The Ohio Department of Aging: Helping Mature Adults
The Ohio Department of Aging helps the mature adults in the state of Ohio to lead independent lives while enjoying a high quality of life. The department also works towards providing care to those who are confined to their homes through outreach and volunteer programs that help to prevent isolation that can come about easily as we grow older. The Ohio Department of Aging has taken several steps to make sure that these efforts are carried out and formulated various programs and budgets for this specific purpose.
Golden Buckeye Program
Finances can be tough late in life and the Ohio Department of Aging understands this very well. The Golden Buckeye Program has been successfully introduced to the state and embraced by 20,000 businesses all over Ohio. The Golden Buckeye Program allows senior citizens to receive discounts and special deals in any participating store. Any store that is part of the Golden Buckeye Program will display the logo.
Any resident of Ohio who holds a driving license or State ID is eligible for the card on their 60th birthday for absolutely no fee. The Golden Buckeye has even extended to pharmacies with discounts on prescription drugs if your health insurance does not cover all drugs. Your income is not taken into account, as long as you have a Golden Buckeye card you are eligible for a discount on the prescription drugs you buy.
Family Support
The Ohio Department of Aging recognizes the contribution that family members who act as caregivers to their older family members. This recognition comes in the form of the National Family Caregiver Support Program. This program is meant to help ease a little of the demands that come with being a caregiver. Simple things like someone to help with the weekly shopping, cooking and cleaning can be an immense help. Home modification such as building ramps and installing special supports throughout the house are also a part of this program.
The socialization aspect of care giving is not forgotten by the Ohio Department of Aging. a visitor to sit with the elderly care recipient is welcome to both the care recipient and the caregiver. Activities at adult day service centers are also provided by the Ohio Department of Aging to help the care recipient socialize with others and engage in fun and stimulating activities. Support groups are also available to caregivers who wish to talk to others going through similar experiences.
