Serving Lucas, Ottawa, Sandusky and Wood Counties
Hospice of Northwest Ohio provides specialized programs that address the specific needs of patients with Alzheimer’s, dementia and other cognitive disorders. Through their Symphony Disease Specific Care Program and the Special Care Unit inside the Virgini Clifford Hospice Center in Toledo, staff are trained to address the specific needs of those with cognitive disorders.
Symphony Program – The Symphony program, created in collaboration with The National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation (NPHI), The Center to Advance Palliative Care (CAPC) and Aliviado Health, includes free access to the “Dementia Care Patient & Caregiver Resource Guide,” which provides the best-in-class resource for dementia care. The goal is to improve the quality of life for dementia patients, reduce hospitalizations and ease burdens for families and caregivers.
Symphony also includes training for all Hospice clinical staff in assisting families who are coping with the challenges of end-stage dementias. Among the topics covered in the program are care tips, safety, communication and medications.
Special Care Unit – Opened in 2019, the Special Care Unit provides a safe, inpatient care setting for hospice-eligible patients who cannot be well managed in Hospice’s traditional inpatient centers. These patients benefit from the safety and privacy of a secure unit, the expertise of specially trained staff and the use of non-medicinal therapies.
For more information about these programs or Hospice of Northwest Ohio, call 419-661-4001 or visit hospicenwo.org.
Cholesterol screenings set
The Wood County Committee on Aging is scheduling cholesterol screening clinics for July.
Screenings are available for Wood County residents age 25 and older. The cost is $20 for those 60 and over, $25 for those 25-59. Appointments and pretest instructions are required.
The screening panel includes total cholesterol, HDL (good cholesterol), LDL (bad cholesterol), triglycerides, total cholesterol/HDL ratio and a blood glucose level. Results will be immediately available and discussed with clients by a registered nurse.
Screenings will be offered at the Wood County Senior Center in Bowling Green from 9-11 a.m. Friday, July 11; Wednesday, July 23 and Thursday. July 31. Testing will also be conducted Friday, July 18 from 9-11 a.m. at the Perrysburg Area Senior Center.
To schedule an appointment, call 1-800-367-4935 or 419-353-5661 and ask for the Social Services Department.
‘Y For All’ Golf Outing benefits essential programs
The YMCA of Sandusky County will host its 11th Annual “Y For All “ Golf Outing on Friday, July 18, at Sycamore Hills Golf Club.
The outing will include lunch, dinner, beverage tickets, and a chance to win $3,000 with a hole in one.
This annual event supports multiple YMCA initiatives which help remove financial barriers to individuals or families meeting their health and wellness goals. More than 2,100 individuals received financial assistance in 2024, removing barriers for the following programs, among others:
Interested foursomes can register by visiting YMCAFremont.org, calling 419-332-9622, or in person at 1000 North St. Fremont. Call Jeremiah Wagner at 419-332-9622 or email at jwagner@ymcafremont.org for more details.
To take advantage of the financial assistance made possible by this event, stop by the YMCA with your most recent IRS 1040, and a staff member can assist you. Those with questions, including those without an IRS 1040, can contact the Y at 419-332-9622 or info@ymcafremont.org to learn more.
‘Caregiving’ documentary available for streaming
“Caregiving, “ a new documentary created with executive producer Bradley Cooper, will premiere Tuesday, June 24, at p.m. on PBS, wellbeings.org and the PBS YouTube Channel. Stream the film now on the PBS App and PBS.org.
The two-hour documentary is the story of paid and unpaid caregivers navigating the challenges and joys of this deeply meaningful work. Actress Uzo Aduba narrates the film, bringing her own experience as a caregiver for her mother to the project.
As the number of caregivers declines and the number of individuals requiring care in America increases, the challenges grow. Caregivers require differing types and levels of support. At times, the burdens of caregiving can seem unbearable, regardless of resources. The “needs gap “ for information may be greater for caregivers than it is for care recipients. The film will explore these issues and shine a light on innovation for 21st century caregiving.
Visit pbs.org/show/caregiving/ for more information.
Lucas County Children Services to present Community Conversation
Lucas County Children Services, the county agency responsible for leading the community in the protection of children, is sponsoring another in its ongoing series of “community conversations, “ to be held Monday, June 23, 5 to 7 p.m., at the new South Toledo Branch Library, 1736 Broadway St.
These free, open conversations begin with the topic of, “Safe Children, Safe Families. “ LCCS staff, along with representatives of other community agencies, will discuss many of the concerns that families experience today, and the options that families and caregivers have to prevent child abuse and neglect:
“These community conversations are a valuable exchange of information, perspectives, and ideas with our families and stakeholders, “ said Hope Bland, Ph.D., LCCS director of diversity, equity, inclusion, and strategy. “These have become a vital exchange of information. Attendees are being educated on what LCCS and community partners can offer children and families. Our leadership team, in turn, is gaining input on continuing community needs with the feedback those we’re receiving from attendees.”
Light refreshments will be available. Call 419-213-3727 for more details.
Care Compass Project
Wood County Committee on Aging will present the Care Compass Project – a quarterly network gathering for caregivers – Wednesday, Sept. 3 at 11 a.m.
The topic will be “Dementia Support & Community Resources.”
Care Compass is a place to gather together and obtain resources to make the journey of caregiving less stressful. This series is designed for those that may share the journey of caregiving today or in the future.
Respite care is available for care recipients (please pre-register for respite).
The Wood County Senior Center is located at 140 S. Grove St., Bowling Green. For more information, call 419-353-5661 or visit wccoa.net.
