Area Agency on Aging, PSA 2 - Spring 2021
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Advocating for Senior Services
As the Ohio legislature considers the biennial state budget bill, the aging network advocates for two main priorities to support seniors remaining within their communities. These are higher provider reimbursement rates to strengthen the workforce of home care aides, and additional Senior Community Services (SCS) funding to provide supportive community programs.
Home and community-based Medicaid waiver programs are cost-effective options for older Ohioans and Ohioans with disabilities to live healthy, engaged, secure lives in their preferred choice of home. However, service providers are experiencing significant challenges in staffing enough personal care aides to meet these needs and are dropping out. Without the ability to provide personal care services in the community because of this lack of providers, eligible participants are turned away or dis-enrolled, or go immediately into full skilled nursing care when that is not necessarily what they need or want.
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Agency Responds to Vaccination Needs
As soon as Covid-19 vaccinations became available and began phases for eligibility in Ohio, vaccine shortages and difficulties finding appointments drove a sharp increase in callers to our 937-223-HELP number. Our Information Specialists kept abreast of almost daily changes in vaccination eligibility and clinic information to help as many people as possible, finding and making appointments for callers frustrated at the process or not having internet access. We also gathered transportation information for our region to help people find rides to and from vaccination appointments. Read more...
Photo shows (from left) Ashley Adam, Rachel Smith, Nicole Khaner and Ohio National Guard Major Holly Hogsett with Governor Mike DeWine and First Lady Fran DeWine at a New Carlisle clinic on April 2.
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Advisory Council Elects New Officers, Honors Outgoing Members and Welcomes New
Officer elections and recognition of outgoing members took place at the March Advisory Council meeting. Elected as new officers for 2021-2022 were:
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Laura Haverkos, Chairperson
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Dr. Eric Winston, Vice-Chairperson
The Council thanked and recognized Charles Morris and Laura Haverkos for their two terms each of dedicated service as Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson from 2019 to 2021.
Charles Morris was additionally honored for completing three full terms representing Clark County, and Charles Holderman for his 10 years representing Montgomery County.
The Council thanks the service of Beth Bell and Randy Earl representing Miami County, and Doris Pollet for representing Preble County.
The Board of Trustees approved the following new Council members in March:
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Michele Hemphill, Clark County,
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Tamara Baynard-Ganger, Miami County,
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and Natalynne Baker, Montgomery County.
The Agency currently seeks Miami and Preble county representatives to serve on its regional Advisory Council. The Miami County opening is a replacement term ending March 31, 2022, and the Preble County opening is for a full 3-year term ending March 31, 2024.
The Advisory Council provides input to the Board of Trustees on the development and coordination of community-based systems of services for older persons in our region. Click on these links for a Position Description and Application Form. The deadline for applications is May 21.
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May is Older Americans Month
The 2021 Older Americans Month theme is Communities of Strength. This theme recognizes the resilience that older adults have acquired throughout their lives, and how their stories and contributions help to support and inspire others. Each of our counties selected a 2021 Outstanding Senior Citizen who will be honored in our summer newsletter.
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Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program May 1 - November 30
Fresh fruits and vegetables add flavor and variety to meals and are key to a healthy diet, but there is not always room in the shopping budget to include them. The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) serves low-income seniors, age 60 and older, who are at or below 185% of the Federal Poverty Line. Approved seniors will receive $50 in coupons to spend on fresh fruits and vegetables!
In partnership with the Ohio Department of Aging and the Area Agency on Aging, PSA 2, Homefull will administer the program for our nine-county service area that includes Champaign, Clark, Darke, Greene, Logan, Miami, Montgomery, Preble, and Shelby.
Please click here for more information and an application. Coupons are limited in quantity and available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
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While Ohio businesses have re-opened since the initial shutdown last spring, the slow return to normal operations has resulted in a prolonged delay for many employees to either return to work or reach previous hours and pay. Meanwhile, there are customer service jobs with flexible hours now available due to a shortage of personal care aides (PCAs) serving older adults in home and community-based programs. The Agency is offering Certified Nurse Aide training for pandemic-impacted workers. Read more...
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Pro Seniors Provides Legal Advice
Pro Seniors' years of experience in elder law mean its attorneys can answer questions about Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security, long-term care, pensions, and other issues. Its legal help includes:
• Information, advice and counseling
• Representation beyond information, advice and counseling
• Lawyer referral
Click here for more information on how to protect yourself and your loved ones.
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We're Hiring!
The Area Agency on Aging team hires caring, compassionate workers to help our clients get the services they need to improve their lives. Join our team and get a supportive network of supervisors and co-workers, flexible schedule, and a career that makes a difference in the community. Click here to learn more about our available positions.
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Continuing Education Workshops
All About Hospice - Learning More to Help Others
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Presenter Lisa Brown, RN and Community Care Liaison for Ohio’s Hospice.
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May 14, 9:00-12:15pm, Online via Zoom
- $40 for CEUs/$20 to attend without receiving CEUs
Who Ruffles Your Feathers - Dealing with Difficult People
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Presenter Marcella Balin, RN, BSN
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July 13, 1:00-4:15pm, Online via Zoom
- $40 for CEUs/$20 to attend without receiving CEUs
Elder Abuse Commission Forum
Staying Safe: Thriving Through the Pandemic
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May 17, 10:00-12:00pm, Online via Zoom
- Free virtual public form for older adults
Alzheimer's Association Online Education
The Alzheimer's Association of the Miami Valley offers free, online Care Training Resources. Click here for more information.
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Wellness Programming
The Agency offers remote delivery of its free wellness programming via telephone discussion groups and online workshops until it is safe to resume meeting in person. The calendar is available on our website to find more information and to register. Advance registration is required in order to mail workshop materials to participant's homes.
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Caregiver Corner
The Agency offers free caregiver resources online via DaytonAreaCaregivers.com. Learn more information and sign up for articles, educational videos, fact sheets, and other helpful information available 24/7. Information includes registration for upcoming Agency workshops:
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Caregiver Workshops (online)
There are three more chances in 2021 to attend one of the Agency's free, online workshops on topics specific to family caregivers. Upcoming workshops are:
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Humor as a Stress Buster by Kathy Kilpatrick 10:00-11:00am on May 18th
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Preparing, Processing, and Understanding Grief by Becki Bickett and Jared Mueller 2:00-3:00pm on August 26th
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The Impact of Stress on Memory by Kathy Kilpatrick on 10:00-11:00am on October 25th
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You have questions.
We have answers.
Contact us to arrange a free visit and see how we can help you.
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Helping adults remain in their homes with independence and dignity.
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Serving seniors and caregivers in Champaign, Clark, Darke,
Greene, Logan, Miami, Montgomery, Preble and Shelby counties.
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