Our Caregiver Solutions series of monthly events are provided through a grant from Direction Home Area Agency on Aging and Disabilities. Caregivers can join us from the convenience of their homes on the second Tuesday of every month at 2 p.m. If you pre-register, you can ask questions through the webinar or join us here on the Vantage Aging Facebook Page, where the webinar will be shared live. Caregivers can also revisit, or watch missed episodes on Facebook.
We look forward to sharing information from more community partners who help caregivers!
Who joined us?
On November 8, 2022, Vantage Aging hosted several community partners to provide information for family caregivers, including:
- Adult Protective Services (APS) – Cathi Rufener, Adult Protective Services, Deputy Director at the County of Summit Department of Job and Family Services
- SNAP Benefits – Lena Huff, SNAP Program Manager at Summit County JFS
- Long term care – Kelli Morelock, Summit County JFS
- Brain Health – Katelyn Manda, Social Worker at Summit County Public Health
Summit County Adult Protective Services
APS, Adult Protective Services, receives referrals regarding individuals ages 60 or older who are experiencing abuse, neglect, and/or exploitation. Referrals to this department of the Summit County Department of Job and Family Services are due to various concerns including: an older adult having no food, utilities being shut off, and abuse. Referrals need to be called to the county where the individual lives. APS is often a resource for the community and can help caregivers who may need information on services to help provide adequate care. For any questions, please call the hotline at 330-643-7217. This is available 24/7.
SNAP Benefits (Summit County Job and Family Services)
SNAP, short for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, was formerly called food stamps. These funds are now placed on a debit card. To qualify, an individual must be at or below 130% poverty guidelines. There are multiple ways to apply for benefits including by phone, online, by mail, or in person at the Job and Family Services office. Approval for SNAP benefits also requires an interview.
Due to many older adults living with family members, older adults are encouraged to apply as their income and expenses can be reviewed independently. For more information, please check the Summit County DJFS website.
Long-term Care
The Department of Job and Family Services also works with eligibility for Medicaid for individuals looking for long-term care services in either nursing homes or community-based services such as an aide or home-delivered meals. Eligibility is determined by the amount of help with daily care needed and financial qualifications. Individuals should apply in the county they currently live.
Brain Health
The Senior and Adult Services program at Summit County Public Health provides education and resources to older adults living in Summit County.
Getting adequate exercise, sleep, and a healthy diet contribute to overall health, impacting brain health. Experts recommend staying active, drinking plenty of water, and to also keep our brains active by learning something new, playing games, joining a club, volunteering, and social connections.
As the leading cause of injury for older adults, falls are also factor in brain health. Falls and injury prevention tips include:
- exercise to improve balance and coordination
- take a falls prevention class
- make home safety changes such as grab bars
- review medications with your doctor
- routine vision checks and health screens
- get enough sleep
- always wearing helmets while biking and seatbelts when in a vehicle
For more information, please contact Summit County Health department regarding programs such as the Gate Keeper program that provides home visits to assess for safety to connect individuals with resources.
Thank you to Summit County Department of Job and Family Services, Adult Protective Services, and Summit County Public Health, for joining us!
View the full webinar: Caregiver Solutions – Adult Protective Services, SNAP, Longterm Care, & Brain Health