The Council on Older Persons (COOP), an advisory committee of The Center for Community Solutions, held a regular meeting on September 9th. The group, which aims to address the problems and concerns of older adults in Greater Cleveland, discussed a number of topics including state legislation, Cuyahoga County’s upcoming budget and a previous conversation with...
Staying connected, especially during this pandemic
They’re there. Behind closed doors. Rarely seen or heard. But there and they need attention. Who? Isolated older adults. On Tuesday, May 12, Ohio announced the launch of a new program, Staying Connected, a free, daily check-in phone service for Ohioans age 60 or older. Its laudable goal is to ensure that Ohioans—especially those who...
COVID-19 and long-term care facilities, be kind
As Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Director of Public Health Dr. Amy Acton regularly remind us at their daily 2 p.m. briefings, the data about COVID-19 cases both in the community and in long-term care facilities is emerging and far from complete. As Dr. Acton is fond of saying, it’s really just the tip of...
Medicaid and COVID19: How to use Home & Community-Based Services waivers
Background Many of the 1.8 million older adults who live in Ohio will require long-term care as they age. The Administration of Community Living estimates 70 percent of those older than age 65 will require some type of long-term care as they age, and about 20 percent will need care for five years or more....
Preventing social isolation when the senior center closes
Governor Mike DeWine announced that all senior centers must close by the end of the day on Monday, March 23, 2020. Even before the official government decree, congregate meal sites for older adults across the state were transitioning from group meals within their facilities to meal delivery and meal pick-up. Governor Mike DeWine announced that...
How do we love thee?
Fact Sheet on Federal Proposal to Cut SNAP Benefit Levels in Ohio by Reducing the Standard Utility Allowance
By: Rachel Cahill Consultant for Cuyahoga County’s Benefits Access Partnership Background On October 3, the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) published a proposed rule that would impose a standardized methodology for calculating the Standard Utility Allowance (SUA) for SNAP.[1] The SUA plays an important role determining a household’s total shelter expenses, which in turn, significantly...
The Council on Older Persons advocates, leads on senior issues
The Council on Older Persons (COOP) has been a standing committee of The Center for Community Solutions for more than 70 years. As we look back at 2019, COOP continues to distinguish itself as a leading destination for information about senior issues, and a vocal advocate for local seniors. Under the leadership of outgoing COOP...