Council on Aging (COA) this week released its 2022 Impact Report, an overview of the agency’s program and service and financial activities for the year.
In the report’s CEO letter and highlight stories, readers learn that a focus on innovation (one of COA’s core values) built the foundation of nearly everything the agency did in 2022. Most of this innovation was centered around alleviating the effects of a severe home health aide shortage on the older adults served by the agency.
COA released two original technology-based solutions to address workforce- and caregiving-related challenges. Its AddnAide app connects those who need care with those willing to provide it, thus broadening the pool of potential home health aides who are available to assist older adults with essential in-home care needs. EVRTalk is a virtual reality experience designed to help caregivers feel more comfortable in their roles. Due to the home health aide shortage, more individuals find themselves unexpectedly helping loved ones with tasks that a home health aide would normally handle.
COA’s home52 Transportation program continued to innovate and grow in 2022, utilizing its centralized call center and a network of providers to meet the transportation needs of more older adults in our community. In its first full year of operation, home52 Transportation provided nearly 40,000 rides for approximately 1,200 riders in Hamilton County and received extremely high satisfaction scores from the riders.
Council on Aging provided services to 26,313 individuals in 2022, with 15,003 participating in levy-supported Elderly Services Programs in four counties in its service area; 3,109 in traditional Medicaid waiver programs such as PASSPORT; and 8,201 who were enrolled in MyCare Ohio or received other case management services.
Through COA’s various programs and services, older adults and individuals with disabilities received: 1.6 million meals delivered to their homes or served in a congregate setting; 147,685 trips for medical and senior center activities; and 1.3 million hours of in-home care via contracted providers and consumer direction. The agency’s call center responded to 58,334 requests for information and referral.
Other highlights in the report include COA’s ongoing advocacy for higher Medicaid reimbursement rates, which would result in higher wages for home health aides. Additionally, voters in three counties in COA’s service area overwhelmingly voted in favor of continuing their Senior Services Levies, which provide the majority of funds for the Elderly Services Programs in the counties.
To view a digital version of the print report, click here. The report supplement, which contains full-length success and highlight stories, is available to read here.
Click here to request a printed copy of the report.