Buckeye Hills Regional Council - Aging & Disability
Monthly News
& Updates:
 April 2018
RX
April Features Medication Safety Week

As you may know, certain types of medications and drug combinations can cause dizziness, drowsiness and confusion and could contribute to a life-changing fall in older adults. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration estimates that each year, more than $76 billion is spent on preventable medication-related illnesses, including falls.

During Medication Safety Week, April 1-7, 2018, the Ohio Department of Aging, through its STEADY U Ohio initiative, will partner with more than 400 of Ohio's pharmacies to help Ohioans understand and minimize their falls risk due to an adverse drug interaction. Take advantage of a free, confidential medicine review at one of nearly 400 participating Ohio pharmacies.

Participating pharmacies around the state will provide free, confidential medicine reviews for older adults who visit their locations during specified times. During the screenings, pharmacy staff will review customers' medicine usage and identify those medicines and combinations that may increase the risk for falls. Customers will receive a list of their potentially problem medicines to take to their health care professional to discuss risks and appropriate treatment options.

Participating pharmacies include all 249 Ohio Walgreens Pharmacy locations, more than 100 Kroger Pharmacy locations across Ohio, and select Discount Drug Mart Pharmacy, Fruth Pharmacy, NEON Health Center Pharmacy, Rite Aid Pharmacy and Shriver's Pharmacy locations, as well as other local pharmacies.

Dates and times vary by location - Visit ODA's program web page or contact the pharmacy for more details.
Kara Wright, LSW - Home Choice Pre-Transition Case Manager 
HOME Choice: Helping Ohioans Move, Expanding Choice

Ohio's HOME Choice program transitions eligible Ohioans from institutional settings to home and community-based settings, where they receive services and supports at home and in their communities.

Established in 2008 with the goal of transitioning 2,000 Ohioans, the program has become a national leader in moving people home. HOME Choice currently ranks first nationally in transitioning individuals with mental illness into home-based settings, and second in overall transitions completed. As of 2017, more than 11,400 people have enjoyed a new found independence through HOME Choice, Ohio's iteration of the federal Money Follows the Person (MFP) program.

Buckeye Hills Regional Council is bringing choice to the region's aging population and people living with disabilities. Individuals will work with the long-term care facility and Buckeye Hills HOME Choice transitional staff to apply, discuss options, find housing and coordinate benefits and services through the discharge planning process.

The program provides support to transition from a long-term care facility to home and community-based settings. Areas of assistance include locating qualified housing, setting up a household, connecting to community services and coordinating benefits.

"Kara Wright, our HOME Choice Transition Coordinator has been involved with helping individuals move 'home' since the program began in 2008," said Jennifer Westfall, Buckeye Hills Regional Council Aging & Disability Director. "In fact, the first consumer that she helped transition is still enjoying his independence at home."

Call Buckeye Hills Regional Council at 1-800-331-2644 today! 
Eligible Seniors Can Apply for Senior Farmers' Market Coupons
 
Seniors who meet the income eligibility guidelines, will soon be receiving some welcome relief from rising food budgets. Administered in the region by the Buckeye Hills Aging & Disability Division, The Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) provides income-eligible senior citizens with special coupons worth $50 to enjoy locally grown fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs and honey.
 
The Seniors Farmers' Market Nutrition Program is funded by USDA and the Ohio Department of Aging for income-eligible seniors. 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.

Each eligible senior receives $50 worth of coupons. Grant funding is limited and coupons are distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis. Each person will receive a total of ten $5 coupons. Coupons may only be redeemed by authorized participating farmers who sell produce at farmers' markets or roadside stands. The program will end Oct. 31.
 
Click Here to Learn More About Eligibility & How To Apply!
Upcoming Community Classes:

A variety of Evidence-Based Health Education classes are set for the coming months!  Learn more about Matter of Balance, Chronic Pain Self-Management, Diabetes Education and Alzheimer's programs.   
New! Chronic Pain Self-Management Program Starts April 24 in Athens

The Chronic Pain Self-Management program is a no cost, six-week workshop that helps people with chronic pain to better manage their symptoms and their daily lives. The workshop provides information and teaches practical skills.
It gives people the confidence and motivation they need to manage the challenges of living with chronic pain.

Chronic Pain Self-Management Education is for you if:
  • You have long-term pain or care for someone living with chronic pain;
  • You are looking for better ways to manage symptoms;
  • Feel limited in your daily activities;
  • Feel tired, alone, or fearful because of your health or the health of a loved one.
Hosted by OhioHealth at O'Bleness Hospital (55 Hospital Dr. in
Athens), the program will be from 2-4:30 p.m. for six weeks from April 24-May 29. To Register or for more information contact Tara Gilts at (740) 566.4539 or Wellness-OBleness@ohiohealth.com.
Refreshments will be served. Download a flyer!

Leader Training :
Chronic Pain Self-Management Program Starts April 30 in Marietta 

Help others learn to take control  of their chronic disease and improve their quality of life.

Becoming a trained Leader for the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program takes only four days. Training is conducted by Certified Master Trainers. There is no cost for this training.

Dates: April 30, May 1, 7, & 8
Time: 9:00a-4:30p
Address: Washington County Health Department
342 Muskingum Drive - Marietta
To register: Amy Nahley at 740-374-2782 x3305 or anahley@wcgov.org

This training is made p ossible through a partnership between the
Washington County Health Department and the Buckeye Hills Regional Council. Download a flyer! 
Caregiver Corner
Staying Safe at Home
 
Most Ohioans would prefer to stay in their own homes and communities for as long as possible. With meaningful opportunities to engage with their communities, older Ohioans can live happier, healthier lives and contribute in meaningful ways. A safe home is crucial to give our elders these opportunities.

However, as we age, our physical and social needs can change, and our homes that have kept us safe for so long may no longer be appropriate for our current situation. Sometimes, only minor changes are needed to make your home safe again.  

Buckeye Hills can assist with home modifications and repairs to assist homeowners, aged 60 or older, to live safely and independently in their own home. The Home Accessibility program also serves those under 60 years of age with a disability.

To be eligible, you must be a resident of the Buckeye Hills Regional Council region (Athens, Hocking, Meigs, Monroe, Morgan, Noble, Perry or Washington Counties);  meet income guidelines (gross household income must be at or below 50% of area median income) and you must own home or have a life estate in the property.

You can find a variety of resources and information to help you or your older loved one remain "safe at home" by calling Buckeye Hills
Home Accessibility & Minor Home Repair program at 1-800-331-2644.   

Sources:Ohio Dept. of Aging & BHRC 
Money
Still Time to Apply for Help with Heating Bills! HEAP Can Help!

There is still time to apply for assistance with winter heating bills! For seniors or those with disabilities who also have low or modest incomes, Ohio's Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) can help. It is a support to help eligible low-income Ohioans meet the costs of home heating.

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 ($21,105 max income for single households, or $28,420 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 may be submitted any time from now through June 30, 2018.They are available online and through a number of community organizations, including Community Action Agencies and Area Agencies on Aging (AAA). Buckeye Hills Regional Council has applications and can help with explaining eligibility requirements.

Older adults and people with disabilities who wish to apply for the program should call one of the Community Action organizations below, depending on where they live:

Athens, Hocking & Perry: HAPCAP
1-800-686-1093
Meigs: Gallia-Meigs CAP
740-992-6629
Monroe & Noble:
GMN Tri-Co. CAP

740-472-0828 or 740-732-2388
Washington & Morgan CAP
740-373-3745
Medicare "Extra Help" $aves Eligible $eniors $$

If you meet certain income and resource limits, you may qualify for Extra Help from Medicare to pay the costs of Medicare prescription drug coverage. "Extra Help" is not a Medicare Supplement insurance program. It is a service of Medicare.

It can help lower your prescription co-pays; cover all or part of your Medicare part D monthly premiums or eliminate the "doughnut hole" of coverage for medications.

Certified staff are ready to answer questions, share information and help you apply over-the phone with just one simple phone call! Call 1-800-331-2644, today!

Buckeye Hills Regional Council
1-800-331-2644

 740-373-6400 | 1400 PIke St. - Marietta, OH  45750 | www.buckeyehills.org

Misty Casto: Executive Director
Rick Hindman: Assistant Executive Director
Jennifer Westfall: Aging Director
Dawn Weber, LSW, LNHA: Home Care Director 

Buckeye Hills Regional Council is organized as a voluntary organization of local government political subdivisions to foster cooperative efforts in regional planning, and implementing of regional plans and programs.
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