Aging Gracefully: Insights and Innovations with Katie White from COAAA

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the human and social service sector and the challenges facing older Americans.

The Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging (COAAA) is a nonprofit organization that serves eight counties in Central Ohio. All the while providing services to about 15,000 individuals through its case management programs.

We welcome back the agency’s new director, Katie White. She shares insights into the work COAAA does and the challenges it faces.

COAAA is federally mandated by the Older Americans Act to serve every older American. But it also helps a lot of individuals that are younger with disabilities as well. It has eight different case management programs that it runs, including passport, Medicaid programs, care transitions, and Senior Options. COAAA also does a lot of education, works on housing advocacy, has a volunteer guardian department, and has developed innovative programs over the last few years.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, COAAA provided various services, including food assistance, housing and utility assistance, legal assistance, and financial assistance.

The agency also distributed federal funds from the Older Americans Act and the CARES Act to different service providers. However, the need for legal, financial, and housing assistance for seniors is increasing. Especially as housing prices and property taxes rise in the region.

One promising solution to the housing crisis is Nesterly. This program pairs older adults with extra space in their homes with younger renters. White explained that she is excited about Nesterly and believes it is about to “explode” in popularity. COAAA is supporting the program and believes that it could help seniors maintain their homes, stay where they want to live, get a little extra income, and even some socialization.

Katie also highlights the need for a new housing department. Or a coalition to advocate for accessible and affordable housing for older adults.

She believes that there is currently not enough advocacy and push from outside entities to ensure that current housing is meeting the needs of older adults. Katie is focusing on building a coalition of individuals. This coalition will advocate for safe and adequate affordable housing for seniors in the region.

Katie is also working to understand the agency from all angles. This includes meeting staff, hosting coffee chats, and shadowing different departments to understand the differences between case management for different programs. She offers words of wisdom for new leaders taking over roles from retiring pioneers in human and social services. Be patient, listen to those around them, and learn about the history and legacy of the organization before incorporating their own plans.

COAAA plays an essential role in serving older Americans, as well as younger individuals with disabilities, in Central Ohio. However, the agency faces challenges, particularly related to the increasing need for legal, financial, and housing assistance for seniors. Katie is working to address these challenges and build a coalition of individuals to advocate for safe and adequate affordable housing for seniors in the region.

We mention a ton of resources during the episode. We hope they are helpful.

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Recorded in Studio C at 511 Studios. A production of Circle270Media Podcast Consultants.

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