By Lee Ann O’Brien of The McGregor Foundation
There is a movement challenging us to think differently about accessibility: accessibility to access jobs for a time well beyond our 60s, accessibility to affordable housing, accessibility to quality housing stock that supports people remaining in their homes with innovative designs that can promote independence–free of barriers and accessibility to social and community programs promoting a healthy lifestyle for quality of life and longevity.
Why is this important information to share? Because we all need to think about what our future looks like and how we help our clients.
Looking at the landscape of aging populations in Northeast Ohio, it’s difficult to not be struck by the challenges in front of our communities. The growing population of the New Majority [300,000 older adults living in Cuyahoga County, representing 24% of the total population and out-numbering those under 20] is also living longer. Not only does that have obvious implications for entitlement programs such as Social Security, but the implications are equally significant for every program and provider serving aging citizens and for every community interested in remaining strong and vibrant. At the same time, we’re ‘sandwiched’ within our own family. What happens when we want to retire but a parent needs assisted living? Age with a plan!
Make a list of who you may count on and what each person on the list is willing to do, then revisiting these plans often-particularly if you’re relying on siblings or friends who have their own health issues.
You’ll need some professionals in your corner such as a certified financial planner, estate planning attorney, and healthcare providers—assemble a team to act as a sounding board.
Helping clients with their life and care planning can reduce costs, provide protection from creditors and can provide instructions for long term goals and leaving assets.
New concepts include Intentional Elder Friendly Communities, creating the Household Model, Walkable Communities, Facebook Groups for people over 55, Local Clubs within communities, go ‘Tiny’ and Villages (village to village network) and other affordable housing options. Other resources include:
- Estate Planning Council of Cleveland http://www.epccleveland.org/
The Estate Planning Council of Cleveland is a multi-disciplinary organization of over 400 members who share a common belief that a client is best served by the team concept of estate planning.
- Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry https://www.lutheranmetro.org/ Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry-Focusing on Housing & Shelter, Workforce Development, and Health & Wellness Services, innovative programs that serve with people who are homeless, youth who are at-risk, older adults who are vulnerable, people impacted by the criminal justice system, and individuals with behavioral health needs.
- Legal Aid Society of Cleveland https://lasclev.org Legal Aid represents clients in court and in administrative hearings and cases that impact on basic needs such as health, shelter and safety, economics and education, and access to justice. Legal Aid’s attorney’s practice in the areas of consumer rights, domestic violence, education, employment, family law, health, housing, foreclosure, immigration, public benefits, utilities, and tax.
- Senior Transportation Connection https://ridestc.org/ STC will provide transportation to a medical appointment, including dialysis, rehabilitation and treatment, senior centers meals and programs, grocery shopping, personal service appointments and social opportunities so clients can remain independent, healthy and connected to the community- supporting 36 zip codes within 75 percent of Cuyahoga County.
- Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) https://mcgregorpace.org Pace is the only program of its kind in Ohio, addressing the medical, rehabilitative, social, and personal care needs of Cuyahoga County’s seniors. Using a community-based approach, PACE enables eligible participants to remain among familiar surroundings while receiving the help they need. PACE senior care centers are where PACE participants can come during the day for medical services and activities between one and five days a week. McGregor PACE provides transportation for participants to and from their homes.
- Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association’s Lawyer Referral Service https://clemetrbar.org
- Department of Aging I City of Cleveland http://www.city.cleveland.oh.us/CityofCleveland/Home/Government/CityAgencies/Aging
- Home Repair Resource Center https://hrrc-ch.org/ Home Repair Resource Center is a nonprofit organization in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, striving to empower residents with the knowledge and skills they need to maintain their homes for sustainable & diverse communities.
Balancing Career, Family, Life and Fulfillment is the one challenge we have in common. Find the best fit for you and your clients- today and in the future!
Lee Ann O’Brien is a Certified Elder Care Coordinator and Chief Marketing Officer for The McGregor Foundation, supporting the needs of over 900 seniors daily, operating seven different care-settings throughout Cuyahoga County and McGregor PACE, the only Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) in Ohio, caring for another 600 participants, enabling nursing home eligible seniors to age in place in their own home. The McGregor Foundation is Ohio’s only grantmaking operation solely focused on the needs of economically disadvantaged elderly, providing 560 grants to 135 organizations totaling in excess of $15 million.
