Are you a resident of Franklin County, Ohio and in need of community services? The Central Ohio Agency on Aging (COAAA) provides services to children and adults of all ages who have developmental disabilities and meet the standards established by the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities. Services are provided without regard to age, race, color, sex, religion, or national origin. The COAAA offers a variety of topics to help people learn about and manage their health. Whether you are a person who wants to live independently, a caregiver or a professional, our staff is here to provide you with information, services and support.
COAAA can also connect you to the community or other available resources that may not be offered through our programs. The mission of the COAAA is to inform and support people as they cope with the experience of aging or disability. Our vision is that individuals and families have knowledge and access to the information and resources they need to live life with dignity and independence. The COAAA plans, funds, and provides services that help older adults and people with disabilities stay safe and independent in their homes. With the help of providers in the area, the COAAA organizes and coordinates services to help people with activities of daily living, such as household chores, transportation, home meals, personal care, and more. The COAAA provides education and resources to caregivers, professionals, and the public, and advocates for programs and policies that benefit older adults and people with disabilities.
COAAA manages services for 15,000 people and funds services for another 25,000 older adults in eight counties. The COAAA is part of the City of Columbus Parks and Recreation Department. The eight counties in the COAAA planning and service area are Delaware, Fairfield, Fayette, Franklin, Licking, Madison, Pickaway, and Union. The COAAA friendly calling program connects a volunteer with a person receiving services through the Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging for a friendly chat once or twice a week. Sometimes an older adult or a person with a disability would like additional social interaction, and this program is designed to connect them with a community volunteer for six months of friendly calls.
A one-time background check is required at the COAAA before bonding with a consumer.
Programs & Services Summary Guide
The Program and Services Summary Guide explains the programs, services, and eligibility for programs administered by the COAAA. Many programs offer an alternative for people who need more care but not a nursing home. A managed care organization oversees health care (in Central Ohio Aetna Better Health of Ohio or Molina Healthcare of Ohio). Services are similar to PASSPORT and include medical care, long-term care, behavioral health services, and care coordination. The COAAA provides in-home exemption service coordination.Older Americans Act and state funding to community agencies provide a “safety net” to people who are not eligible for other services. Medicaid waiver programs help provide long-term care services in the community to people who would otherwise be in an institution or nursing home and meet eligibility requirements.
Southeastern Ohio Legal Services
Southeastern Ohio Legal Services (SEOLS) provides help with consumer issues such as family law issues, health benefit issues, housing problems, public benefit issues taxes utility issues and other issues. For individuals age 3 and older contact the Franklin County Developmental Disabilities Board's Admission Department at (61-342-5490) or complete an online application. Special emphasis is being placed on caring for nursing home residents in Delaware Fayette Franklin Fairfield Licking and Pickaway counties.If a condition is identified that has a high likelihood of causing developmental delay a referral can be requested to services provided by the Franklin County Developmental Disabilities Board through Help Me Grow.
