morgan County: Washington Morgan CAP; Morgan Co. Office on Aging and SE Ohio Transportation   

Noble County: GMN Tri-County, CAC, Inc.

Perry County: Perry County Senior Center

Washington County: Washington Morgan CAP; O'Neill Center and
SE Ohio Transportation

  

AAA8 and the network of providers that deliver services through Older Americans Act programs help our consumers remain where they want to be -- independent and safe at home!

 

lifesaver

Project Lifesaver Available to Families
in Region


The task of searching for wandering or lost individuals with Alzheimer's, autism, Down syndrome, dementia or other cognitive conditions is a growing and s
erious 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 such as County Sheriff's Office, The Area Agency on Aging 8 (AAA8) can help with a program called Project Lifesaver.  

 

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, lost or dart away from caregivers.

 

The one-ounce transmitter provides a personalized silent constant radio signal 24-hrs a day. The transmitter is housed in a wristband unit that looks like a watch 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 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 potentially lifesaving program."

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

 

Donations are accepted to help fund the program, by calling 1-800-331-2644. Donors may designate the donation by county. Those who might benefit from the Project Lifesaver service should contact AAA8 at 1-800-331-2644 or visit www.areaagency8.org.

 

Ohio Launches Youth Drug Prevention Initiative  

The Ohio Aging Network is proud to be part of Start Talking!, Ohio's new youth drug prevention initiative. "Why is the Aging network involved in a youth drug prevention initiative," you ask?

Did you know that teens and young adults are 50% less likely to abuse drugs and other substances when adults talk to them about the dangers of drug use and abuse? The adult can be a parent, teacher, coach, grandparent or mentor. It truly is the conversation that could save a life, and our elders play an important role.

Learn more at The Start Talking! website,  www.starttalking.ohio.gov

The web site provides a wealth of resources to help parents, teachers and others start this crucial dialog.
  

Want to Refer Someone to
AAA8 for help?
A friend, family member, caregiver or patient?
Click here for the AAA8 Referral form or call AAA8 at 1-800-331-2644. We can help you help the ones you love. Know someone who needs support caring for a loved one?
Share our toll-free number! 1-800-331-2644. 

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A Publication of Buckeye Hills Area Agency on Aging 8 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]
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