By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Wood County could be in line for more than $466,000 to bolster services to senior citizens.
The Ohio Department of Aging has approximately $40 million in American Rescue Plan Act money to divvy up between the state’s 88 counties in Healthy Aging Grants.
“This is our dream,” Wood County Committee on Aging Executive Director Denise Niese said Wednesday afternoon to the agency’s board.
The money must be applied for by the Wood County Commissioners, who would then subcontract with the WCCOA for services. The money could be used for such items as computers, a medical transport vehicle, meal delivery equipment, adult day care, nursing services, and home repairs for seniors.
“This would be once in a lifetime money,” Board President Paul Herringshaw said.
“This is a one-time opportunity. So we want to invest in things that have longer lives,” Niese said.
Unlike most ODA funding, these grants cut out the middle man, and won’t go through a regional office. The Wood County Commissioners have said they will not take out administrative costs, Niese said.
If awarded, the funding could take some of the pressure off the local tax generation funding for the local senior centers and their services.
Also at Wednesday’s meeting, the board got to listen to a taped phone message left by a local senior who receives home delivered meals. The woman thanked the senior center for the nutritious hot meals five days a week – and for monitoring the wellbeing of the seniors they deliver to.
“The kindness shown by the home-delivered meal volunteers” is so appreciated, the woman said. “I have the best volunteer in the world.”
The board also heard a report on the home repair program funded with a one-time allocation of $115,000 from the ODA. According to Niese, 13 projects have been completed, with an additional three in process, and another 10 on a waiting list.
So far, the home modifications have included installation of handicap toilets, grab bars, temporary ramps, handrails, floor leveling, tub-cuts, and front porch railings. A balance of $70,726 remains in the fund, Niese said.
Niese told of one home where a wheelchair ramp was installed for a senior citizen who had both legs amputated.
“That’s been a game changer for this client,” she said.
In other business, the board agreed to enter a contract with the Wood County Health Department to handle the nursing needs at the senior centers.
“It’s beneficial for both agencies,” Niese said.
Nurses from the health department would provide blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol checks for seniors, and offer nutrition education at all the county’s senior centers.
The health department, which would be paid $48,000 annually for the services, will be able to provide the care “efficiently and effectively,” Niese said.
Also at the meeting, the board learned that:
- A citizens scam prevention training will be held on Oct. 26, from 2 to 4 p.m., at the Wood County Senior Center.
- Flu vaccine clinics offered by the Wood County Health Department are continuing at senior centers in the county. One will be held Oct. 24, from 1 to 4 p.m., in the Bowling Green center.
- Rails for hanging art have been installed at the senior center in Bowling Green, with plans being made for future exhibits of art created by people 50 and older.
