Older Americans Act

TITLE III OLDER AMERICANS ACT

A part of the national aging network, WRAAA administers Older Americans Act programs which provide for a wide range of services and opportunities for persons 60 and over to help them maintain their independence and health. Title III of the Older Americans Act provides funding for a wide range of services furnished by community agencies. The services include: Information and assistance, meal programs, both congregate and home delivered, transportation, supportive services, escort, chore, homemaking, legal, personal care, escort, adult day care, home maintenance.
In addition to the federal Older Americans Act , these services are supported by State of Ohio Senior Community Services Block Grant Funds, local moneys and participant donations. Although there are no fees charged for Older Americans Act services, participants are strongly encouraged to make donations.
LONG TERM CARE OMBUDSMAN

Protecting the rights of older persons is a cornerstone of the Older Americans Act. The Long Term Care Ombudsman Program (LTCO) is an advocate for long term care consumers and is the "voice" for residents of nursing homes, residential and adult care facilities, and consumers of in-home services. LTCO offers consumer advocacy to respond to and resolve consumer complaints and represent the consumer's perspective in legislative and policy issues. LTCO offers consumer education by providing referrals and information through the OPTIONS program for those who need long term care, by providing information relating to Medicaid and Medicare. LTCO services Medicare consumers who need individualized assistance. For more information call: 216-696-2719.
MULTIPURPOSE SENIOR CENTERS

Multipurpose senior centers are the heart of the senior service network. They are community facilities which offer a variety of activities and programs, designed to meet the needs of the communities they serve. Senior centers provide opportunities to meet others, to participate in social activities, to have a meal, to volunteer at the center or in the community, to get counseling and support. Senior centers also help connect older persons with other services in the wider community. Typically a center might offer meals (both at the site and delivered to the homes of those who cannot get out), health screening, exercise, transportation, escort, recreation and supportive services such as counseling or translation. 
Senior Centers:  Many municipalities offer services for older persons. Call the city to discover what services are available. SPECIALIZED SERVICES

There are several services which require providers and workers to have specialized training or supervision. With Older Americans Act funds, WRAAA also funds a group of these services. Some are offered by senior centers but most are offered by agencies organized for the specific purpose of providing the service. Such services are: adult day care, guardianship, homemaker, legal, personal care, chore, and home maintenance. To find which organizations provide such services, call the Information and Assistance provider in each county or call the nearest senior center.
OTHER COMMUNITY BASED SERVICES

Caregivers' of Alzheimer sufferers can receive respite services from several agencies funded by WRAAA with funds provided by the state of Ohio through the Ohio Department of Aging. The examples of services are: visiting, housekeeping, personal care, adult day care, respite voucher programs and education (which can include care planning.) Agencies which provide the services are: The Cleveland Alzheimer's Association, the Tri County Alzheimer's Association, the Benjamin Rose Institute, A New Day, Medina Office for Older Adults, Geauga Department of Aging, Senior Citizens Association of Lorain County, Breckenridge Village, Around the Clock, Catholic Social Services of Medina.
WRAAA funds selected organizations that provide home repair services for older adults in need. The agency also oversees the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP).

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