Ohio Department of Aging

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News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 21, 2007

Strickland, Department of Aging Recognize Elder Caregivers for Selfless Contributions
Twelve Ohioans Honored in Columbus at Annual Award Ceremony

COLUMBUS - Governor Ted Strickland, Barbara E. Riley, Director of the Ohio Department of Aging, and members of the Ohio General Assembly will honor twelve outstanding elder caregivers with the annual Elder Caregiving Award at a ceremony Wednesday, May 23, from 4:00 - 6:30 p.m. in the Statehouse Atrium in Columbus.

"Each day these individuals selflessly give their time and energy to provide the best quality of life for their loved ones," Strickland said. "While today's honorees come from different areas of the state, they all share the commitment that makes them the foundation for Ohio's long-term care system."

"These special men and women exemplify the challenges faced by caregivers and the need to find ways to help family caregivers as our population ages," said Riley. "Most of our honorees expressed surprise at receiving an award. In their opinion, they were just doing what they would naturally do for their loved ones. These caregivers demonstrate the dedication, determination and love for their family members that we all try to emulate."

Among those honored this year are husbands and wives who have cared for their spouses through major illnesses; a woman who chose to sacrifice her career to care for her sister and her mother and a true member of the Sandwich Generation who cared for her mother and in-laws, while raising three children.

2007 Ohio Caregivers of the Year include:

Bios and photos of the 2007 Elder Caregivers of the Year are on the Department of Aging's Web site. Thirteen individuals will also be inducted into the Ohio Senior Citizens Hall of Fame at the event.

Statistics on Caregivers (From the Family Caregiver Alliance):

  • More than 1 million (1,140,348) Ohioans provide 1,222 million caregiving hours annually, at an annual market value of $12,118 million.
  • Ohio caregivers provide 80 percent of all long-term care services that would otherwise cost Ohio taxpayers more than $10.4 billion each year.
  • 34 million Americans (16 percent of the population) provide care to adults age 50 and over.
  • 8.9 million caregivers (20 percent of adult caregivers) care for someone age 50 and over who has dementia.
  • The majority of caregivers are 35-64 years old.
  • Many caregivers of older people are also elderly. Of those caring for someone over 65, the average age is 63 years; one-third are in fair to poor health.
  • A significant portion of those in the workforce are also providing elder care to family members. Between 25 and 35 percent of all workers report that they are currently providing or have recently provided care to someone 65 or older.
  • Among baby boomer caregivers (aged 50-64 years old), an estimated 60 percent are currently employed.

About ODA

The Ohio Department of Aging serves and represents two million Ohioans age 60 and older. The Department advocates for the needs of all older citizens, with an emphasis on improving the quality of life for older Ohioans, helping them live active, healthy and independent lives, and promoting positive attitudes toward aging and older people. The Department provides services to older Ohioans through 12 area agencies on aging, home- and community-based Medicaid waiver programs such as PASSPORT, the long-term care ombudsman and the Golden Buckeye Card. For more information, visit www.goldenbuckeye.com.

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Ohio: So Much to DiscoverOhio Department of Aging
Ted Strickland, Governor - Barbara E. Riley, Director
50 W. Broad St./9th Floor, Columbus, OH 43215
1-800-266-4346 - TTY: (614) 466-6161
The Department of Aging is an equal opportunity employer and service provider.

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