10 REASONS TO SUPPORT ISSUE 10 - The hamilton COUNTY SENIOR SERVICES LEVY

1.

It helps older adults remain independent in their homes.

As we age, most of us want to stay in our own homes, even if we need help. Home means independence, privacy, dignity and connection to our loved ones. In-home care is much cheaper than a nursing home, but it’s still beyond the means of many. That’s where Hamilton County’s Senior Services levy helps. For 30 years, the levy has supported the Hamilton County Elderly Services Program (ESP). Through services such as home-delivered meals, personal care and transportation to doctor’s appointments, Hamilton County ESP makes it possible for more than 8,200 older adults to remain in their homes with independence and dignity.

2.

It is funded by Hamilton County, for Hamilton County

Hamilton County ESP is funded by the county’s Senior Services
​Levy, last approved by voters in 2017. Issue 10 is a renewal levy, so it won't increase taxes. The Senior Services Levy costs homeowners $33.97 annually per $100,000 in home value. The program is available to Hamilton County residents age 60 and older who need help with certain daily activities.

3.

It helps older adults while saving taxpayers money.

It costs an average of $350 per month to help an older adult stay in their home via ESP. If that same person were in a nursing home on Medicaid, it would cost taxpayers more than $6,000 a month. To help the program serve as many people as possible with the tax dollars available, some clients are required to help pay for the cost of their care through a co-payment. Co-payments are based on income, assets, out-of-pocket medical expenses and services needed.

4.

It helps older adults, families and businesses.

Hamilton County ESP makes a big difference for thousands of families who are caring for older loved ones. It helps working families keep mom and dad at home, while also helping businesses whose employees are struggling to balance work and caregiving responsibilities. ESP helps long-married spouses care for each other and stay together. And for those older adults who have no family nearby, it makes a difference in quality of life.

5.

It's for friends, neighbors and family.

Today, one-third of Hamilton County households includes someone age 60 or older. So chances are, you know someone – an older adult or a caregiver – who has benefited from ESP and the levy. ESP clients helped to shape the communities we live in today. They were secretaries, teachers, construction workers and business owners. They served our country and built our towns. The typical ESP client is a woman in her 70s, living alone on a modest income. She has health problems, doesn’t drive, and needs help with housework and meals. But she doesn’t need a nursing home.

6.

Hamilton County ESP is well-managed and mission-driven.

Council on Aging of Southwestern Ohio (COA) manages the program via a contract with Hamilton County Commissioners. COA is a non-profit organization designated as the Area Agency on Aging for southwestern Ohio, including Hamilton County. COA’s mission is to enhance lives by assisting people to remain independent through a range of quality services. COA brings in federal funds which help support ESP and other services for Hamilton County older adults and caregivers. Commissioners appoint a volunteer community board to advise on program needs and policies. Providers deliver the services, such as housekeeping and transportation, via competitive contracts with COA.

7.

Hamilton County ESP delivers the right services at the right time.

Care managers create a plan for each client and arrange and coordinate services. Depending on client needs, these may include adult day care, emergency response systems, home-delivered meals, home modification (e.g. wheelchair ramp), home care assistance (personal care, homemaking and respite), medical equipment, transportation and more. To be eligible, clients must live in Hamilton County, be age 60 or older, and be unable to perform certain daily activities without help. Some are able to help pay for their care via co-payment. Services are flexible and can be adjusted as a client’s needs change. ESP supplements – not supplants – care that is already provided by family caregivers.

8.

The need is real.

​Hamilton County’s older adult population is growing rapidly. Today, more than one in five residents is age 60 or older. By 2030 it will be closer to one in four. And, approximately 28 percent of county residents age 60 and older have a disability. Hamilton County ESP serves these individuals and their caregivers, helping them to live at home, instead of in a nursing home.​
​
(Data sources: Scripps Gerontology Center and US Census)

9.

If Issue 10 fails, the Elderly Services Program will end.

There is no other local program to take its place. The levy provides 89 percent of the funding for Hamilton County ESP. Other funding comes from federal and state sources (via Council on Aging), client donations and co-payments.

10.

Hamilton County cares about its older residents.

Voters have supported the levy and ESP for 30 years. They understand the importance of ESP for the older adults of today, and for those who will need it in the future.