September 17~ During Governor DeWine’s Policy Summit on Healthy Aging in Columbus he shared the need to expand PACE throughout the State of Ohio.
The state’s efforts to improve the lives of older Ohioans are producing results, Gov. Mike DeWine said Wednesday.
Addressing attendees of the Governor’s Policy Summit on Healthy Aging, DeWine said Ohio has shown progress in reaching his goal of being the best place to age in the nation.
“We’re not only celebrating the contributions of older Ohioans, but we’re investing in their future as well as the future of this entire state,” he said.
Those efforts led Jenny Carlson, the AARP’s state director, to announce the designation of Ohio as an age-friendly state.
“We are so proud to recognize you with this award, your vision, your commitment to building communities where people of all ages can thrive,” she said.
The designation recognizes the state’s recent support, through the Department of Aging, for strategies aimed at improving the quality of life for senior citizens.
Those investments were funded through Healthy Aging Grants and supported regional long-term care facilities and other resources for families navigating choices associated with aging.
DeWine said the grants, authorized by the prior operating budget (HB 33 of 2023), support “everything from food and housing assistance to digital literacy programs helping older Ohioans stay connected, healthy and independent.”
The governor specifically mentioned the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly —PACE — which he said will be expanded from its prior footprint in Cuyahoga County.
“PACE will soon be available in 10 Ohio counties, bridging gaps in care for adults with complex medical needs,” he said. “This program is high quality and saves money. And our goal, of course…is to go to 88 counties.”
With the continued partnership of AARP, DeWine said the state will be able listen to Ohio’s senior population and better accommodate individuals’ needs.
“I think most important thing for people in local communities to do is, frankly, listen to the older citizens in their county, in their city, in their village. What is it they want?” he said.
DeWine also said the award aligns with the state’s mission of helping each Ohioan to live up to their full potential at every stage of life.
Carlson said the organization, in collaboration with the state, will continue working with officials and communities statewide to identify places that need further investment.
“We’re going to be working with all counties on their state plans,” she said. “We’re going to go in and see where they want to move the needle.”
#PACE #McGregorPACE #ProgramofAll-inclusiveCarefortheElderly
