By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
More than 20 percent of Wood Countians are over 60 years old. To help that growing group stay at home and independent as long as possible, the Wood County Committee on Aging is again looking for voters’ support.
Here are some numbers to chew on.
- The Committee on Aging provided approximately 200,000 meals to seniors last year.
- As baby boomers age, the numbers of seniors will continue to grow beyond the current 21,443.
- Approximately 6,500 of those seniors received services last year.
- By the year 2025, the senior population is predicted to hit 35,000.
- The number of those over 85 is expected to increase dramatically, providing other challenges.
Those numbers add up to the Wood County Committee on Aging seeking approval to put a 0.7-mill renewal levy on the November ballot. The county commissioners listened to the board’s pitch on Tuesday and will rule on the request soon.
What doesn’t quite add up, is that the WCCOA is asking for a renewal, even though their costs and demands for their services are growing. But Jim Stainbrook, director of fiscal and facility operations, explained that the board wanted to avoid asking the taxpayers for more.
So while the grants and tax revenue have been flat recently, the board decided to turn to its reserves rather than ask more of local taxpayers.
“We’ve held back monies,” for situations like this, Stainbrook told the commissioners. “In doing that, we can keep the levy the same as it has been.”
The WCCOA is planning to use about $3 million of its $6 million reserves. The rest of its funding will come from the tax levy, which brings in about $2 million a year. About 20 percent of the board’s funding also comes from federal and state funding, and another 10 percent in fees and donations.
Denise Niese, director of WCCOA, talked about the programs that the dollars help provide.
She spoke of the nutritional, educational, health and transportation programs that help local seniors remain in their homes.
“Senior programs do make a difference. We touch lives,” Niese said.
In addition to the senior center in Bowling Green, there are satellite centers operated in Rossford, Perrysburg, North Baltimore, Walbridge, Pemberville and Wayne. The board is considering a possible new site in the northwestern part of the county. As with all the satellite centers, the board will work with an existing community partner to find a site.
“We touch every corner of this county,” Niese said.
Meals are offered at all the centers, delivered hot to homes, or provided frozen for emergencies. Home deliveries also offer seniors contact with the outside world, and give providers a chance to check in on them.
“We can honestly say nutrition keeps people at home,” Niese said.
The cost to make the meals is between $2.19 and $2.35 each. “Everyone deserves roast beef every now and then,” she said.
Many areas of the nation have waiting lists for home delivered meals, Niese added. But not here in Wood County.
The WCCOA also offers programs for seniors focusing on technology, health education, civic engagement, and social interaction. Transportation is offered for medical appointments, grocery shopping and socialization.
Niese explained that some seniors want more than a cozy rocking chair. So the agency offers programs like water fitness, yoga and the New Adventures Group, which does activities like climbing walls.
The levy funds can be used only for programs and operations, not for buildings.
