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PASSPORT

PASSPORT assists eligible persons at risk of nursing home placement to remain in their own homes with professionally managed service and support. Participants are assessed and determined to need a nursing home level of care. Income and financial resource limits apply. Funding is by a special state and federal Medicaid waiver. For more information about PASSPORT click here or call PASSPORT 419-382-0624 or 1-800-472-7277.

You live 600 miles away. Since your dad died last spring, you've checked on your mom each week by telephone. You came for a visit with her and were shocked to see how thin and frail she had become...

The doctor says your father can't live alone anymore. You and your spouse have three children and both work full-time...

Your aunt called in a panic to tell you there was a man in her garage. She doesn't have a garage. After trying to reassure her you realize that this isn't the first incident. Last month she had a small fire in her kitchen. You are your aunt's only living relative...

These are just a few examples of the types of situations that occur in families every day. The older adult individuals in the stories could be your family member. The caregiver could be you!

In the 21st century people are living longer and healthier lives than ever before in the history of civilization. But as they are living longer some older adults become frail and need long term care. Long term care encompasses more than just nursing homes. It includes a wide range of preventative and supportive health and social services. Meals may be delivered or enjoyed in a congregate setting. minor home repairs or modifications can be made or chores performed. Homemaking services or personal care assistance is also available. There are emergency response systems to connect someone living alone with help when needed. There is adult day care, respite care, hospice, caregiver support. There are many different living options too: assisted living, group homes, adult foster care, senior apartments, and retirement or life care communities.

The Area Office on Aging of Northwestern Ohio, Inc. has long been viewed as a resource of information for older adults and their families. The agency is committed to promoting the health, well being, and continued independence for older adults. The clear and compelling preference of older adults is to remain at home. Institutional care is expensive (for the individual and for society) and the least desirable alternative among the older adult population.

The Options for Independence Program through the Area Office on Aging of Northwestern Ohio, Inc. was begun as the In-Home Services Program in 1994. It was designed to link and coordinates service for older adults to help them maintain the highest level of independence consistent with their capacity and their preference for care and to share in the cost of those services if necessary.

If something sounds familiar in the stories above, simply call Options for Independence. A licensed social worker or registered nurse with specialized skills and competencies will help you and your family find what you need. Your Options for Independence Coordinator can conduct a complete clinical assessment of your family member's functional and cognitive strengths and weaknesses.

After learning what all the needs are, together with you, Options will develop a Plan of Care and help you determine what services would be the best for your parent or relative's needs. The Options Care Coordinator can provide information, assistance, linkage and arrangement of services, and help monitor the provision of those services. If you can't afford the cost of services, Options may even be able to help you pay part of the cost for service. We can give you the answers and more importantly, peace of mind.