AARP Ohio

Nursing homes are beginning to resume in-person visitation as coronavirus restrictions relax across several states. Currently, indoor visitation is allowed at Ohio nursing homes and assisted-living facilities as long as they follow certain health and safety requirements. AARP Ohio wants to ensure that all precautions are being taken in response to this change. It is important to recognize that there will be new limitations on when, where, and for how long you can visit your loved one. In Ohio, visitation requirements include a two-visitor limit for a maximum of 30 minutes and safety protocols such as social distancing and wearing face masks.

This week, AARP Ohio advocacy volunteers and staff have had the chance to connect with state legislators to promote our legislative recommendations before the General Assembly disperses for summer recess at the end of the month. There are currently several bills in play that could strip rights away from nursing home residents, affect how we vote in the November elections, remove barriers to critical utilities for Ohioans living in rural communities, and stop unfair surprise medical billing.

Anxious family members have often been unable to get good information or reach a relative in an Ohio long-term care facility during a prolonged lockdown caused by the coronavirus pandemic in which in-person visits are banned.

AARP Ohio released written testimony, along with the following statement from State Director Holly Holtzen, PhD, on House Bill 606 and Senate Bill 308, companion legislation bills under consideration this week in the Ohio House of Representatives Civil Justice Committees and the Ohio Senate Judiciary Committee:

AARP founder, Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus, urged 50+ individuals to redefine the aging process and engage in “the great army of service.” She asserted that by volunteering in their communities, older adults can inspire changes that will collectively strengthen the voice of the aging population.

While effective changes have already been made to protect Ohioans of all ages during the COVID-19 outbreak, there are still critical gaps that need urgent attention. AARP Ohio is focused on making legislative asks that will protect older adults throughout the state. To accomplish this goal, AARP recently brought the following key issues to the attention of the General Assembly:

Barbara Corcoran explains how an elaborate email scheme almost cost her $400,000

Growing up in Louisiana, AARP volunteer Norman Bell was incredibly accustomed to sharing with friends and family. On a daily basis, he would watch as his neighbors exchanged items from their garden with his parents and vice versa. Norman found comfort in watching wholesome relationships develop in his neighborhood and knew that he wanted to emulate the same compassion and friendliness as he grew up. Witnessing this selflessness as a child inspired Bell to commit his life to helping others, and he has undoubtedly fulfilled that mission throughout his career and long-term involvement with AARP Ohio.

AARP is providing information and resources about COVID-19 to help older Ohioans, and their families protect themselves from the virus and prevent it from spreading to others.

Debido a la creciente preocupación por el coronavirus y el cierre de los centros de votación, las opciones para votar de los residentes de Ohio han cambiado temporalmente para las elecciones primarias del 2020. Ahora se puede votar por correo hasta el 28 de abril del 2020.Todos los votantes registrados recibirán una tarjeta postal informativa del secretario de Estado de Ohio, Frank LaRose, con detalles explicativos del proceso de votación de este año. Aquí encontrarás una lista de los puntos básicos e instrucciones que debes revisar antes de solicitar y enviar por correo tu papeleta electoral.