COUNCIL ON AGING OF SOUTHWESTERN OHIO

PASSPORT is a Medicaid-funded program designed to help older adults with disabilities receive care and support in their home, rather than in a nursing facility. PASSPORT offers a range of supportive services, including housekeeping, personal care, respite care, nursing services, assistance with out-of-pocket healthcare expenses, transitional care, transportation, meals and self-directed care. To qualify for PASSPORT, individuals must be aged 60 or older, low income (Medicaid eligible), require a nursing home level of care (help with at least two Activities of Daily Living and three Instrumental Activities of Daily Living), and should not be eligible for MyCare Ohio. Specific eligibility for particular services is determined through an in-home assessment conducted by a care manager.

The Elderly Services Program (ESP) helps eligible older adults remain independent in their homes by providing services such as personal care, housekeeping, meals, transportation, and more. ESP expands care older adults may already receive from family and friends and prevents unnecessary nursing home placement. COA administers the Elderly Services Program in Butler, Clinton, Hamilton, and Warren counties. Clients who are financially able may be asked to help pay for the cost of their care. Eligibility for the program starts at age 60 (depending on the home county of residence). Individuals must also require help with certain activities of daily living and must not be ineligible for services through another payer such as Medicaid, Medicare, insurance or hospice.

Council on Aging's Caregiver Education and Support Program provides free support and connection to resources for family or volunteer caregivers. In certain circumstances, the program can even provide overnight care so caregivers can take a break. The program aims to alleviate caregiver stress and burden, reduce the risk of caregiver injuries, boost caregiver confidence and knowledge, and assist caregivers in achieving a balance between their personal lives and caregiving responsibilities. This support includes consultation by a specialist who will assess the caregiver, introduce relevant resources, make referrals, and provide educational materials. Other resources may also be available. To qualify, the caregiver or care recipient must be at least 60 years old and the caregiver must live in Butler, Clermont,Clinton, Hamilton or Warren counties. There is no age requirement for family caregivers who provide care for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or related disorders.

Council on Aging is the region's “front door” to information and resources for older adults, people with disabilities, their families and caregivers, and professionals working in the fields of aging and disability services. Individuals can contact Council on Aging's Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) for unbiased answers, information and advice regarding: housing and nursing homes, financial assistance, Medicare and other benefits, resources for people with disabilities or mental health needs, and caregiver assistance. Assessors in ADRC also provide long-term care consultations to help families evaluate their long-term care options and costs. Council on Aging's call center and website are the initial points of contact.

Ohio’s Assisted Living Waiver Program is a long-term care option that combines a homelike setting with personal support services. It’s an alternative for people who need more care than PASSPORT (Medicaid-funded in-home care), but not a nursing home. Privacy and independence are key features of the Assisted Living Waiver. Facilities provide private, single-occupancy apartments with a private bathroom and space for socialization. In addition to private living space, two types of services are provided: 1) assisted living services and 2) community transition services. Clients also have a care manager from Council on Aging.

Eligibility: Age 21 or older; Medicaid eligible (low-income) and able to pay room and board; in need of skilled or intermediate care (help with at least 2 activities of daily living and 3 instrumental activities of daily living); must receive care in an approved assisted living facility.

MyCare Ohio provides coordinated care for Ohioans who are eligible for Medicaid and Medicare, including people with disabilities, older adults, and individuals who receive behavioral health services. An approved managed-care health plan coordinates members’ medical, behavioral, and long-term care needs. MyCare Ohio offers: care management, including in-home visits; all standard Medicare and Medicaid benefits (with option to opt-out of Medicare portion), including doctor and hospital visits, mental health services and
long-term care services provided in nursing or assisted living facilities or in the home.

To be eligible for the Medicaid portion of MyCare Ohio, individuals must be 18 years or older, reside in Butler, Clermont, Clinton, Hamilton, or Warren counties, and be eligible for both Medicaid and Medicare.

FastTrack Home provides older adults with quick access to in-home care services when they are leaving a participating hospital or nursing home. These temporary in-home services support recovery and help prevent unnecessary return visits to the hospital or nursing home. Services such as homemaking, home-delivered meals and medical transportation are set up before individuals return home and remain in place for up to 60 days to help in recovery and prevent unnecessary hospital or nursing home readmissions. Before FastTrack Home services end, individuals are evaluated for ongoing care through the Elderly Services Program (ESP). Eligibility: Starts at age 60 (county-dependent); resident of Butler, Clinton, Hamilton, or Warren counties; be a patient discharging from a hospital or nursing home; be in need of help with activities of daily living; be able to be cared for safely in a home (versus in a nursing home); agree to home visits from a care manager.

The Specialized Recovery Services Program offers targeted support for adults with severe and persistent mental illness, specific chronic health conditions, or those actively on a transplant waiting list. Eligible participants receive full Medicaid coverage and access services like Recovery Management for tailored care plans, Individual Placement and Support (IPS) for employment assistance, and Peer Support from those with similar experiences. To qualify, individuals must be 21 or older, meet income requirements, have a severe and persistent mental illness diagnosis, be on a transplant waiting list or a previous recipient, or have specified chronic conditions. They should need help with medical appointments and daily living tasks, meet disability criteria (exceptions for certain cases), and not reside in a nursing facility or hospital.

Council on Aging offers a variety of free health and wellness programs designed with older adults and caregivers in mind. Programs are available at convenient community locations (some are available virtually) and offer fun, peer-supported and/or evidence-based opportunities to learn strategies for living life to its fullest, such as: managing chronic health conditions including heart disease, diabetes, COPD; healthy eating; managing frustration, fatigue and isolation; exercising for strength and flexibility; improving communication with family, friends and doctors; preventing falls and improving balance; caregiver support; setting goals, and more. Programs are offered at a variety of community-based locations and are open and free to older adults, people with disabilities, and their caregivers in Butler, Clermont, Clinton, Hamilton, and Warren counties.