AAA8


Feb. 2017
Local Vendors Needed for 2017 Senior Farmers' Market Program
 
Do you or someone you know grow a large garden? Do you want to earn a little extra cash? Did you know you can participate or refer someone to the Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program to sell produce to eligible seniors?

The Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) provides income-eligible senior citizens with special coupons to buy produce from approved providers. Program coupons may be exchanged for eligible foods from authorized farmers. Only fresh, locally grown fruits, herbs, vegetables and honey are eligible to be purchased with the coupons.

Local produce providers are needed to participate in the Market program. For more details on what products are included in the program or to become an authorized SFMNP provider, contact the Area Agency on Aging 8 (AAA8) at 1-800-331-2644 - ext. 2420.  

SFMNP is a USDA and Ohio Department of Aging program in which grants are awarded to provide coupons to low-income seniors. Senior registration information will be available in early Spring. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
Gift Ideas to Help Prevent Falls

Valentine's Day is a time to show those in our lives how much we care. However, buying a gift for an older loved one can be challenging, especially someone who probably doesn't need anything. Gestures to keep them safe and independent can mean more than cards or flowers (and last longer, too)

The STEADY U Ohio falls prevention initiative offers these gift ideas to help prevent falls:
  • Tiny flashlights to attach to keys, purses and coat buttons for extra visibility during winter months 
  • Night lights that complement the loved one's décor, but also help light the way around their home
  • Spike-less ice and snow shoe gripper sole covers for extra stability when walking on slippery surfaces 
  • Automatic lights over stairways and by outside entrances
  • Higher toilets or toilet seat extensions
  • Professionally installed grab bars in the bathroom
  • Firm stair railings on both sides of stairways
  • A folding step-stool with a hand rail for access to out-of-reach places
  • Fall alarm systems that are motion triggered without hitting a button
  • Sign up with her for exercise classes aimed at preventing falls
What better way to show how much you care about your loved one's well-being than to help her reduce her risk of slipping, tripping or falling. Give the gift of peace of mind - for both you and your loved one.
 
Visit www.steadyu.ohio.gov for more tips and resources to prevent falls.
Updated AAA8 Program Quick Reference Guides for 2017 Available

The Buckeye Hills Area Agency on Aging 8 supports independence, choice and dignity -- and strives to bring choice to home and community-based care. A 2017 program overview with eligibility guidelines is now available.

Great for discharge planners, social workers and home health agencies, the resource provides a quick guide to identify programs and services that enable older adults and those with disabilities to live independently in their homes and communities. Order printed copies by calling, 1-800-331-2644 ext. 2340.

 Click Here to download the guide. 


Caregiver Corner:
 
Caregiver Corner:
The Juggling Act of Working Caregivers

Are you trying to juggle kids, a career, and caring for an aging loved one? You are not alone. There are an estimated 1.5 million Ohio family members and friends caring for older people. Often mischaracterized as an "older worker" issue, demographic trends indicate that a greater number of employees of all ages will assume the role of family caregiver with an increasingly older population.  In fact, it is estimated that two-thirds of caregivers in the nation work outside of the home.

This creates a challenge for both the employer and the worker balancing work life and caregiving responsibilities. Findings indicate that there is an 8% differential in increased health care costs between caregiving and non-caregiving employees, potentially costing U.S. employers an extra estimated $13.4 billion per year. 

Employees providing eldercare are more likely to report fair or poor health, and are more likely to report depression, diabetes, hypertension, or pulmonary disease. The cost to employers for absenteeism, workplace disruptions, and reduced work status of working caregivers is between $17.1 and $33.6 billion per year.

Employers can serve the best interests of their employees as well as those of their company by anticipating and responding to the challenges of eldercare for their employees. In combination, elder care benefits and wellness programs can provide not only the needed support to working caregivers, but also a vehicle to directly reduce employee health care costs, with the resulting bottom-line benefits to the employer.

The Buckeye Hills Area Agency on Aging 8 can help working caregivers find the services and supports to help with the juggling act of work and caregiving. AAA8 can also help employers! Call 1-800-331-2644 or visit www.areaagency8.org and see the Services & Programs section.
 
Sources for Stats: o4a & Admin. on Aging 
 
Medicare 2017 Costs At-a-Glance

You can find the Medicare 2017 costs at a glance online. Some Medicare recipients may be eligible for "Extra Help" with Medicare costs (premiums, co-pays and RX costs).

"Extra Help is a Medicare program to help people with limited income and resources pay Medicare prescription drug (Part D) costs as well as premiums and co-pays.

The Buckeye Hills Area Agency on Aging 8 can help those on Medicare determine if they are eligible for "Extra Help." Contact AAA8 at 1-800-331-2644 for more information or to register over the phone. No travel, no waiting, just one phone call!
This Winter Get Help with Heating Bills

Eligible low-income Ohioans can get help with the high costs of home heating. Contact AAA8 or your local Community Action organization. 
 
The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) is a federally funded program administered by the Ohio Development Services Agency's Office of Community Assistance.If you are eligible for assistance, the amount of your one-time HEAP benefit will depend on:
1) federal funding levels,
2) how many people live with you,
3) total household income ($20,790 max income for single households, or $28,035 for couples), 
4) and the primary fuel you use to heat your home.
In most cases, the one-time benefit will be a credit applied to your energy bill by your utility company (or fuel vendor). The one-time benefit is typically credited in January depending on when an individual applies for assistance.
 
How to apply 
Applications are available online  and through a number of community organizations, including Community Action Agencies and the Buckeye Hills Area Agency on Aging 8 (AAA8). Applications may be submitted anytime from now through June 30, 2017.

"Our staff is available to help seniors understand eligibility requirements and complete benefit applications - especially for those who are homebound," said Jennifer Westfall, AAA8 Director. "Contact our office for more details on this and other programs that may assist seniors or those with disabilities."   
Older adults and people with disabilities who wish to apply for the program should call one of the Community Action Agency partners below, depending on the county where they live:
  • Athens, Hocking & Perry: HAPCAP at 1-800-686-1093
  • Meigs: Gallia-Meigs CAP at 1-800-282-0880
  • Monroe & Noble: GMN at 740-472-0828 or 740-732-2388
  • Washington and Morgan: Washington-Morgan CAP at 740-373-3745  
In This Issue
Refer Someone to AAA8!
Know someone who needs support caring for a loved one? Refer a friend, family member, caregiver or patient!

Click here for the AAA8 Referral form or call AAA8 at 1-800-331-2644. AAA8 can help you help the ones you love.     




AAA8 is a program of Buckeye Hills-Hocking Valley Regional Development District. Serving Athens, Hocking, Meigs, Monroe, Morgan, Noble, Perry & Washington Counties

AAA8 Staff Resources:
Executive Director: Misty Casto [740-376-1034]
Asst. Exec. Director: Rick Hindman [740-376-1029]
AAA8 Director: Jennifer Wesfall [740-376-1038]  
Home Care Director: Dawn Weber, LSW, LNHA [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]
Fiscal Director: Denise Keyes [740-376-7644]
Outreach & Development Director: Jill McCartney [740-376-7668]
IT Director: Jamie Lewis, CNA/MCSA [740-376-1024]

PLEASE NOTE: Mailing Address is 1400 Pike St. Marietta, OH  45750  1-800-331-2644 www.areaagency8.org