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Ohio District 5 Area Agency on Aging Honored with 2024 USAging Aging Innovations & Achievement Award for Technology Program

  Posted on July 17, 2024

Ontario, OH– The Ohio District 5 Area Agency on Aging, Inc. (AAA5) proudly announces that it has been awarded the prestigious 2024 USAging Aging Innovations & Achievement Award in the Technology category for its "Expansion of Programs Through the Use of Technology" initiative. This award was presented at USAging’s 49th Annual Conference and Tradeshow in Tampa, FL, recognizing AAA5 as one of 38 pioneering programs that have significantly enhanced the lives of older adults nationwide.

 

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, AAA5 partnered with its county focal points – Ashland County Council on Aging, Crawford County Council on Aging, Enrichment Centers for Huron County, Marion Senior Center, Seniors on Center - Morrow County Services for Older Citizens, Seneca County Commission on Aging, The Station Break of Knox County, and Wyandot County Council on Aging – to identify existing needs and service gaps. Recognizing the critical role of technology in supporting vulnerable and isolated older adults, AAA5 utilized American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds and local resources to enhance technology infrastructure and equipment. This allowed for the successful delivery and streaming of essential programs, workshops, and classes to older adults in rural communities.

 

Duana Patton, Chief Executive Officer of the Area Agency on Aging, stated, “We are incredibly honored to receive the 2024 USAging Aging Innovations & Achievement Award in the Technology category. This award highlights our dedication to using technology to support older adults in our community, particularly during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. By working closely with our county focal points and using resources from the American Rescue Plan Act, we've been able to improve our technology infrastructure and bring essential programs to older adults in rural areas. This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team and partners in enhancing the lives of older adults through innovative solutions.”

 

By leveraging each other’s resources, AAA5 and its focal points have demonstrated effective programming, shared valuable content, and increased social engagement among older adults. ES Consulting, Inc. of Ontario provided the necessary technology solutions, including site assessments, installations, training, and ongoing support, ensuring the program’s success.

 

“It has been a wonderful and rewarding experience for our team to work alongside the county focal points, utilizing this new technology to impact the lives of so many seniors across our region. We look forward to building upon this project’s success as we offer new and exciting virtual programming into the future”, said Trae Turner, AAA5 Chief of Community Living.

 

Supported by Caregiving.com and Cumulus.care, the USAging Aging Innovations & Achievement Awards highlight members who have implemented innovative, effective, and replicable solutions for older adults in their communities while exemplifying exceptional management practices. AAA5's recognition underscores its commitment to improving the lives of older adults through technology and collaborative efforts.

The Ohio District 5 Area Agency on Aging, Inc., located at 2131 Park Avenue West in Ontario, provides leadership, collaboration, coordination and services to older adults, people with disabilities, their caregivers & resource networks that support individual choice, independence, and dignity.

 

About USAging

USAging is the national association representing and supporting the network of Area Agencies on Aging and advocating for the Title VI Native American Aging Programs. Our members help older adults and people with disabilities throughout the United States live with optimal health, well-being, independence and dignity in their homes and communities. For more information, visit usaging.org and follow @theUSAging on Facebook, X and Instagram.

About Caregiving.com

Caregiving.com is committed to engaging and empowering family caregivers worldwide via a multi-faceted support model delivered through our leading-edge platform. We strive to inspire a sense of community that engages and supports caregivers to THRIVE as they navigate their caregiving journey. Likewise, we aim to be a safe, accessible space for all family caregivers to find comfort, support, and advice. Learn more at www.caregiving.com

About Cumulus

Cumulus helps organizations securely collaborate, automate workflows among partners, conduct intakes, screen and assess clients, streamline social care referrals, and track outcomes—even when different IT systems are used. Used by multidisciplinary teams, including medical and social care teams, Cumulus embraces interoperability and is a leader in implementing FHIR standards for aging services data sets. Learn more at cumulus.care.