Senior Gazette

Winter 2009
by Carol Schmitkons, Director,
Amherst Township Senior Service Office (ATSSO)

Home-Delivered Meal Program

A variety of food choices at prices geared to income level are available to those over 60 or disabled adults over 18. Call 988-5822 for more details. ATSSO is also looking for 2 more meal drivers.

April 1, 2010 Census Day
Don't Miss Being Counted

Many people think the census is a bother and an invasion of privacy, but information gained from the census is helpful to many different people and agencies in both the public and private sectors. The Amherst Township Senior Services Office uses the information in planning to determine how many people in the community might need our help. We also use the information when we apply for grants to offset the cost of services we provide.

Census information determines how well we are represented in state and federal government because population determines congressional seats. Census information also determines where new schools, hospitals, churches and community facilities are needed. Most important for us, as your local government representatives, is the fact that the census figures are used to calculate the percentage of funds allocated to various communities or service agencies in the county or across the state. This affects how much service we can offer to you for things like road repair, home delivered meals, and assistance for sewer installations.

Please help us, and your community, by filling out your census form on April 1st. If you need assistance filling out the form don't hesitate to call the office at 988-5822 for help.

ATTSO
ATSSO OFFICE HOURS
8:00 A.M. – NOON  (M-F)
amhersttwpseniors@oh.rr.com

Safe Driving Tips for Seniors

As we age, more factors begin to affect our ability to drive safely. Things like glare, visual adaptation to darkness, slower reaction time, and subtle vision and hearing changes all influence driver safety. Here are some tips the Elyria City Health District recently offered in the "Senior News":

  • Change your driving habits if you start to feel uneasy on the road & slow down, drive less, & plan when and where you will drive; avoid driving at night, during rush hour & when heavy snow, rain or high winds are predicted.
  • Take an AARP- or AAA- sponsored driving refresher course.
  • Wear your seat belt.
  • Get your hearing & vision checked regularly. Make sure you are wearing the appropriate glasses for day and night driving situations.
  • Keep your windshields clean inside and out.
  • Make sure your interior & exterior mirrors are properly adjusted before starting out.
  • Don't drive if you've been drinking or are taking medications that affect one's ability to drive safely. Read the warnings on all new medications.

Are You Prepared for Winter's Blizzards
& Other Disaster Situations?

It's easy to think that a disaster will never come our way when the sun is shining and the garden is full of lush, tasty veggies, but what happens when the destructive winds spawn a tornado or a kitchen fire gets out of control? Are we prepared? Do we have a plan in mind? Here are some items to consider:

  • Develop a list of emergency numbers
  • Establish a designated meeting place outside the home as well as a designated out-of-area destination if you can't return home immediately
  • Assemble a disaster supply kit with 3 day's supply of water, non-perishable food, first aid kit, clothes, bedding, sanitation items, tools and "special needs" items like glasses, medications, cash, copies of important documents
  • Learn when & how to shut off the main lines for water, gas & electricity
  • Install smoke detectors on each level & check batteries semi-annually
  • Know two ways out of every room
  • Determine how to handle your special needs if you are elderly or disabled
    (The local Emergency Management Office maintains a list of those needing special assistance during disasters - considered contacting them at 329-5117 to be placed on their list.)
  • Plan for pet care

If disaster strikes:

  • remain calm and patient
  • put your plan into action
  • provide assistance to those with special needs
  • check for injuries
  • check local news for information and instructions

When officials say it is OK to venture out of your designated spot:

  • assess the condition of your residence with a flashlight not an open flame
  • smell for gas leaks
  • shut off damaged utilities
  • clean up any hazardous or flammable spills
  • treat injuries
  • notify local and out-of-town contacts
  • document damage for insurance claims

The "Ohio Food Assistance Program" & Township's "Meal Program"

This nutrition assistance program is available to individuals whose gross income is less than $1,127 per month and couples whose income is less than $1,517 per month. Household expenses such as rent or mortgage, utilities and medical costs are taken into account to determine potential eligibility.

The township's "Meal Program" also helps those with low incomes by providing one nutritious hot meal per day at a cost that is in line with income. Call the Amherst Township Senior Service Office at 988-5822 for more information on the three meal options that are offered.

Lorain County Office On Aging - Nutrition Program

Lorain County Office on Aging is pleased to announce an innovative nutrition program that provides healthy meals to qualifying seniors. Eligible participants will receive 12 vouchers a month that they can use to order healthy meals from a "dietician-approved" menu at Blue Sky Restaurant in Amherst. These vouchers can be used anytime Mondays through Thursdays. Participation is limited.

Who is eligible to participate in the Nutrition Program?

  • You must be 60 years of age or older, or are an accompanying spouse of a participant.
  • Preference will be given to individuals who are a high nutritional risk.

What does the Nutrition Program provide?

  • 12 vouchers per month to redeem for a meal selection listed on the specified menu at Blue Sky Restaurant (includes lunch and dinner options)
  • Socialization
  • Freedom to choose preferred times and choices for meals

What are the conditions of the Nutrition Program?

  • Vouchers are good only for selections from the specified menu. There will be no substitutions allowed. Selections that are not on the specified menu will be at the cost of the participant.
  • Vouchers can only be used by the person who received them.
  • Vouchers cannot be applied towards a tip.
  • Vouchers are for "Dine-In" use only and cannot be used for "to go" or "carryout" meals.
  • Each voucher is good for one meal only. Participant may use more than one voucher per day.
  • Voucher needs to be given to the server before meal is ordered.
  • Cannot be replaced if lost or stolen.
  • Meals cannot be shared.

How do you become a participant?

  • Contact the Lorain County Office on Aging at (440) 326-4800 or (440) 244-6261, extension 4800, to obtain and fill out an application.
  • Once eligible, vouchers can be picked up at "Lorain County Office on Aging" located at 320 N. Gateway Blvd. in Elyria, on Mondays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. At this time, applicants will receive a packet including the diner "rights and responsibilities", "Nutrition Education" material, and a Lorain County Office on Aging brochure.

Participants are given an opportunity to make donations in support of the Nutrition Program. All donations will be used to enhance and expand the Nutrition Program services.

For more information please contact:

Stacy Pennell
SWA - Nutrition Program Coordinator
(440) 326-4824

New E-Mail Address!!:  amhersttwpseniors@oh.rr.com