We envision that older adults are able to access and afford community support, health, and safety services.
FALLS PREVENTION
Of older adults surveyed, 18% had fallen in the past 6 months and 18% reported feeling anxious about falling
⫸ A Matter of Balance is an award-winning, proven workshop that teaches practical strategies to reduce your fear of falling and increase your activity level. Classes are held in Delaware County and central Ohio locations throughout the year. LEARN MORE | Registration open through March 20 – Ohio Wesleyan Lifelong Learning Institute – Matter of Balance (Spring 2023)
⫸ SourcePoint, the comprehensive aging services provider in Delaware County, offers free presentations to community groups and employers. Speakers are available for in-person or virtual events and provide professional insight and information, tell stories, and even entertain as your attendees learn about aging services in Delaware County. In addition to Falls Prevention Presentations, topics include but are not limited to Aging Services & Issues, Caregiver Support, Discharge Planning Care, Donations & Planned Giving, Medicare Education, Nutrition, and Volunteering. LEARN MORE
⫸ Falls-Free Zone curriculum provides comprehensive falls prevention information at your location via SourcePoint On-the-Go. LEARN MORE
FRAUD PREVENTION
Of survey respondents, 3 out of 100 adults have felt abused and 8 out of 100 have been a victim of a financial scam.
⫸ City of Delaware Police Department – offers free security assessments to city residents and other free security programs to the community. For more information call 740-203-1100.
⫸ Technology Talk at SourcePoint– Jarren Ringle provides free advice to those with questions regarding tech devices including cell phones, personal computers, laptops, and tablets. In addition, Jarren shares valuable information on how to prevent being a victim of a scam, tech safety tips, device backups, and how to deter social media hackers. REGISTER FOR A CLASS WITH JARREN
⫸ SourcePoint, the comprehensive aging services provider in Delaware County, offers a free presentation, “Seniors Against Scams,” to community groups and employers. Speakers are available for in-person or virtual events and provide professional insight and information, tell stories, and even entertain as your attendees learn about aging services in Delaware County. LEARN MORE
SAFETY AWARENESS
We heard that many older adults in our community are unaware of safety-related programs available in Delaware County.
⫸ Emergency Preparedness Toolkit is available for download. This booklet provides information on different aspects of safety in our community, such as fire prevention, severe weather, and other emergencies.
MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES
If you or a loved one is struggling with mental health, help is just a phone call away. Call 2-1-1 or text HELPLINE to 898211. Local resource specialists are available 24/7/365.
41% of Age-Friendly Delaware County survey respondents were not aware of mental health services in their community.
⫸ Delaware Morrow Mental Health & Recovery Board works with a diverse roster of behavioral health providers to ensure that services, programs, and treatments are effective, efficient, and LOCAL. Along with these providers, the DMMHRSB also partners with community and government groups to incorporate behavioral health considerations into everyday life for residents of Delaware and Morrow counties.
⫸ Helpline of Delaware & Morrow Counties services include Prevention Programs through training and education, an online resource directory database, local support groups, and more.
⫸ NAMI Mid-Ohio is a valuable partner that provides support, educational materials, and advocacy, and connects those in need of mental health services with local resources.
FOOD INSECURITY
Based on information from the Delaware County Hunger Alliance and population statistics, we can infer that 5,600 older adults are at risk of food insecurity.
⫸ St. Michael’s Community Garden – Installing a community vegetable garden at St. Michael’s Community involved installing a fence, laying an accessible crushed-gravel path, constructing 6 elevated cedar-garden beds, and engaging community members. This joint effort was led by Master Gardners of Delaware County to expand fresh food access to the community. AARP COMMUNITY GARDEN TOOLKIT
⫸ Delaware County Hunger Alliance – A collaboration of community partners committed to connecting neighbors in need with services that provide access to healthy food options, nutrition education, and resources that promote economic stability. LINK TO FOOD PANTRIES MAP
ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE
Navigating the health care system is difficult for those with little or no insurance coverage or very high deductibles, especially those ages 55 to 65, or not yet Medicare eligible.
⫸ Grace Clinics of Ohio, Inc. is a free medical ministry that serves uninsured and underinsured members of our community. This valuable organization offers free medical appointments, prescription assistance, and even specialist appointments including but not limited to dentistry, physical therapy, chiropractic care, optometry, and women’s health. Learn more at http://graceclinicweb.org/ or call 740-816-6955.
⫸ Caregiver Support – According to the National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP, nearly 1 in 5 Americans are providing unpaid care to an adult. These informal caregivers—family, friends, and neighbors—share the responsibility, reward, and challenge of providing care and comfort to their older loved ones. SourcePoint’s caregiver support offers a variety of free resources and dynamic programs including in-home care services, caregiver and grief support groups, a crash course in caregiving, a 6-week workshop titled “Powerful Tools for Caregivers,” and one-on-one discussions. LEARN MORE
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