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Additional Programs
Discover Our Supportive Programs
We offer a variety of programs designed to enhance the lives of seniors and their caregivers. From our Home Repair Program, which helps older adults maintain safe living conditions, to the Family Caregiver Support Program, providing essential resources for those caring for loved ones, our mission is to promote independence and well-being. Additionally, our health and wellness initiatives equip seniors with tools to stay active and engaged in their communities, ensuring everyone has access to the support they need to thrive.
Additional Services
Resources and Support
We offer valuable programs designed to enhance the quality of life for seniors and veterans in our community. You'll find information on nutrition assistance through the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program, specialized care options for Alzheimer's disease, and dedicated services tailored to support veterans. We are committed to connecting you with the resources you need for a healthier, happier life.
Family Caregiver Support Program
The AAA7 Caregiver Support Program provides information and assistance to family caregivers to better understand how their caregiving role is impacting their lives.
The Program assists caregivers in finding resources and services to help decrease the physical and emotional stress in their caregiving role in order to take better care of themselves and their loved ones.
Services also assist grandparents caring for grandchildren.
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Basic Services and Benefits Include:
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Assessment to Determine What Services and Resources Will Assist the Caregiver.
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Information, Assistance and Training to Help Educate Caregivers About Caring for Themselves and Their Loved Ones.
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Purchasing Supplemental Supplies to Complement the Family Caregiving.
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Respite Assistance to Provide the Caregiver with Temporary Relief from Their Day-to-Day Caregiving Responsibilities.
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Answers/Counseling to Provide Support to Family Caregivers in Solving Everyday Issues Related to Caregiving.​
Eligibility Requirements:​
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Any Family Caregiver May Receive the Following Services at No Cost:
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Assessment
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Information
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Assistance
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Training
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Answers/Counseling
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Eligibility for respite and supplemental services are determined at the time of the assessment.
Call us at 1-800-582-7277 or e-mail caregiver@aaa7.org
Home Repair Program
The Area Agency on Aging District 7, Inc. offers a home repair program to eligible older adults in our ten-county region that includes the following counties in Ohio: Adams, Brown, Gallia, Highland, Jackson, Lawrence, Pike, Ross, Scioto and Vinton. The program is funded by the Ohio Department of Development Housing Trust Fund Housing Assistance Grant Program and the State of Ohio Senior Community Services Program.
Services offered include repair or replacement of heating systems; plumbing systems; hot water tanks; water taps and lines; hazardous electrical systems; severely deteriorated roofs, walls, floors and doors; ramps for handicapped-accessibility; and kitchen and bathroom modifications for handicapped-accessibility. Some restrictions apply for mobile homes.
Eligibility for this program includes:​
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Age 60 or older living in the home needing the repairs.
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Reside in one of the following counties in Ohio: Adams, Brown, Gallia, Highland, Jackson, Lawrence, Pike, Ross, Scioto and Vinton.
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Must be homeowner of record, or have recorded life estate or life lease.
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Entire household income at or below 50% of the county median income OR entire household income of 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (see Income Chart).
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Completion of application and release of information authorizations.
Documentation of ownership, life lease/life estate (including property tax statement), copy of title if mobile home, proof of household income, and a copy of the last two months of bank statements.
To obtain more information, call 1-800-582-7277 and ask to speak with Kristy Bowman, extension 22250, or e-mail info@aaa7.org.
Regional Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
Ombudsman Program Overview
The Ombudsman Program serves as a vital advocate for consumers of long-term care, including residents of nursing homes, residential care facilities, adult care homes, and those receiving in-home services. Our goal is to ensure that these individuals have a voice in their care and living conditions.
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Program Administration
The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program is established under the Older Americans Act and coordinated by the Ohio Department of Aging. In Ohio, there are eleven Regional Ombudsman Programs, each responsible for specific counties within its Planning and Service Area (PSA). The Area Agency on Aging District 7 administers the Ombudsman Program for the following counties: Adams, Brown, Gallia, Highland, Jackson, Lawrence, Pike, Ross, Scioto, and Vinton.
Primary Services
Complaint Investigation: Our primary role is to investigate and resolve complaints regarding long-term care facilities and home/community-based care providers. This includes addressing issues related to client rights, nursing care, financial concerns, food and environmental matters, and other consumer concerns.
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Information and Referral: We provide general information on the rights of long-term care consumers and assistance for families facing long-term placement issues. Our resources include listings of nursing homes and assisted living facilities, survey reports on homes, and educational materials.
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Advocacy and Education
The Ombudsman Program conducts quarterly advocacy visits to educate staff, residents, and families about residents' rights and Ombudsman services. We also offer training sessions focused on rights, elder abuse prevention, and more. These trainings are available to long-term care facilities, home health agencies, and the community.
Volunteer Program​
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​Our Volunteer Ombudsman Program recruits and trains volunteers to visit assigned nursing homes at least twice a month, though weekly visits are encouraged. Volunteers provide a voice for nursing home residents and serve to lessen the isolation and loneliness experienced by many residents who have no one to speak on their behalf. Volunteers also help to educate residents about their rights, thus empowering them to become more vocal in resolving their own complaints and concerns.
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Volunteer Responsibilities:
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Plan their own schedules and are allowed to visit any day of the week.
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Receive hands-on training and ongoing support from Ombudsman staff.
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Participate in volunteer recognition events, receive a quarterly newsletter, and attend AAA7 training programs and conferences at no charge.
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For more information or to apply, please download the Volunteer Application or contact us at 1-800-582-7277 or email info@aaa7.org.
Consumers' Right to Quality Care
Consumers have the right to expect their caregivers to:
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Arrive on time and be present as scheduled.
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Provide individualized, person-centered care allowing consumers to make choices about their care.
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Treat individuals with dignity and respect, maintaining privacy and confidentiality.
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Keep their living environment safe, clean, and free from abuse.
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Nursing Home Resident's Bill of Rights includes:
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The right to a safe and clean living environment
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The right to privacy and personal information
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The right to voice grievances
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The right to participate in treatment decisions
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The right to manage personal finances
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Freedom from physical and chemical restraints
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The right to engage in community activities
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The right to be treated with respect and courtesy​
Senior Farmers Market
The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) is a federally-funded program administered by the United States Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Services Agency and in Ohio, by the Ohio Department of Aging (ODA). ODA provides additional state funds to support SFMNP operation within Ohio.
To be eligible for $50 to use with authorized farmers in the program, individuals must live in the ten counties included in the AAA7’s district which include Adams, Brown, Gallia, Highland, Jackson, Lawrence, Pike, Ross, Scioto and Vinton. Individuals must be age 60 or over at the time of application and households must earn less than 185% of the poverty level. In a household, both spouses can be eligible separately. Individuals can only receive the $50 one time per year and items must be purchased from authorized farmers only.
Online applications now closed – Check Back in 2026​​​
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Please Note: an application must be completed each year - there is no automatic renewal from participating in the past.
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Only one email can be used per account.
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You can choose to use the mobile app or physical card.
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If you received a physical card last year, benefits will be loaded to your card once your 2025 application has been approved.
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Physical benefit cards will be available to those who request them on their application. Please note that it will take up to six (6) weeks to receive the physical card in the mail.
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Items can only be purchased from authorized farmers in the program. Farmers will have a posting at their stand indicating so.
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Benefits can be redeemed mid-May through November 30, 2025.
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Benefits can be used in dollars and cents.
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Recipient applications close September 30th, 2025.
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More information can be found on the Ohio Department of Aging's website:
Support Line for technical assistance using the Homegrown Benefits mobile app, checking benefit balance, and setting up account: 614-412-1729
PARTICIPATING FARMERS LIST
*** Please Note: Benefits can be used statewide with participating farmers. Click on the "Participating Farmers List" link above to see all farmers who are participating throughout Ohio ***
INFORMATION FOR INTERESTED FARMERS
Farmers who are interested in participating in the program this year as an authorized farmer will work directly with the Ohio Department of Aging through its partner, Ohio Farmers Market Network (OFMN). If you are a farmer interested in learning more about participating, please contact the OFMN at senior@ohiofarmersmarketnetwork.org or click the button for more information.
CONTACT INFORMATION FOR THE AAA7 SENIOR FARMERS MARKET NUTRITION PROGRAM
Direct Hotline: 1-800-343-8112
Email: FarmersMarket@aaa7.org
Wellness Programs
​Bingocize ™â€‹
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​“Bingocize®” is a free evidence-based health promotion program that combines the game of Bingo with falls prevention exercise. Trained leaders facilitate a 10-week workshop that includes exercises to target range of motion, balance, muscle strengthening and endurance.
Outcomes reported after participating in Bingocize® include:
Improved lower/upper body strength, gait, balance, and range of motion.
Improved aspects of cognition (executive function).
Increased social engagement.
Improved knowledge of falls risk reduction and nutrition.
If you are age 60 or over and interested in participating in Bingocize®, call the AAA7 Wellness Department at 1-800-582-7277, extension 22928, or e-mail wellness@aaa7.org.
​​Matter of Balance Falls Prevention​
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Do You Have Concerns About Falling?
A Matter of Balance is an award winning falls prevention program designed to reduce the fear of falling and increase the activity levels of older adults who have concerns about falls.
The program uses trained volunteer coaches to teach eight two-hour sessions.
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The classes help participants to:
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View falls and fear of falling as controllable
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Set realistic goals for increasing activity
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Change their environment to reduce fall risk factors
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Promote exercise to increase strength and balance​
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You can benefit from the classes if:
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You are concerned about falls
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Have sustained a fall in the past
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You restrict activities because of concerns about falling
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You are interested in improving flexibility, balance and strength
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You are age 60 or older, ambulatory and able to problem solve
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If you are interested in attending a class or interested in teaching classes, call us at 1-800-582-7277 or e-mail wellness@aaa7.org click below for more information.
Past Participants Report the Following Outcomes:
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97% are more comfortable talking about the fear of falling
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97% feel comfortable increasing activity
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99% plan to continue exercising
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98% would recommend "A Matter of Balance"
Tai Chi for Arthritis
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“Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention” is a free program that helps participants improve overall health and well-being, exercise the whole body, and reduce stress while calming the mind.
Tai Chi is a practice that involves a series of slow, gentle movements and physical postures, a meditative state of mind, and controlled breathing. Through this evidence-based class, the AAA7 helps individuals age 60 and over improve movement, balance, strength, flexibility, immunity and relaxation; decrease pain and falls; and increase socialization and sustainability.
If you are age 60 or over and interested in Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention, call the AAA7 Wellness Program at 1-800-582-7277, ext. 22298, or e-mail wellness@aaa7.org.
Veteran Services
In 2012, the Chillicothe Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) partnered with the Area Agency on Aging District 7 (AAA7) to create the Veteran-Directed Home and Community-Based Program, referred to in Ohio as the Veteran-Directed Care Program. Veteran-Directed Home and Community-Based Self-Directed Programs are available nationwide. In an effort to expand this valuable program, in 2023, the AAA7 began partnering with the Cincinnati VAMC, and in 2024, with the Huntington VAMC, to provide similar services for veterans who reside in additional counties throughout our district.
Through this successful program, veterans age 18 years of age and older can receive the services they need, when and how they want them, and in their own homes which has allowed veterans to have improved physical and mental health. Veterans self-direct the services they receive including supervising their own personal care workers and other health maintenance services in order to remain safe and independent at home. Ninety percent of veterans enrolled in the program feel the program is allowing them to remain at home and out of a nursing home, and 74 percent feel it has improved their health and quality of life.
The Area Agency on Aging District 7 has a provider agreement with the Chillicothe, Cincinnati and Huntington VAMCs to provide care management and fiscal intermediary services for the program. Those who are interested in learning more about the program should contact their local VAMC who administers the program and makes the eligibility determination.
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To be eligible for the program, a veteran must be enrolled with the VAMC, have a VA primary care provider, and meet the eligibility criteria for home and community-based services as determined by the VAMC. Interested veterans should talk with their primary care team at their local VAMC.
Energy Assistance Programs
HEAP is a federally-funded program designed to assist eligible low-income Ohioans with their winter heating bills. Households may be eligible for assistances from HEAP if the household income is at or below 175% of the federal poverty guidelines (see Federal Poverty Guidelines chart). Households may be eligible for assistance from PIPP if the household income is at or below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines.
Once your application has been processed, you will receive a notification letter telling you whether or not you are eligible for bill payment assistance. If you are eligible, the amount of your benefit will depend on federal funding levels, how many people live with you, total household income, and the primary fuel you use to heat your home. In most cases, benefits will be a credit applied to your energy bill by your utility company. This is a one-time per year benefit. If you are eligible for weatherization services, your application will be obtainable by the agency providing services in your area. The types of assistance you receive will be based on your home’s energy efficiency. If you live in federally-subsidized housing and have a utility bill in your name, you may be eligible for assistance.
If you are age 60 or over, you may obtain application assistance for HEAP in your local county through the following AAA7 partners:
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Adams County Senior Citizens Center 937-544-3956
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Adams-Brown Economic Opportunities, Inc. 800-553-7393
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Gallia-Meigs Communtiy Action 740-367-7341
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Highland County Community Action 937-393-3458
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Jackson-Vinton Community Action 740-384-3722
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Lawrence County Community Action 740-532-3534
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Pike County Community Action 740-289-2371
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Ross County Community Action 740-702-7222
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Scioto County Community Action 740-354-7541
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Jackson-Vinton Community Action 740-384-3722
The Ohio Development Services Agency also offers several programs to help low-income Ohioans pay their utility bills and improve the energy efficiency of their homes. Through the same Energy Assistance Program application mentioned above, you can apply for the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), the Winter Crisis Program (WCP), the Summer Crisis Program (SCP), Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP) and the Home Weatherization Assistance Program (HWAP).
For the Winter Crisis Program and Summer Crisis Program, you need to make an appointment at the local community action agency, which is the local provider for these programs:​
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Adams-Brown Counties Community Action 800-553-7393
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Gallia/Meigs Counties Community Action 740-367-7341
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Highland County Community Action 937-393-3458
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Jackson/Vinton Counties Community Action 740-384-3722
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Ironton-Lawrence County Community Action 740-532-3534
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Pike County Community Action 740-289-2371
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Ross County Community Action 740-702-7222
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Scioto County Community Action 740-354-7541
SUMMER CRISIS PROGRAM LOCAL PARTNERS
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Adams County – Adams/Brown Economic Opportunities, Inc.
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Brown County – Adams/Brown Economic Opportunities, Inc.
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Gallia County – Gallia-Meigs CAA, Inc.
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Highland County – Highland County Community Action Organization
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Jackson County – Jackson/Vinton Community Action, Inc.
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Lawrence County – Ironton-Lawrence County Community Action Organization
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Pike County – Community Action Committee of Pike County
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Ross County – Ross County Community Action Committee, Inc.
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Scioto County – Community Action Commission of Scioto County
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Vinton County – Jackson/Vinton Community Action, Inc
Alzheimer's Care Services
Alzheimer’s Disease is a progressive and incurable disease that attacks brain cells, resulting in impaired memory, thinking and behavior. Alzheimer’s disease is a form of dementia. Many options are available to assist families and other caregivers through education, support and services.
In-Home Respite Care
Respite care can ease the burden on families and caregivers by providing a brief break from caring for an individual at home with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. A trained home care aide can provide the supervision and service necessary for families and caregivers to attend appointments, go to the grocery store, or simply take a nap and get needed rest from their caregiving responsibilities.
Adult Day Service
Adult Day Service can provide assistance for families and caregivers who cannot leave an older adult alone due to their cognitive impairment. Adult Day Centers provide structured, therapeutic group and individual activities as well as a hot lunch and snacks. The socialization and mental stimulation for persons with Alzheimer’s disease and/or dementia often enables them to remain independent as long as possible. Often times transportation to and from the center may be provided as well.
Adult Day Service is available in Gallia and Scioto Counties. To access this service or for more information, contact the Gallia County Council on Aging at 740-446-7000 or United Scioto Senior Activities at 740-354-6672
Education and Support
The Area Agency on Aging District 7, Inc. contracts with the Alzheimer’s Association to provide a variety of services for persons and their families with Alzheimer’s disease.
Telephone Hotline: a toll-free phone number and local information and support services for families, professionals and the general public Call 800-272-3900, available 24/7
Support Groups: ongoing groups of family members who share information and provide support to one another.
Family Education: educational programs for family members caring for people with Alzheimer’s disease.
Public Education: educational programs and materials geared toward the general public.
Professional Education: educational programs for professionals and paraprofessionals working with people with Alzheimer’s disease.
Newsletters
Safe Return: a national program that helps return people home safely if they wander away and become lost.
Ohio’s HOME Choice Program
Ohio’s HOME Choice program transitions eligible Ohioans from institutional settings to home and community-based settings, where they receive services and supports at home and in their communities. Established in 2008 with a goal of transitioning 2,000 Ohioans, the program has become a national leader in moving people back home. More than 14,500 individuals have enjoyed a new-found independence though HOME Choice.​
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Who is eligible to participate?
To be eligible for HOME Choice an individual must:​​
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Be enrolled in Medicaid
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Have resided in a long-term care facility for at least 60 consecutive days
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Be 18 years of age or older
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Have income to sustain community living
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Participate in a needs assessment and have a need for the program
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Have care needs that can be adequately met in a community setting
How do I learn more and apply?​
Individuals and family members/guardian will work with the long-term care facility and HOME Choice transition staff to apply, discuss options and coordinate services and supports.
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Questions about HOME Choice?
Call 1-888-221-1560 or email HOME_Choice@medicaid.ohio.gov , contact the AAA7 Resource Center at 1-800-582-7277 or email info@aaa7.org
Senior Home Information Program (SHIP)
SHIP is a voluntary service in Ross County and Scioto County that provides a free home safety inspection to identify features in your home that may make your residence susceptible to burglaries, fires, or injuries due to falls. Qualified law enforcement officers, firefighters, aging service professionals, and occupational therapy student interns will collaborate to conduct the safety inspections, and provide information and free safety equipment (such as smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, bathmats, nightlights, flashlights, etc.) for you to consider that may reduce household hazards, decrease your risk, and help you be safe in your home.
Persons eligible must be age 60 or over and reside in either Ross or Scioto County. There is no income eligibility.
To schedule your free home safety assessment, or for additional information about the SHIP program, contact: for Scioto County, the AAA7 Resource Center at 1-800-582-7277; and for Ross County, contact the Chillicothe Fire Inspector at (740) 773-2212.
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Contact Us
For more information about our services and programs, please reach out to us at:
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Phone: 1-800-582-7277
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Email: info@aaa7.org
We’re here to answer any questions you have about our additional services and how they can benefit you or your loved ones. Contact us today to learn more and get the support you deserve!