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Join us for the April Semi-Annual Meeting
Buckeye Hills Regional Council is a voluntary organization of local government representation, serving Athens, Hocking, Meigs, Monroe, Morgan, Noble, Perry and Washington Counties in southeast Ohio. We work with our regional partners to cooperatively develop and implement regional plans and programs. The Council also serves as a forum for the discussion and study of regional issues and the development of policy and action recommendations.
Join us April 6 in Marietta for the Buckeye Hills Regional Council Semi-Annual General Policy Council Meeting at our Conference Center, located at 1400 Pike St. in Marietta. We will begin promptly at 10:30 a.m. with lunch following.
The April meeting will feature highlights from the 2017 annual report and updates from Executive Director Misty Casto. Several guest speakers will provide program updates of interest to members, including:
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Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) Executive Director Scott Hamilton
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USDA Ohio Rural Development
State Director
David Hall
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Growth Advisor Dorinda Byers with The Ohio State University Center for Design and Manufacturing Excellence Manufacturing Extension Partnership
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This convening brings together community and business leaders from the 8-county region who serve as members on the Buckeye Hills General Policy Council. Members will be joined by legislators, federal and state funding resource partners, service providers to the 60+ population of the region, members of the Buckeye Hills Aging & Disability Division's Regional Advisory Council, Transportation Advisory Committee members and other
community leaders.
The cost to attend the event is $20 (except members of the Buckeye Hills General Policy Council and Executive Committee who have no event registration fee; members will receive a separate email with the registration code to waive the fee.) Make checks payable to Buckeye Hills Regional Council and mail to 1400 Pike Street, Marietta, Ohio 45750.
Click Here to Register
Thanks to our 2018 April Meeting Sponsors:
GOLD Sponsors:
Bricker & Eckler, LLP
Hull & Associates
Bronze Sponsor:
AT&T
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Profiles and Projections of Ohio's 60+ Population: County-by-County
Counties located in the Buckeye Hills Regional Council district ranked both first and last in the state in the "Aging of Ohio" ranking of oldest to youngest counties. The median age in Ohio is 39.3. In first place for the oldest county was Noble with a median age of 47.9 of its population 60-plus and Athens ranked in the 88th spot with a median age of 28.2.
Remaining county ranks included:
#3 - Monroe (46.3)
#10 - Morgan (43.8)
#12 - Washington (43.6)
#17 - Meigs (42.8)
#18 - Hocking (42.7)
#60 - Perry (39.8)*
Of the total Buckeye Hills region population of 260,084, approximately 28 percent are 60+. An estimated 57 percent of the 60+ residents live alone; 44 percent are at high nutritional risk and 62 percent live in poverty.
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County
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Total 60+ Population**
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60+
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75+
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Athens
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12,334 (19%)
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9,457 (15%)
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2,877 (4%)
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Hocking
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8,256 (28%)
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6,486 (22%)
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1,770 (6%)
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Meigs
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6,866 (29%)
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5,237 (22%)
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1,629 (7%)
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Monroe
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5,139 (35%)
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3,911 (27%)
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1,228 (8%)
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Morgan
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4,848 (32%)
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3,664 (24%)
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1,184 (8%)
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Noble
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5,757 (39%)
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4,666 (32%)
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1,091 (7%)
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Perry
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8,763 (24%)
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6,794 (19%)
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1,969 (5%)
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Washington
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19,803 (32%)
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14,932 (24%)
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4,871 (8%)
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According to US News,
The Best States for Aging ranking determines which states are most effectively serving their senior citizens by keeping them healthy, financially secure and involved in their communities. States are scored relative to each other in 12 factors that average into one overall score. Ohio ranked 25th.
Communities should be thinking about how best to make quality-of- life improvements for the rapidly-growing senior populations. Bearing in mind that these improvements benefit all age groups.
* Source:
Analysis of U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey.
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Chronic Pain
Self-Management Program Seeking Trainers
Did you know that prescription overdose deaths outnumber deaths from heroin and cocaine combined? The National Center for Health Statistics showed 4,329 people in Ohio died in 2016 from drug overdoses, the second highest rate by population in the nation and the fourth highest total in raw numbers.
Chronic pain and managing that pain can often lead to prescription addiction or mis-use. The Chronic Pain Self-Management program available in Ohio is an evidence-based program that educates individuals on how to take control of pain.
The Chronic Pain Self-Management program offers the six-week community-based workshops that help participants learn proven strategies to manage chronic pain and health conditions and to feel healthier. It is designed to teach how to set goals and make step-by-step plans to improve health.
As part of its Healthy U program, the Buckeye Hills Regional Council Aging & Disability Division is coordinating a Train-the-Trainer conference to implement the Chronic Pain Self-Management program in our eight-county region. Those who have completed Chronic Pain Self-Management workshops say it gave them better ways to talk with their doctor and family about pain.
Trained leaders are needed to teach participants how to manage their pain. Topics include: setting and achieving personal goals; strategies to deal with pain, stress, fatigue, and depression; using physical activity to maintain and improve strength, flexibility, and endurance; how to use medications safely and appropriately; better ways to talk with physicians and families about pain.
For more information about how you can become a Chronic Pain Self management program leader, contact Mindy Cayton at Buckeye Hills at 1-800-331-2644 ext. 2660.
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Local Produce Growers Needed for 2018 Senior Farmers' Market Program
Do you or someone you know grow a large garden? Want to earn a little extra cash? Did you know you can participate or refer someone to the Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program that sells produce to eligible seniors?
The Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) provides income-eligible senior citizens with special coupons to buy produce from approved providers. 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.
Local produce grower are needed to participate in the Market program. For more details on what products are included in the program or to become an authorized SFMNP provider, contact Buckeye Hills Regional Council at 1-800-331-2644 - ext. 2420.
SFMNP is a USDA and Ohio Department of Aging program
in which grants are awarded to provide coupons to low-income seniors. Senior registration information will be avai
lable in early Spring. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
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Food insecurity among older adults, those age 60 and over, is a growing problem in Ohio and around the nation. In Ohio, more than 17 percent of older adults face the threat of hunger.*
Stories abound of older adults with fixed incomes who are forced to choose between food and medicine. One program is working to assist seniors in southeast Ohio this summer. The annual Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program provides income-eligible seniors with special coupons worth $50 to enjoy locally grown fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs and honey.
While the Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program is funded by USDA and the Ohio Department of Aging, their funding is LIMITED. Many income-eligible seniors are placed on waiting lists. Program coupons may be exchanged for eligible foods from authorized farmers.
For 2018, we hope reduce the waiting list by funding coupons through local donations!
Through the $ponsor a $enior giving opportunity, $50 will sponsor one of the 500+ seniors in Southeast Ohio on the current waiting list for Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program coupons.
The $ponsor a $enior giving opportunity will also support the Project Lifesaver program. Project Lifesaver technology, in the hands of certified law enforcement partners, helps find people with a cognitive disorder such as Alzheimer's disease or Autism when they wander from a caregiver.
Clients are outfitted with a transmitter about the size of a watch - worn on the wrist or ankle. Should the client wander, the caregiver notifies 911 and the local Sheriff's Office begins a search immediately using Project Lifesaver equipment. Without the technology, searches can last hours or days. Through community donations, the program is offered free to seniors. $350 will sponsor one enrollee on the Project Lifesaver Program.
You can donate online through the Go Fund Me page or mail donations to 1400 Pike St. Marietta, OH 45750.
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Ziliak, James P. & Gunderson, Graig. "The State of Senior Hunger in America: An Annual Report"
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A Checklist for New Caregivers
If you are caring for a person with an ongoing illness or older loved one, the following tips can help make your job easier. Caregiving can be challenging - especially if you are new to the task.
- Learn about the disease, condition or illness.
Talk with health care providers, ask about special skills you might need (how to move someone or how to give medications).
- Research community resources.
Talk with your local area agency on aging or association specific to the disease (for example the Alzheimer's Association)
- Plan for immediate care.
Ask your loved one about their wishes for care. Consider how to track health and care needs.
- Enlist the help of others.
Be realistic about what you can and cannot do. Make a list of people who could help and tasks they could do.
- Organize important information.
Write down physician names, phone numbers, insurance information, and diagnoses. Keep an accurate prescription lists with names and doses (even who prescribes).
New caregivers face many challenges - from understanding the illness to providing immediate care or planning for the future. Buckeye Hills' Caregiver Advocacy program offers support to informal caregivers who are providing care for loved ones at home. We have a variety of resources and services available. Call 1-800-331-2644 for more details.
Source: A Checklist for New Caregivers - Journeyworks
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Worried About Winter Heating Bills?
HEAP Can Help!
As winter continues and heating bills increase, 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:
- federal funding levels,
- how many people live with you,
- total household income ($21,105 max income for single households, or $28,420 for couples),
- 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
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1-800-686-1093
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Meigs: Gallia-Meigs CAP
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740-992-6629
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Monroe & Noble:
GMN Tri-Co. CAP
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740-472-0828 or 740-732-2388
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Washington & Morgan CAP
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740-373-3745
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Upcoming Community Classes:
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Statewide Aging Training Options:
o4a's Aging in Ohio - March 21
@ Mid-Ohio Foodbank (3960 Brookham Dr. Grove City, OH) Fee: $115
Learn More!
o4a Spring Conference - April 23-24
Learn about the external forces that impact our work and vision; what the political and policy landscape for healthcare and aging looks like in Ohio; how to prepare organizations for the future; what it takes to prepare and become emerging leaders and excelling at customer service. Registration $250
Register by April 11
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Join the $50 for 50 Partnership Program
The Partnership Program is an opportunity for you to become a part of the Buckeye Hills Regional Council's 50th Anniversary Celebration. Send in $50 in recognition of your support and partnership during our 50 years of service to the 8-county region.
Send your $50 for 50 Investment to: 1400 Pike St. Marietta, OH 45750
You'll be listed on special 50th Anniversary Celebration Signage.
Thanks to Our 2018 $50 for 50 Partners!
- Eastern Ohio Development Alliance
- Joe & Sally Matthews
- Meigs County CIC
- Morgan County CIC
- Ohio Rural Water Association
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Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program Changes Announced
With the recent retirement of Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program Director Kim Flanigan from Buckeye Hills, program administration for the 8-county region is now being coordinated through the Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman.
Questions regarding Ombudsman services and referrals should now go to 1-800-282-1206 or to [email protected].
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Buckeye Hills Regional Council continues its rebranding and name change efforts with the recent update of the corporate headquarters sign. Stop by to see us!
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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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We're on LinkedIn!
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