The Ohio Departments of Aging and Health will join the Ohio Older Adult Falls Prevention Coalition to observe Thursday, Sept. 23 as Falls Prevention Awareness Day in Ohio and encourage all Ohioans to use the autumn season to educate themselves and their loved ones about the risk of falls and fall-related injuries that increases as we age.

“When an older person falls, it affects that individual physically, but it also can have an impact on the person’s mental well-being and sense of independence,” said Barbara E. Riley, director of the Department of Aging. “And, if that individual needs care due to a fall-related injury, his or her family is affected as well. The good news is that families can help prevent most falls by recognizing the risks and making small changes.”

“Falls among older adults in Ohio have reached epidemic proportions and account for a disproportionate share of fall-related injuries,” added Alvin D. Jackson, M.D., director of the Department of Health. “In 2007, older Ohioans accounted for 21 percent of all fall-related emergency room visits, 70 percent of fall-related inpatient hospitalizations and 83 percent of deaths due to falls, despite representing only 13 percent of the state’s overall population. Falls are not a normal part of aging.  There are strategies that can help older adults reduce their risk of falling.”

Tips for preventing falls include:
• Increase your physical activity. Simple exercise, like walking or swimming at least 15 minutes a day can help build muscle strength and improve balance, which can prevent falls.

• See your eye doctor once each year. Age-related eye diseases, such as cataracts, macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy, can increase the risk of falling. 

• Review your medications. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about the medicines you are taking and whether they may cause drowsiness or dizziness. Discuss things you can do to ensure you are taking your medicines safely.

• Remove environmental hazards. Look around the house for anything that could increase the risk of falls, including poor lighting, loose rugs, slippery floors and unsteady furniture.

• Think, plan and slow down. Many falls are caused by hurrying. Slow down and think through the task you are performing. Be mindful of possible falls risks and act accordingly.

Nutrition assistance program set 
On Wednesday, Oct. 20, from 10 a.m. to noon, Toledo Area Ministries (TAM) will host a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Enrollment at Locke Branch Library, 703 Miami St., Toledo.

SNAP (formerly known as the Food Stamp Program), helps low-income households buy nutritious food. Income determines eligibility.

For example, the upper limit on gross income is $1,174 monthly for household of one and $1,579 monthly for a household of two, etc. Larger households can have more income.

For households with a member who is 60 or older or disabled, only the net income limit (deductions include rent or mortgage, utilities, and unreimbursed monthly medical bills) must be met: $903 monthly for household of one and $1,215 monthly for a two-person household, etc. Completing an application usually takes 30 minutes or less.

Applicants should bring the following information, if applicable to them:
• ID: driver’s license or state identification card;

• Address: where you live and where you receive mail;

• Expenses: utility bills, such as electric, gas, and water, rent or mortgage;

• Medical Expense Deduction for households with a person aged 60 or older, or a person who is disabled at any age: billing statements, itemized medical receipts, monthly medication expense, Medicare Part B and D coverage, etc;

• Earned/Unearned Income: such as pay stubs, statement from employer, income tax or self-employment information, Social Security, SSI, VA or retirement pension;

• Immigration Status: Immigration or naturalization papers.

Those who cannot attend the SNAP enrollment assistance program may call 419-654-4744 for more information.

Making informed care decisions
The non-profit National Private Duty Association (NPDA), along with its Ohio Chapter, will host a consumer education web conference entitled “Home Safe Home: Making Informed Senior Care Decisions” Sept. 23 at 7 p.m. CDT.

The live and interactive program, which will provide advice on hiring a home care provider, is free of charge to participants.

The web conference topics include understanding the different types of home care providers, including service levels and associated costs; important differences between provider types, and informational resources to help find a home care provider.

Pre-registration for the event is required. Sign up by visiting the registration link at www.privatedutyhomecare.org.
 

Wood Co. senior volunteer honored
Wood County Committee on Aging (WCCOA) nominated Larry Farnham to become the 2010 American Volunteer, a national video contest organized by the Meals On Wheels Association of America (MOWAA). Voting ended Aug. 1 and winners were announced Sept. 2 at the 2010 Meals on Wheels Association of America’s annual conference in Atlanta.

Farnham received the third-place award of 17 national contestants. “Larry puts his heart and soul into helping Wood County seniors,” said Jacqueline Metz, volunteer coordinator for WCCOA. “Winning this competition is a great way to honor that hard work and bring attention to all the volunteers who help seniors in our community.”

Farnham has been a volunteer with the WCCOA for over 10 years. He is a regular home-delivered meal volunteer and does numerous other volunteer duties for WCCOA.

Wood County Committee on Aging serves about 750 meals daily (Monday through Friday) to the 60-year and older population throughout Wood County. For more information about the WCCOA’s home-delivered and congregate meal programs, call 419-353-5661 or 1-800-367-4935.

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