Community Impact of an Aging Community: Franklin County Office on Aging’s Vision and Programs
We welcome Chanda Wingo, the Director of the Franklin County Office on Aging. We explore the various programs and services designed to support seniors, caregivers, and kinship families in Franklin County, Ohio. You’ll learn about the critical issues affecting the aging population and the collective efforts required to address these challenges.
Blueprint for an Aging Community
Director Wingo discusses her plans to launch a comprehensive blueprint aimed at understanding the impact of an aging population in communities. This blueprint will guide community stakeholders, businesses, and resource allocation efforts. This will ensure that the growing needs of seniors are adequately addressed. The blueprint, which is expected to be completed by 2027, aligns with the next levy renewal for the Franklin County Office on Aging’s successful Senior Options program. The Senior Options program which voters have supported for 32 years.
Senior Options Levy Program
This initiative has played a pivotal role in providing essential services to seniors. This allows them to maintain independence and a high quality of life. The next levy renewal is on the horizon. So it’s important for community support and funding to sustain and expand these vital services.
The award-winning Bridge Team mentioned in the podcast.
Adult Protective Services
Elder abuse and neglect are pressing issues addressed by Adult Protective Services in Franklin County. Director Wingo highlights that self-neglect is the most common issue reported. The office strives to assess situations comprehensively, aiming to provide supportive services that help seniors stay safely in their homes rather than moving to nursing facilities. This approach underscores the goal of promoting independence and dignity for seniors.
Aging Community Needs Assessment
A Community Needs Assessment conducted in late 2021 revealed that over 94% of surveyed seniors prioritize staying in their homes. This insight has driven the Franklin County Office on Aging to focus on programs and services that support this overwhelming preference. Initiatives like minor home repairs, meal delivery, and in-home support services play a crucial role in helping seniors age in place.
Support for Caregivers
Director Chanda Wingo emphasizes the need to plan and support caregivers, acknowledging their hard work and the financial challenges they face. The Franklin County Office on Aging offers home care contracts and hires family members as caregivers to ensure familiar and comfortable care situations. Additionally, caregiver support programs provide resources, counseling, and financial assistance to help caregivers manage their responsibilities while caring for themselves.
Social Isolation and Health Impacts
Social isolation among seniors is a significant concern due to its severe health impacts. Director Wingo urges families, friends, and neighbors to check in on seniors and offer support. Efforts to combat social isolation include expanded outreach through events, social media, and community programs. The Office on Aging also collaborates with youth groups for intergenerational programming, fostering connections between generations and creating advocates for the older population.
Housing, Food Insecurity, and Workforce Challenges
Director Chanda Wingo identifies housing, food insecurity, and workforce shortages as the top three critical issues affecting seniors. Affordable, available, and accessible housing is increasingly difficult to secure. Food insecurity remains a pressing concern, impacting the well-being of many seniors. Additionally, the workforce shortage in caregiving and supportive services poses challenges in meeting the needs of an aging population. These issues require coordinated community efforts and innovative solutions.
Kinship Program
The Kinship Program supports older adults who are primary caregivers for young children. Many informal placements exist without formal custody agreements. The program offers support for basic needs, emergency assistance, after-school care, summer camps, and respite for older adults. Raising awareness and expanding this program is essential to address the unique challenges faced by kinship families.
Addressing Ageism
Ageism is a prevalent issue that limits employment opportunities and access to resources for older adults. The conversation touches on the need for awareness campaigns and training to combat ageism, recognizing it as a social determinant of health. By challenging ageist attitudes and promoting inclusivity, the community can better support the well-being and contributions of older adults.
Technological Advancements
Exciting technological advancements are underway at the Franklin County Office on Aging. A new system conversion will allow residents to communicate and access services through a self-service portal, including video calling and interactive voice response. These tools aim to enhance service delivery and accommodate different levels of technology usability among older adults.
Director Wingo’s call to action is for everyone to take collective responsibility for the well-being of the aging population. Franklin County can effectively address the needs of its aging community by educating the community, holding stakeholders accountable, and recognizing the contributions of older adults.
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Recorded in Studio C at 511 Studios. A production of Circle270Media Podcast Consultants.
Copyright 2024 Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson
