Between 2000 and 2007, Stark County’s population younger than 60 years decreased by two percent, but the population 60 years and older increased by more than eight percent. The population of seniors most at risk are those that are not wealthy enough to be able to afford needed services, but not poor enough to be eligible for subsidized and/or free services. Access to care can be hampered by economics, family discord and physical or mental fragility. Increased numbers of families are faced with the issue of providing care for an older family member(s). In addition, community leaders note that seniors whose families do not live in the area may be at additional risk due to a lack of immediate, local family support.
The cost of care can be prohibitive. The needs of seniors are many and varied and can include transportation, home health care, home maintenance, resource management and socialization or recreational services. There has been a recent shift to home-based services as a response to the desire to keep seniors independent for as long as possible. Due to the high cost of nursing home care, Medicaid funding is increasingly available for community and home-based services. Additional Medicaid funded assisted living slots are being opened.
Stark County is one of the few metropolitan counties in Ohio that does not have a levy to support senior services. In Stark County, as well as nationally, the social service system has not yet adjusted to meet the needs of the longer lives of the aged population. Seniors often outlive their resources which negatively affects quality of life.
Scripps Gerontology Center
Area Agency on Aging |
