Senior services, agencies focus of open house

By LINDA M. LINONIS

linonis@vindy.com

LIBERTY

Ida Kearney described the township’s Senior Watch Program as a “security blanket.”

That’s one reason why she attended an open house Wednesday at the township administration building, 1315 Church Hill-Hubbard Road. She wanted to meet the voice on the phone who asks her if all is well. And she wanted to thank those who run the program.

Kearney also said she wanted to “get updated on what’s available” in services for senior citizens.

That’s also what brought Mary Jane Williams to the event. “I wanted to learn about services ... there’s a lot of good information here,” she said.

"It’s good to know what’s out there and think ahead. You never think you’ll get old, but you do.”

The open house featured information on the Senior Watch Program along with displays by other agencies whose focus is senior citizens. Senior Watch offers a “check-in” service in which senior citizens call in to report on their well-being. The “elderly call” is a designated phone call time conducted through the police department. If no contact is made, an officer will go to the senior’s home to make a welfare check.

Senior Watch also is available to shut-ins, the wheelchair-bound and others.

For information, call the township building at 330-759-1315 or visit the township web site at www.libertytwp.com to access an application to register.

Applications also are available at the township building and fire departments.

Displays were by:

Area Agency on Aging 11, which covers Columbiana, Mahoning, Trumbull and Ashtabula counties, with Doug Doyle, care manager, said one of the agency’s many services is the Home Choice Program that helps seniors transition from nursing homes to their own place. There are also community and home-delivered meals, in-home services, Passport on long-term care. Information: 800-686-7367.

Celtic Healthcare with services for those 60 and older including homecare, rehabilitation and medical social services.

Centers for Hearing Care with Debbie Copeland of the Liberty office, said the center is volunteering in Senior Watch. She said hearing loss affects the quality of life in that it hampers communication.

Girard Multi-Generational Center, 443Trumbull Ave., Girard, with Laura Carey-D’Rummo, administrative director, said the center offers health, fitness, education, community and youth programs. Information: 330-545-6596.

Home Instead with Anna Keck said the office provides personal, home help and companionship services. Passport and private pay are accepted.

Scope Inc. of Trumbull County has seven activity centers and offers social services, prescription assistance, home health and chores services, information and referral. Information: 330-399-2966.

Trumbull County Adult Protective Services is geared to those 60 and older who live in Trumbull County who may be abused, neglected or exploited. Call 330-392-3248.

Trumbull County Office of Elderly Affairs with Kenneth Heim, outreach worker, said the service offers congregate meals at 10 sites in the county and about 500 home-delivered meals. The agency also offers Dial-A-Ride in its transportation program. Information on nutrition and transportation programs: 330-675-2486.

Trumbull County Senior Court with Hally Abruzzi, office manager, said the court, co-sponsored by Area Agency on Aging District 11 and Trumbull County Probate Court, deals with legal issues of those 60 and older. Case referral categories include traffic offenses, petty theft, community disturbances, home owner citations and civil actions. Information: Mary Warren, senior court coordinator, 330-675-3033.

Western Reserve Independent Living Center provides information and referral to people of all ages with disabilities.