Department of Aging - City of Cleveland
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Department of Aging

Jane E. Fumich, Director


“Cleveland seeks to be so elder friendly that current older residents desire to remain, former residents wish to return to the City and the City can recruit additional older residents based on the elder friendly aspects of Cleveland and its neighborhoods.”

– Cleveland’s vision statement, as a participant of the Elder Friendly Communities component of the Cleveland Foundation’s Successful Aging Initiative.

TV23 Video News Report

December 18, 2007
Act Of Kindness
The Department of Aging is committed to ensuring that this vision statement can be realized by enhancing the quality of life for Cleveland seniors through advocacy, planning, service coordination, and the delivery of needed services.

To ensure that City-run programs and services fulfill these goals, this department has an advisory council with a representative from each City ward.

Services offered by the City and local organizations include information and assistance with issues related to

 

The department publishes its own newsletter called the Senior News, and organizes and participates in several annual events, where those aged 60 can network as well as meet with area service providers.

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Seniors make a Splash!
Seniors make a Splash!

Department of Aging
Phone: 216-664-2833
Weekdays 8am-5pm
TTY: 800-750-0750
601 Lakeside Ave.
Room 122
Cleveland, Ohio 44114

 

 

 

Click Below For:

  Senior Programs, Supportive Services, and Informational Links for Seniors
   
    Health and Social Services
      Assessments: (216.664.2833) Department of Aging Geriatric workers conduct a needs assessments and assist older persons with access to services, benefits, and programs. Escorts to medical appointments can be provided on an as-needed basis.
     
Access to Benefits Coalition (216.421.1350, Ext. 185 or toll free at 1.866.855.1650) The Cleveland Department of Aging is a lead agency in the Greater Cleveland Access to Benefits Coalition (GCABC) which helps Seniors find savings on prescription drugs.
      Benefits CheckUp: This service helps thousands find programs every day for people ages 55 and over that may pay for some prescription drugs, health care, utilities, and other costs connected with essential items or services. Applicants can fill out a simple online questionnaire to find assistance programs for themselves or for family members, or they may meet with a staff member (flyer).
      The Cleveland Department of Public Health: offers free or low-cost screenings and tests at three health centers. Free flu and pneumonia shots for those over 50 are available. In addition, the site posts lists of recalls, including foods recalled due to contamination.
      Golden Age Centers of Greater Cleveland: this agency has centers which provide social, educational and health activities, supportive services, meals and housing assistance. It is the major provider of home delivered meals in Cuyahoga County, delivering over 850 hot meals per day.
      Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging (WRAAA)is responsible for planning, coordinating and administering state and federal funded programs and services for older adults. It is one of twelve regional area agencies on aging designated by the Ohio Department of Aging as authorized by the federal Older Americans Act.
     

Winter Resource Guide This handy flyer includes descriptions and contact information for many helpful assistance programs for Clevelanders.

     
      Medicare and Medicaid: Medicare is a health insurance program for people age 65 or older, people with certain disabilities, those with End-Stage Renal Disease. Medicare includes Part A Hospital Insurance, Part B Medical Insurance, and Prescription Drug Coverage. Medicaid is available to certain low-income individuals and families who fit into an eligibility group that is recognized by federal and state law.
      Department of Health and Human Services: One of the largest federal agencies, this department is the principal agency for protecting the health of all Americans. Comprising 12 operating divisions, HHS' responsibilities include public health, biomedical research, Medicare and Medicaid, welfare, social services, and more.
      National Institute on Aging: NIA’s mission, in part, is to improve the health and well-being of older Americans through research, and support and conduct high-quality research on the aging process, age-related diseases and special problems and needs of the aged. This agency disseminates information and communicates with the public and interested groups on health and research advances and on new directions for research.
      The University of Michigan Health and Retirement Study (HRS) surveys more than 22,000 Americans over the age of 50 every two years. Supported by the National Institute on Aging, the study paints an emerging portrait of an aging America's physical and mental health, insurance coverage, financial status, family support systems, labor market status, and retirement planning.
      US Census Bureau Health Insurance Information: This site includes brief versions of recent reports and data on health insurance, health insurance coverage definitions, and health insurance data access so visitors can create their own tables and cross tabulations.
     
    Recreation
      Seniors Fifty & Fit Program: (216.664.2356) This program encompasses a variety of classes and activities at various public recreation centers and includes Aquasize, Learn to Swim, and Arts and Crafts. Aquasize, taught in indoor heated pools, offers a low-impact workout which is fun and effective. Arts and crafts classes include painting, drawing, and ceramics. City of Cleveland recreation centers also provide social activities for Seniors including Social Hours, card games, dominoes, chess and checkers.
       
   

Education and Information

      The Cleveland Bureau of Education (216.664.6386) provides fire safety speakers for groups and organizations including Senior centers.
      Encore Campus: (216.987.2228) is the premiere lifelong learning program for people ages 55 and up in Northeast Ohio. Each session includes a wide variety of courses, allowing students to choose classes that fit their interests. Most courses are taught by retired professionals and professors who bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the classroom.
      SeniorNet is a 21-year old non-profit organization dedicated to providing older adults with technology access and education.  Their online home offers a wealth of information important to older adults.
     

North Coast SeniorsConnect: This Cleveland Public Library's Senior site has information, both local and global, about health, living, money, recreation and more. One goal of North Coast SeniorsConnect is to promote computer use and training opportunities for the growing number of older persons accessing the Internet, and the SeniorsConnect web site was developed with this in mind.

     
   

Housing

      CMHA: The Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA) is responsible for the management and operation of the local public housing program. CMHA owns and manages property and administers rent subsidy programs to provide eligible low-income persons good, safe, affordable housing. CMHA maintains an accredited police department to ensure safe places to live and work, and a social services department that develops programs to enhance the quality of life of its residents.
      Brochure: Attention Cleveland Senior Citizens , Don't Lose Your Home to a Predatory Lender
      Eviction Assistance: Geriatric Outreach Workers assist seniors who are facing eviction to relocate.
       
   

Employment Services for Mature Workers

      Employment Connection (216.664.4673) The majority (69%) of Americans plan to continue working beyond the traditional retirement age. In Cleveland and Cuyahoga County, Employment Connection provides several employment and training programs especially for those 55 and older. This organization is a collaboration of federal, state, and local government agencies, social service providers, and educators. The career centers provide on-site workshops including basic computer training and job-seeking skills enhancement. Laid-off and underemployed workers may be eligible for training grants. Employment Connection Senior services are provided by the following organizations: The National Caucus and Center on Black Aged, Inc., Senior Employment Center, AARP, and The City of Cleveland Department of Aging, which administers the Senior Strides Program.
     
    Volunteering
      Airport Ambassadors: In order to help provide superior customer service, CLE implemented an Airport Ambassador Volunteer Program. The program allows volunteers — many of whom have had successful careers in a variety of fields — to provide information and assistance to travelers and their families, friends and business associates as they visit CLE. This program received the 2007 Outstanding Station Award from RSVP, which provides volunteer opportunities throughout Greater Cleveland.
      Courtwatch Program: Courtwatch representatives serve as "the eyes and ears" of the community. Courtwatch helps victims and neighbors monitor court cases by establishing a visible presence during a trial and it provides citizens with the opportunity to learn how the criminal justice system works, who the judges are, and the type of sentences that are being handed out.
      Friends of the Cleveland Kennel: volunteers at the Cleveland Kennel help with cleaning, feeding, bathing and walking dogs. There are also pet fostering opportunities available for dogs as well as cats. Friends of the Cleveland Kennel is also seeking assistance with organizing their fundraising activities.
      RSVP (Retired and Senior Volunteer Program) : is a matching service that helps volunteers find meaningful opportunities in the community. RSVP volunteers deliver meals to homebound residents, lead tours at museums, tend community gardens, tutor children and adults, comfort patients at hospitals and nursing homes, provide clerical assistance, sort donated food and much more at nonprofit agencies in Greater Cleveland.
     
    Utility Bill Payment Assistance Programs
      Homestead Program (216.664.3130): Cleveland homeowner/occupants who are totally disabled or 65 and over with incomes not exceeding $27,800 may be eligible for reduced rates on water and sewer bills.
      HEAP or Home Energy Assistance Program: This federally funded program isadministered by the Ohio Department of Development and is designed to help eligible low-income Ohioans meet home heating costs.
      Summer Crisis Program: The Summer Crisis Program (SCP) is designed to help qualified households pay for summer cooling. This program applies to electric utilities only and is available from June 1 through August 31.
       
    Home Weatherization and Energy Conservation Programs
      Housewarming (216.574.7120, Ext. 130): This program for Dominion customers who meet HEAP income guidelines includes a safety inspection, heating unit repair (if needed), and/or insulation installment. Customers also receive a free carbon monoxide alarm.
      Energy Conservation Services (216.774.2345): Cleveland Public Power customers can receive energy conservation services including installation of flourescent light bulbs and replacement of "energy hog" refrigerator units. Homeowners may be eligible to receive limited roof replacement and replacement of defective energy panels.
      Water Conservation Program (216.574.7120, Ext. 118): Cleveland Water customers who meet HEAP income guidelines may be eligible for installation of water saving devices, minor plumbing repairs and energency service line replacement.
      HWAP or Home Weatherization Assistance Program (216.664.2045): Low or fixed-income residents are offered energy-efficient measures designed to decrease heating bills and improve home energy deficiencies.
       
     

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