Area Agency on Aging, PSA 2 - Spring 2020
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Coronavirus Update - A Message from Executive Director Doug McGarry
I write in the midst of difficult times and with hope that all is well with you and your loved ones. As an Agency we are doing well but are extremely challenged by the deadly assault that this virus has placed upon our consumers, providers, employees, families, friends and communities.
Our Agency staff have stepped up with high and focused commitment. The challenge is to keep momentum moving forward, as we are only in the first leg of an unwelcomed marathon. We are grateful to all community partners who join us in this effort to continue serving seniors, disabled adults, and their caregivers throughout our nine-county region.
Photo shows Senior Resource Connection banner in Montgomery County just put up in March honoring its dedicated Meals on Wheels delivery drivers.
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Senior Day Update and Outstanding Senior Citizen Nominations
All nine counties in our region have canceled their Senior Days that were scheduled for May. Events may be rescheduled after restrictions on group gatherings have changed. All nominations received for 2020 Outstanding Senior Citizen in our region will be saved and provided to their respective counties once their new 2020 Senior Day plans have been confirmed.
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Senior Farmer's Market Nutrition Program - Planning for Delayed Start
While the pandemic and shelter-at-home restrictions have delayed start-up, the Area Agency on Aging is working with partner agency, Homefull, on a plan to operate the 2020 Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) to serve 3,240 eligible older adults in our nine-county region. The Area Agency on Aging and Homefull, under the guidance of the Ohio Department of Aging, will operate the SFMNP under modified conditions to protect the health and well-being of all community members including older adults and the authorized farmers and farmers’ market vendors. In the next several weeks, participating farmers and market managers will be certified and trained in the program and organizations will be contacted to publicize the program to eligible Ohioans in our region.
The SFMNP is for Ohio residents who are age 60 and older, and have an annual income of $23,107 (household of one) or $31,284 (household of two) or less. Once the program opens, application is on a first-come, first-served basis. Information will be posted
on the Agency’s website
News link
when the program opens.
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Medicare, Medicaid Changes to Meet Demands of Covid-19
Medicare has temporarily expanded its coverage of
telehealth services
to respond to the current Public Health Emergency.
Click here
for more information.
The Ohio Department of Medicaid is working to make access to care easier and more flexible during the Covid-19 pandemic such as expanding telehealth services, reducing prior authorization requirements, and more.
Read more here...
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Ohio Primary Absentee Ballots Accepted through April 28
Ohio's primary election set for March 17 was postponed due to health and safety concerns from the growing pandemic. If you already voted by absentee ballot in March, then your vote is counted.
If you have not yet requested an absentee ballot,
complete and print an absentee ballot request from the
Ohio Secretary of State's website
or call your
local Board of Elections
and ask them to mail you the request form.
Note that it may take several days for your request to arrive at your local Board of Elections and for you to receive the ballot.
Absentee ballots must be postmarked by April 27
.
If you are a Champaign County voter, the extension also provides the opportunity to support a $0.5 mill five-year levy. The Area Agency on Aging's Board of Trustees endorsed this levy that will complete funding for construction of a new Urbana-Champaign County Senior Center.
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Census 2020
Despite all the Covid-19 upheaval, the U.S. Census is still ongoing and has been extended to October 31.
Click here
for more information.
U.S. Census results help to determine how billions of dollars in federal funding flow into each state and its communities, and every resident not counted in 2020 potentially costs Ohio thousands of dollars annually over the next 10 years. Information began arriving in homes mid-March about how to respond to the 2020 U.S. Census. Ohioans are encouraged to respond by mail, by telephone, or for the first time this year, online available in numerous languages.
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Wellness Programs
- Healthy U - The Area Agency on Aging is offering Healthy U workshops in a telephone conference call format to support healthy habits and social connection during this time of physical distancing. Participants 60 and older will receive free tool kits shipped to their home. Visit our website for more information about Healthy U At Home and how to register.
- Aging Mastery Program - The Agency is also exploring formats to continue offering the Aging Mastery Program until we are able to safely resume in-person workshops. Our Clark County partner, United Senior Services, will begin an online workshop this month.
Alzheimer's Association Virtual Support
The Alzheimer's Association of the Miami Valley offers a variety of virtual support over the telephone and online, including access to free online education about Alzheimer's and Dementia, plus support for family caregivers.
Click here
for more information.
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Caregivers Corner
It's common for caregivers to take on the responsibilities of the person they care for while still providing for themselves and other family members. Caregiving is difficult under the best of circumstances and significantly more challenging during a pandemic. The Ohio Department of Aging provides four tip sheets of information on the many things caregivers need to consider in their unique and critical role.
We're Here for Caregivers Who are Essential Workers
Are you considered an essential worker during the Covid-19 pandemic, and also a caregiver for an older adult? We may be able to help with your caregiving responsibilities through meal delivery, electronic monitoring systems, home care assistance, and more. Call us at 937-223-HELP (4357) for more information.
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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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Like our Agency
Facebook page.
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Like our Healthy U
Facebook page.
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