Nestled in the beauty of the Hocking Hills near Logan, Ralph Griffith is at home where he prefers to be. The Ohio PASSPORT waiver and Home Modification programs, administered locally by Buckeye Hills Regional Council through its Aging & Disability program, are supportive resources that help him stay there.

Growing up on a family farm, Ralph enjoyed working hard, driving tractors and more. Yet, he developed juvenile rheumatoid arthritis at a young age. The disease has impacted his mobility ever since. Years ago, he was forced to leave a job he loved with the Hocking County Engineer's Office and to give up farming. Today, he enjoys being independent in his home with support from PASSPORT.

"Most seniors we encounter prefer to stay in their own homes, in the communities they know and love," said Aging & Disability Program Director Jennifer Westfall. "Before Medicaid waiver programs, older adults who needed long-term care would eventually be in nursing facilities. The PASSPORT program helps Medicaid-eligible seniors, like Ralph, get the services and support needed to stay at home, all the while saving taxpayer dollars."

According to the Ohio Department of Aging, PASSPORT is a two-pronged program. The first part is a pre-admission screening by telephone to determine preliminary Medicaid eligibility and care needs, and to provide information about the variety of available long-term care options. The second part of PASSPORT is home care. Once an individual is determined eligible, a case manager works to develop a package of in-home services delivered by local service providers. The case manager then monitors the care plan for quality and needed changes.

Last year, PASSPORT allowed about 1,280 seniors in Buckeye Hills' eight-county region to remain at home for a fraction of the cost of nursing home placement. PASSPORT is designed to promote independence for individuals at home with long-term care needs such as; personal care, home maker services, home medical equipment, respite services, home delivered meals and minor home modifications, to name a few.

"We were able to coordinate Ralph's new covered handicap accessible deck with slip resistance to the entrance of his home with support from PASSPORT and the Ohio Housing Trust Fund programs," said Buckeye Hills Home Modification program coordinator, Joe Gage. He added that the contractor was Debbie Streight, one of the only female contractors in the region. "She is very knowledgeable with handicapped access abilities and is always straight forward with the consumer in sharing what work will be done."

"This new ramp is 200 percent better than what Ralph had before," said Interim Home Health Nurse, Kira Brooks, LPN.

Ralph explained that he was headed for a nursing home before he learned of programs that could help support him at home.

"I was proud to work and to serve the taxpayers, but when I couldn't work any longer, I was so fortunate to have these ladies who care for me and who know about the help available," added Ralph. "I have a quality of life now because each one has helped me in so many different ways." Ralph receives personal care support and homemaker services such as house cleaning and laundry, as well as assistance with his medications.

 

"This ramp has been a blessing," said Interim Home Health aide Anna Tipton, shown with Griffith above. "He is not as depressed and gets out more with Lady (his companion dog)." Anna added that she enjoys being a home health aide. "I used to work for a nursing home and it's just not possible to give one-on-one attention and care like we can in the home setting."

The Buckeye Hills Aging & Disability program has certified specialists in information and assistance ready to help caregivers and families connect to services whether it's PASSPORT or other community options. Call 1-800-331-2644, or visit www.buckeyehills.org/aging.

 

As autumn arrives, take time to consider the following information on preventing falls.

Each year, thousands of older Americans fall at home. Many of them are seriously injured, and some are disabled. Falls are often due to hazards that are easy to overlook but easy to fix.

According to the Ohio Department of Aging, falls among older Ohioans have reached epidemic proportions. One in three older adults will fall this year, and falls are the leading cause of emergency room visits, hospitalizations and deaths among our elders. A single fall can change the life not only of the person who falls, but also his or her family members who may have to become a caregiver for their loved one. The good news is that falls are not a normal part of aging, and most falls can be prevented.

More information and tips are available at www.steadyu.ohio.gov

The Ohio Department of Aging offers five easy steps to reduce the risk of falls at home:

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 resources, contact Buckeye Hills Regional Council's Aging & Disability program at 1-800-331-2644.

We have a variety of resources and services available. Call 1-800-331-2644, or visit our web site today! 

One in three Ohioans over age 60 will fall this year, and for many of them, that fall could lead to a life-changing injury. However, falls are not a normal part of aging, and most falls can be prevented. Regular physical activity, like walking 15-30 minutes a day, strengthens muscles, improves balance, flexibility and increases stamina. Walking is one of the easiest and best ways to stay active and is one of the most basic things you can do to reduce your risk of falling.

To raise awareness of older adult falls and the many ways to prevent them, the STEADY U Ohio initiative is sponsoring the 3rd annual "10 Million Steps to Prevent Falls." On Sept. 22, and throughout the month of September, STEADY U will partner with community organizations to plan and host local walking events and groups, with the goal of getting at least 4,000 Ohioans to walk a mile each in the name of falls prevention. Individuals can join in by taking a one-mile walk by themselves or with others, and posting a selfie of their efforts to social media.

Last year, 59 organizations sponsored 55 community events. Across Ohio, more than 3,500 Ohioans walked approximately 6,800 miles. At an average of 2,500 steps per mile, that's 17 million steps taken in the name of falls prevention!

This year, let's work together to beat those statistics. Local organizations, with members, staff and partners can help STEADY U Ohio take more than "10 Million Steps" to prevent falls.

Visit www.steadyu.ohio.gov in late August for more information and to register your community or group event.

the rights of elders and the disabled by becoming an Ombudsman Associate!

Be part of a friendly and dedicated team making sure nursing home and other long-term care residents receive the high-quality standards of living they deserve. Experience is not necessary - just the ability to empathize and a drive to help others. Training is provided!

Contact us at 1-800-331-2644 ext. 2820 for details.

September is Falls Prevention & Awareness Month

Sept. 8 - Regional Transportation Planning Organization Committees to meet. 
Sept. 13 - Natural Resources Assistance Council Informational Session (Round 12 Clean Ohio Funding)
Oct. 6 - Buckeye Hills Regional Council Semi-Annual meeting