COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Council for Older Adults is asking Delaware County voters to approve a levy request in May so it can keep pace with the increasing elderly population, which has grown 10 times faster than the rest of the state.
The agency’s application for a renewal of its current levy and a small increase was approved Thursday by the Delaware County Commissioners
If approved by voters, the funds will maintain current services, including Meals On Wheels, personal care, medical transportation and adult day care, and provide for those expected to need assistance over the next 5 years, says Robert Horrocks, the council’s executive director.
The number of Delaware County resident over 65 grew by 83.3% between 2000 and 2010, compared to only 7.7 percent of the same population statewide, according to the Scripps Gerontology Center at Miami University.
Horrocks says the services help older residents remain in their own homes, which is less expensive than nursing home care.
“Most times a little bit of help enables local seniors to remain living safely where they prefer to be. It’s a win-win”, he said.
The additional millage request of 0.3 mills will cost about $9.20 annually per $100,000 of property valuation.
