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Butler County Elderly Services program wants to spread word about services

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By Michelle Everhart and Peggy McCracken
Updated 2:03 PM Thursday, June 11, 2009

The newest members of the Butler County Elderly Services Program board share an interest in helping promote awareness of the services available to area seniors.

Agreeing to serve on the board are: Don Eberwine, of Oxford; Deborah Hauenstein, of Monroe; Elaine Hohman, of Monroe; and Daniel Solazzo, of Fairfield.

They are replacing Kathy Dudley, Peggy Kollstedt, Lena Saylor and Al Zenz, whose terms have been completed. The board meets quarterly.

Eberwine, 71, who is retiring this summer from Ohio State University’s Extension office in Butler County, said he feels strongly about the Elderly Services Program.

“The primary objective is to keep the elderly in their homes,” Eberwine said. “We’re in trying times right now, and if an individual had to go to a nursing home or care facility it would wipe them out (financially).”

“It’s a vital service to the community, and keeping them in their homes and familiar settings makes them much more productive citizens,” he said.

After fielding 2,200 calls annually from people needing horticultural information, the former director of adult education for the Butler County Joint Vocational School District said he hopes to bring awareness to the community.

“It’s constant education of the public how to access services,” he said.

Hauenstein believes her work as senior account executive with Hospice of Cincinnati, Hamilton location, and former LifeSpan position, will be an asset in her new role.

“I have always felt a connection to the elderly because of my grandmother. I think this is a great way to tie everything together,” Hauenstein said.

The former Fairfield resident said it’s important to remember that people want to maintain their pride. Recalling a relative who was hesitant to receive Meals on Wheels services, she said, “I think a lot of elderly are afraid to ask for the services, or (are) too proud.”

It is important those needing services realize the program is not a handout, she said. After paying taxes all their lives, residents need to understand the services are available.

<p class="note">Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2169 or pmccracken@coxohio.com.</p>

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I agree, good article but what are those services? It would be nice to know if volunteers are welcome and who the contact person would be to find out.

Teri
8:51 AM, 9/29/2009

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They should have a listing of free services, if any are free.
Many people do not know. But as I said before, done been there and done that, and there was a fee for everything for us. It may be free to some, who knows ?
I guess the people working there would know but if they advertise they will have to do some work. Please let people know what services you provide.
People would like to know.

been there
10:24 PM, 9/23/2009

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The article was nice, but gave no information on the types of services provided or how a senior could contact them.

Bailey
11:35 AM, 9/2/2009

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Work towards getting some of the young people who are able to work out and working. Help our seniors and let the young work just as the older people have done all their lives. Too many people think the system owes them something.
If you want things you must work. I guess you can just lay around all day if you are on welfare. GET A JOB.
HELP OUR OLDER CITIZENS, they have earned it. All you young people on welfare , shame on you, get a job, taxpayers r tired of U. Mexicans go home or work.

beenthere
6:45 AM, 8/28/2009

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I had to deal with senior services and they did help but it was not free, there was a charge even for meals on wheels. Most older people can not even afford to buy their own meds so how do you think they could pay for services ? If you dare say I am wrong, it is free, wrong, I have been there already with a 76 year old and I know first hand about the fees, I wrote them checks for services. How does that help our seniors? They can not afford more bills. Cut welfare benefits, make them work.

beenthere
6:37 AM, 8/28/2009

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