10 REASONS TO SUPPORT THE Warren 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 the levy helps. It supports the Warren County Elderly Services Program (ESP). Through services such as home-delivered meals, homemaking help, and transportation, Warren County ESP makes it possible for more than 2,400 older adults to remain in their homes with independence and dignity.

2.

It will not raise your taxes.

Issue 2 is a renewal of the current 1.21 mill levy, so it won't increase taxes. The Senior Services Levy costs homeowners $29.93 annually per $100,000 in home valuation. That's about $2.50 per month.

3.

It helps older adults while saving taxpayer money.

The levy was created to serve older adults “in the middle” – those who are not poor enough to qualify for Medicaid, but who also cannot afford to pay privately for care. Voters appreciate that their tax dollars are being put to good use. For about $284 per month, ESP can help an older adult stay in their home. If that same person were in a nursing home on Medicaid, it would cost taxpayers about $6,000 a month. For a small amount of money, Warren County ESP helps older adults stay safe and independent in their own homes.

4.

It benefits our entire community.

Beyond older adults, Warren County ESP supports caregivers struggling to juggle the responsibilities of family, career and elder caregiving. ESP provides supplemental care that enables family caregivers to continue working, which is good for business and our economy. It helps working families keep mom and dad at home; it helps long-married spouses care for each other and stay together; and for older adults who have no family nearby, it makes a difference in quality of life.

5.

Issue 2 is for your friends, neighbors and family.

In their day, they were secretaries, construction workers, farmers and business owners – the backbone of our community. They served our country and built our towns. The typical ESP client is a woman in her 80s, 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.

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

Council on Aging of Southwestern Ohio (COA) manages the program via a contract with county commissioners. A non-profit organization, COA is designated as the Area Agency on Aging for southwestern Ohio, including Warren County. COA's mission is to enhance people’s lives with services that help them to remain independent at home. COA brings in federal funds which help support ESP and other services for Warren County older adults.
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A volunteer organization, the Warren County Elderly Services Program Advisory Council, advises the program. Warren County Community Services, Inc. provides eligibility screening and care management for clients. Providers deliver services, such as homemaking, meals and transportation, via contracts with COA.

7.

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

Professional care managers create a plan for each client and arrange and coordinate services. Depending on client needs, these may include adult day care, electronic monitoring systems, home-delivered meals, home modification (e.g. wheelchair ramp), personal care, housekeeping, caregiver respite, transportation, and more. ESP can also provide support as an older adult transitions home from a hospital or nursing home stay. 
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To be eligible, clients must live in Warren County, be age 60 or older, and be unable to perform certain daily activities without help. Some clients are able to help pay for their care, and services can be adjusted as a client’s needs change.

8.

The need is real.

Warren County's older adult population is growing rapidly. Currently, 20 percent of Warren County residents are age 60 or older. That's up from 15 percent in 2010. Additionally, approximately 26 percent of county adults in this age group have some form of disability which may require them to need assistance in order to remain independent in their homes. By 2030, more than 25 percent of Warren County residents will be age 60 and older (1 in 4 residents). The fastest growing age group - and those most likely to need care - is people age 85 and older. From 2020 to 2050, this group will grow by 73 percent. 

(Data sources: Scripps Gerontology Center and US Census)

9.

If Issue 2 fails, the Elderly Services Program will end.

And, there is no other local program that could fill in. The levy provides about 88 percent of the funding for Warren County ESP. Other funding comes from federal and state sources (via Council on Aging), client donations and co-payments.

10.

Warren County cares about its older residents.

Voters have supported the Senior Services Levy for nearly 20 years. They understand the value of the Elderly Services Program for the older adults of today and for those who will need it in the future.