Westside Messenger - September 20th, 2020

PAGE 6 - WESTSIDE MESSENGER - September 20, 2020
Remembering Antonia Carroll
Antonia “Toni” Carroll was the first Director
of the Franklin County Office on Aging and
retired in 2017 after 33 rewarding years.
When state funding for the predecessor of
Senior Options was halted, she and a brave band
of supporters spearheaded an effort to create a
new program funded by a property tax levy and
became what we now call Senior Options. This
new program innovatively met in-home service
needs through partnerships with for profit and
nonprofit entities and educational and human
services agencies. Under her leadership that levy
successfully passed six times and grew from a
client base of 3,000 to over 8,000. Through an
agreement with the Ohio Department of Job and
Family Services, Adult Protective Services was
added in 1999 and expanded the agency’s reach to
protect and assist the most vulnerable members of
our community.
Toni was a pioneer in the aging field and
served as a mentor, teacher and friend to many.
She tirelessly advocated for the rights of older
adults to age in place with dignity. Known for her
quick wit and sense of humor she was also
respected for her wisdom and leadership skills.
The aging profession has lost a crusader whose
indelible imprint will not be forgotten.
A celebration of life is planned for October
and details will be shared soon.
PAID ADVERTISING
Visiting Angels provides care for our community
Governor DeWine announced over 60 percent
of COVID-19 deaths are related to LTC facilities
and families are scrambling to avoid the risk of
infection when needing to go from the hospital to
rehab or questioning the decision to transition to
assisted living. There is a great difference when
your loved one only needs to squeeze a hand
instead of pushing a button to have their needs
taken care of.
Usually 7-12 hours of home care a day is the
same as the out of pocket expense for a facility.
Visiting Angels is dedicated to helping families
fill the gaps that they are unable to help with.
Since 2005 the Grove City Visiting Angels has
provided millions of hours of care to our community
and are more prepared than ever to continue
keeping our aging population safe, healthy, and
thriving. Delivering piece of mind to the family
members is our goal for their loved ones. Even in
a facility, the average resident only receives less
than three hours of 1-on-1 attention a day and the
rest of the time is minimally monitored leaving
fall risk and other exposures highly possible.
Whether you need one hour a month for
respite or 24 hours 7 days a week support we are
here to help. Call us at 614-802-6435 for more
information.
www.columbusmessenger.com
Active Lifestyles
A bi-monthly feature celebrating the wisdom, experience
and contributions of our community’s senior citizens
Club meetings
Disabled American Veterans
The Disabled American Veterans
PAID ADVERTISING
A Connection to Care
and Independence
Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging
(COAAA) is a local resource that helps older
adults and individuals with disabilities remain
independent and safe in their homes. With the
assistance of area providers, COAAA connects
people to long-term care services that help with
daily living including personal care, home-delivered
meals, transportation, homemaking, adult
day services, emergency response systems, and
minor home modification. COAAA can help
address the concerns and needs of caregivers,
those who help loved ones with health needs.
COAAA staff can advise caregivers on senior
housing, professional in-home help, and respite
care that provides temporary relief to caregivers.
Chapter 144 meets at 6 p.m. on the fourth
Tuesday of every month at The American
Legion Post 532, 1571 Demorest Road. Call
Will Davis at 309-0171.
COAAA is here to assist individuals during
and after the health crisis by finding services and
supports that enable individuals to live independently.
If residents need help at home or if one
needs information about services and resources
for their loved ones, COAAA can be reached by
phone at 800-589-7277 Monday through Friday
from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For more information about COAAA, visit
www.coaaa.org. COAAA manages services for
10,500 people and funds services for another
25,000 older adults in eight counties: Delaware,
Fairfield, Fayette, Franklin, Licking, Madison,
Pickaway, and Union.