AARP Ohio
AARP is working to improve the lives of all Ohioans.
Ohio
— By Sarah Hollander Nurse practitioner Sara Pease, 41, wanted to serve her rural community by helping open a combined primary care and mental health practice in East Liverpool five years ago. When Calcutta Family Care’s medical director left abruptly in 2017, with no successor, Pease was left scrambling to secure the fate of thousands of patients. She and the remaining three nurse practitioners couldn’t provide care without state-mandated oversight by a doctor. Finding a physician wasn’t easy. When she did, …
— It’s been just about two weeks since I attended the AARP Ohio 2018 Volunteer Summit and I’m still feeling the excitement. A fellow Cincinnati volunteer had to convince me to make the trip and I’m glad she did. I’ve always known that AARP was a big organization with important goals. Over the past year, I’ve witnessed how our local events and activities encourage older men and women to live well and enjoy life. The Summit reinforced my sense of connection …
— By Sarah Hollander Bruce and Ann Williams are both 70. But with the progression of Alzheimer’s disease, Ann, a retired speech pathologist and preschool director, has mentally reverted to early childhood. Bruce has served as her full-time caregiver for several years, taking on household chores and personal care at their home in Commercial Point, south of Columbus. “Basically, I’m her everything,” Williams, a retired engineer and inventor, said. “Caregivers like me are essentially running a nonprofit care facility out of …
— Today, in Ohio, 2 million people over 65 and individuals with disabilities are covered by Medicare for their health care. Before President Lyndon Johnson signed Medicare into law 53 years ago this month, fewer than 25 percent of older Americans had meaningful health insurance. Even a minor illness could propel them into bankruptcy or send them into a life of poverty. Thankfully, the deal that was struck with Americans in 1965 – pay into Medicare throughout your working life and …
— Americans 50+ are the nation’s most powerful voting bloc – and it’s important we stay that way. The power of older voters is real, but many of them don’t vote in most midterm elections. In the 2016 Presidential Election, 2.9 million Ohioans age 50+ voted but in the 2014 Midterm Election, only 2.1 million Ohioans age 50+ voted. That’s a difference of almost 900,000 drop-off 50+ voters. AARP wants to change that. The AARP Ohio state office is recruiting volunteers …
— AARP Ohio aims to keep members informed about issues that affect them and their families, such as caregiving, utility costs, health care and tax reform. AARP also offers opportunities for members to take action and make their voices heard. That’s especially important in an election year when Ohio voters will choose a governor and U.S. senator. As a nonpartisan organization, AARP does not endorse candidates but does take a stand on issues. Members who want to get involved can sign …
— By Sarah Hollander Soon after Mary Relotto moved her 90-year-old mother into her Columbus home last fall, she realized she would need help. While family members can perform nursing tasks for a loved one at home, state regulations restrict the tasks that hired caregivers can provide. Home health aides can assume many tasks, but nurses must perform others, including the administration of medications. Relotto, a 52-year-old business consultant, said she wanted more flexible options. “If I’m the responsible party, then …
— BJ Blanchard was selected by AARP, the nonprofit organization for people 50 and older, to receive the 2017 AARP Ohio Andrus Award for Community Service — the Association’s most prestigious and visible state volunteer award for community service. AARP Ohio selected Blanchard for her remarkable service which has greatly benefited the community, supported AARP’s vision and mission, and inspired other volunteers. She has been volunteering as an Ombudsman Associate at Long Term Care Ombudsman (LTCO) for over 25 years. LTCO …
— AARP helps people turn their goals and dreams into Real Possibilities, strengthens communities, and fights for the issues that matter most to families. If you’re interested in having fun and making an impact with new friends, then volunteering with AARP might be the answer. AARP Sip, Sample and Serve Thursday, October 26, 2017 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm Presidential Banquet Center 4548 Presidential Way Kettering, OH 45429 You and your guest are invited to join AARP Ohio at the Presidential …
— By Sarah Hollander An older woman withdraws $300 a month for years from her local bank. Suddenly, she’s withdrawing large amounts at atypical times. She could be paying for a new water heater or a grandson’s tuition. She might also be in the grip of a scammer draining her savings. This is the kind of scenario state Rep. Wes Retherford (R-Hamilton) had in mind when he sponsored a bill requiring financial professionals to report potential elder fraud. The legislation, backed …