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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 14, 2007

September 16 - 22 is National Adult Day Services Week
Department of Aging Salutes Centers That Serve Elders and Disabled

COLUMBUS - Adult day service centers offer elders and cognitively impaired adults needed care and services in a community setting, while allowing working caregivers to maintain employment with fewer hours off. National Adult Day Services Week is observed from September 16-22 to honor and celebrate the vital role adult day service centers play in enabling this fragile population to remain in their communities in familiar environments.

"Adult day service centers offer participants an opportunity for enriching educational, therapeutic and social experiences outside the home," said Barbara E. Riley, Director of the Ohio Department of Aging. "We salute the dedicated staff who care for and help their program participants on a daily basis."

Built on Governor Ted Strickland's Turnaround Ohio initiatives, Ohio's 2007-08 budget focuses on long-term care by promoting consumer choice and a variety of services. Adult day service centers allow older adults and cognitively impaired adults to remain in their communities, where most Ohioans would prefer to be. Centers provide a coordinated program of services, including restorative and functional maintenance, rehabilitation, skilled and preventive care and individual and group activities.

Adult day service centers are also important to the success of the PASSPORT Medicaid waiver program. In addition to the services they offer participants, centers reassure caregivers that their loved ones are being cared for in a safe and supportive environment while family members work or run necessary errands.

Ohio's 12 Area Agencies on Aging can help families and individuals plan for their long-term care by assessing needs and identifying available resources, such as adult day service centers. Call 1-866-243-5678 to be connected to the office serving your community.

Governor's Proclamation

About ODA

The Ohio Department of Aging provides leadership for the delivery of services and supports that improve and promote quality of life and personal choice for older Ohioans, adults with disabilities, their families and their caregivers. Working with 12 area agencies on aging and other community partners, the department offers home- and community-based Medicaid waiver programs such as PASSPORT, the long-term care ombudsman program, the Golden Buckeye Card and more. Visit www.goldenbuckeye.com.