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Eric Mitchell

Oct 31
Love0

How to Nourish the Human Spirit this Holiday Season

By Uncategorized

The holiday season is here! LifeCare Alliance offers opportunities across many of our programs to volunteer, give, and Nourish the Human Spirit. All activities are family-friendly; children should be accompanied by an adult. Please read below to see what way of giving works best for you. Thank you for your support, and happy holidays!

Meals-on-Wheels Delivery

Address: 670 Harmon Avenue, 43223
Website: www.lifecarealliance.org
Questions? Email: volunteer@lifecarealliance.org
Call: 614-444-MEAL (6325)
Volunteer opportunity: Multiple opportunities to assist with Meals-On-Wheels food delivery during the holiday season.  Deliver holiday cheer and hot, nutritious meals to your neighbors who may be elderly, medically challenged or home bound and receive Meals-on-Wheels.  Training is provided before departing on a route. Delivery takes 1-1.5 hours between 10am-1pm.

New volunteers should start by submitting a volunteer application.

Existing volunteers can sign up for opportunities using the below links.

Week before Christmas: Dec. 18 – Dec 24, 2022
Click here to schedule for Dec. 18-24

Christmas Day and last week of December:  Dec. 25, – Dec. 31, 2022
Click here to schedule for Dec. 25-31

New Year’s Day: Jan. 1, 2023
Click here to schedule for Jan. 1-7

 

Adopt-A-Senior client of the Meals-on-Wheels program

Date(s) and Time(s): Nov. 1 – Dec. 16, 2022; 9am-4pm
Address: 670 Harmon Avenue, 43223
Contact: Molly Haroz, 614-437-2861
Email: mharoz@lifecarealliance.org
Giving opportunity:  Donate gifts that will be delivered during the holidays to older adults who receive Meals-on-Wheels.
Gifts should be delivered unwrapped to our facility: 670 Harmon Ave.

Donation ideas include:

  • calendars
  • puzzle books
  • note cards and stamps
  • toothpaste
  • deodorant
  • shaving cream
  • soap
  • socks
  • lotions
  • cologne
  • mugs

*Donations of tissue paper and small gift bags are welcomed.

 

Adopt-A-Client of the Groceries-to-Go nutritional program

Date(s) and Time(s): Nov. 1 – Dec. 16, 2022
Address: 670 Harmon Avenue, 43223
Contact: Leilani Monfort, 614-437-2836
Email: lmonfort@lifecarealliance.org
Volunteer opportunity: Drivers to deliver to homebound clients

Giving opportunity: Donate food and personal hygiene items that will be available to clients of the Columbus Cancer Clinic, as well as their families.

Donation ideas include:

  • gift cards
  • lotion
  • bath salts
  • shampoo
  • conditioner
  • hand soap
  • household cleaning supplies
  • canned vegetables
  • canned soups
  • snacks
  • sweets

The Groceries-to-Go Amazon Wish List contains items that are always needed.

 

Adopt-A-Senior client of the Help-at-Home program

Date(s) and Time(s): Nov. 1 – Dec. 16, 2022
Address: 1699 W. Mound St., 43223
Contact: Help-at-Home, 614-278-3149
Giving opportunity: Provide a local senior items from his or her wish list! Please wrap and deliver gifts to LifeCare Alliance, or you may deliver directly to the senior’s home!

Wish list items may include:

  • blankets
  • puzzle books
  • mugs
  • toothpaste
  • deodorant
  • shaving cream
  • soap
  • socks
  • lotions
  • household cleaning items

* Donations of tissue paper and small gift bags are welcomed.

The Help-at-Home Amazon Wish List contains items that are always needed.

Program Wish Lists

You can support clients of other programs of LifeCare Alliance by purchasing items that are always needed! Check out our wish lists below:
Senior PetCare Amazon Wish List
Arthritis Support Services Amazon Wish List
Camp Hamwi Amazon Wish List
Columbus Cancer Clinic Amazon Wish List 

Sep 16
Love0

Project OpenHand-Columbus Nourishes the Aging Population Living with HIV/AIDS

By Uncategorized

September 18 is National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day.

Just 40 years ago, during the height of the AIDS epidemic, no one could have dreamed that there would be need for an observance an event such as this – a day that brings to light the challenges faced by the aging population living with HIV/AIDS.

With advances in treatment, people with HIV are living longer, healthier lives than ever before. But adults approaching their senior years while living with the disease need support. LifeCare Alliance is dedicated to meeting the nutritional needs of those patients and their families living with HIV/AIDS in central Ohio – our Project OpenHand-Columbus (POHC) offers an extensive intervention program that addresses the causes of malnutrition and hunger associated with HIV/AIDS.

Medical research has shown that a healthy diet is a powerful weapon in fighting infections. Nutritious food can change the course of disease, lessen the harsh side effects of medications, and help the body’s immune system prevent and stop further infections. Armed with this knowledge, POHC provides an extensive intervention program – free of charge – to individuals living with HIV/AIDS in central Ohio:

  • Home-delivered meals are hot or frozen and prepared under the direction of a registered dietitian, right here in our central Ohio kitchen.
  • Congregate dining centers like Carrie’s Café are open to people ages 60+ and provide a daily nutritious meal in the company of friends and peers.
  • One-on-one nutrition counseling helps clients take control of their own nutritional well-being.
  • Emergency meal assistance is in place for clients in distress. Meals are delivered within 48 hours to a client’s home, when requested by case managers.

Click here to learn more about Project OpenHand-Columbus and the support we provide to our neighbors living with HIV/AIDS – as they age with dignity, independence, and better health than ever before.

Aug 12
Love1

IMPACT Safety’s “We Are Worth Defending” Initiative Certifies First Cohort of Women of Color Self-Defense Trainers

By Uncategorized

IMPACT Safety, a program of LifeCare Alliance, recently launched a new initiative called “We Are Worth Defending.” The program is designed specifically for women of color (WOC) who are more likely to experience physical and sexual abuse than the wider population of women at large. Studies indicate that among WOC, 1 in 4 of them have experienced sexual assault before the age of 18.

Even with this disparity, WOC are often less likely to learn methods of defending themselves against attack than their white counterparts. Through a series of listening sessions, focus groups and online surveys during 2020-2021, IMPACT Safety engaged with more than 100 central Ohio WOC to try to determine why WOC might be less likely to learn self-defense tactics. This research identified three primary barriers that included time, money, and cultural conditioning.

According to Venica Miller, “We are Worth Defending” project manager, many of the cultural concerns uncovered included misconceptions that society may already look at WOC as being too strong, or too dominant, and thus do not need self-defense.

The week-long trainers’ training was led by Empowerment Self Defense (ESD) instructors from around the globe. ESD is an approach that combines verbal, physical, and intuitive tools to help individuals set boundaries, increase confidence, and learn how to heal from interpersonal violence. (IMPACT Safety is a provider of ESD training in central Ohio.)

“We Are Worth Defending” graduated 15 WOC who are now certified ESD trainers who can go out and teach these skills to other women in their community circles. Dr. Julie Harmon, director of IMPACT Safety, estimates that each newly minted trainer should be able to pass these skills along to approximately 100 other women. This represents an enormous impact in helping central Ohio WOC increase confidence and promote healing within their communities.

Hear from the new trainers themselves about their reaction to the program and their plans for passing these skills along.

Aug 03
Love0

How to Fit Volunteering Into Any Schedule

By Uncategorized

Day-to-day responsibilities can make it seem impossible to incorporate new activities, like volunteering, into your routine. Luckily, hundreds of our volunteers know that even with a busy schedule you can still find time to volunteer. Here are some tried and true methods to fit volunteering into your life:

Volunteer with your colleagues

Visit our Levee Event Center at Franklinton for your next working lunch. Our facilities are available for business meetings, seminars, training workshops, holiday celebrations, and more. Before or after a lunch by our L.A. Catering, participate in team-building activities that benefit the community – volunteer together!

Volunteer with family or friends

Many hands make light work, and volunteering together is an excellent way to spend quality time with the people you love. So consider delivering Meals-on-Wheels before your next lunch date with friends or bring the whole family to help prepare pet food deliveries for the Senior PetCare program. Read more about the benefits of volunteering as a family here.

Volunteer on holidays

LifeCare Alliance delivers Meals-on-Wheels 365 days per year. Start a new tradition with family and friends and sign up to volunteer! Thanksgiving and Christmas Day are festive occasions to deliver a Meals-on-Wheels route, and there is no greater holiday gift than the joy of helping a neighbor in need. Help is needed on EVERY holiday, so next Labor Day, or New Years Day, or Fourth of July…. plan to help Nourish the Human Spirit with a few hours of your day off!

So, whether you find yourself with some free time today to deliver a Meals-on-Wheels route or if you’d like to plan ahead, our expert Corporate & Community Engagement team will create an opportunity that works for you. So don’t delay! Read on to learn how to begin your volunteer journey with LifeCare Alliance.

GET STARTED:

First – Learn more about volunteer opportunities with LifeCare Alliance.
Then – fill out our Volunteer Application  and  get in touch with our Corporate & Community Engagement Managers to set up a volunteer experience for yourself or your group. Reach them by email at volunteer@lifecarealliance.org or by phone at (614) 444-6325.
We can’t wait to see you!
Jun 30
Love0

Top Three Reasons to Volunteer As a Family

By Uncategorized

Looking for the next outing to enjoy as a family this summer? Come to LifeCare Alliance! We offer a variety of engaging activities, and we can use the help of volunteers of all ages (with parent supervision)! Volunteering can benefit your family in many ways:

Bond in a different way – by working to reach a goal and Nourish the Human Spirit together!

Volunteer and take advantage of an opportunity to connect as a family. Choose from a variety of volunteer activities to appeal to every member of the family: ‘shop’ for the homebound clients who use our Groceries-to-Go pantry, prepare packages of pet food, treats, and toys for clients of the Senior PetCare program, help in our production kitchen, or deliver a Meals-on-Wheels route. Even groups like The Ohio State University Football program volunteer together for team-building; what works for the Buckeyes can certainly work for your family!

Teach your kids about teamwork and collaboration in a new environment.

Delivering Meals-on-Wheels as a family presents an excellent opportunity to practice working together. Assign each member of the family a different role – one person navigates, another knocks on the client’s door, and another hand-delivers the meal. Even little ones can participate and practice greeting new people! Everyone can play a part and experience the satisfaction of helping someone in need.

Show your kids a different view of life in Columbus.

Veteran volunteer Miguel (pictured) says that he likes to bring his children to volunteer because “families can grow and see different aspects of life.” Witnessing the circumstances of those in need can bolster a child’s emotional intelligence and cultivate empathy. And giving their time to help their neighbors is a great way to nurture an attitude of gratitude!

Get started:

First – Learn more about volunteer opportunities with LifeCare Alliance.
Then – fill out our Volunteer Application  and  get in touch with our Community Engagement Managers to set up a volunteer experience for your family. Reach them by email at volunteer@lifecarealliance.org or by phone at (614) 444-6325.
We can’t wait to see you!
Jun 23
Love0

AEP Food Replacement Program

By Uncategorized

According to 10TV, at the peak of last week’s outages, “more than 170,000 Franklin County residents were without power while temperatures reached well into the upper 90s.” Many of those who dealt with the power outages reported extensive food loss, and AEP has responded by partnering with four local non-profits to support affected residents.

LifeCare Alliance, the Meals-on-Wheels provider for multiple central Ohio counties, is one of the local non-profits selected as partners by AEP to support residents and clients who suffered food loss during last week’s extreme heat and power outages. LifeCare Alliance will offer meals to those residents negatively impacted by power outages June 13-17 in Franklin and surrounding counties.

Beginning Monday, June 27, LifeCare Alliance will provide replacement meals to those who lost food due to power outages. To qualify, people can apply online at lifecarealliance.org/referral.  Once they have entered some basic information, they can select AEP Food Replacement Program from the list of LifeCare Alliance programs. After completing the online application, they will be notified by LifeCare Alliance customer service how and when to collect their food.

“AEP has been a great supporter of LifeCare Alliance and our mission in many ways for many years,” said Gehring, president and CEO of LifeCare Alliance.  “We are certainly honored they chose us as one of their key partners in this effort to relieve some of the challenges residents faced during what was an unforeseen emergency situation.”

May 05
Love0

Franklin County Spirit Award Winners

By Uncategorized

April was National Volunteer Month, and we took the opportunity to celebrate the ‘World of Difference’ our volunteers make in the community! Six volunteer appreciation events were held across central Ohio. Delicious meals were provided by L.A. Catering, and Spirit Awards were presented to many of the individuals and groups who made a particularly incredible impact in 2021. Thank you to each and every one of our amazing volunteers!

 

 

Mar 31
Love0

March for Meals 2022

By Uncategorized

 

The NCAA basketball tournament isn’t the only event that stirs up excitement all over the country in the month of March.

Each year, Meals on Wheels America celebrates March for Meals nationwide. This month-long awareness campaign commemorates the day in March of 1972 when a vulnerable population was provided the foundation for an important safety net: President Nixon signed into law an historic measure, amending the Older Americans Act of 1965 to include a national nutrition program for seniors (age 60 and older). This year’s March for Meals was extra special, as we marked the 50th anniversary of the Older Americans Act Nutrition Program.

March for Meals enlists local elected officials and community leaders to help raise awareness about the critical need for Meals on Wheels, the singularly effective program that addresses food insecurity and malnutrition, combats social isolation, enables independence, and helps seniors stay safe and healthy in their own homes – where they want to be!

A heartfelt thank you to the local elected officials and community leaders dedicated their time to experience firsthand what it’s like to deliver Meals-on-Wheels with LifeCare Alliance and serve our homebound neighbors.

Special thanks to:
Logan County Commissioner Joe Antram
WZMO 104.7 FM Marion
Indus Hotels
Construction One
FedEx
London Mayor Patrick Closser
Marion Police Department
Congresswoman Joyce Beatty of Ohio’s 3rd District
Columbus City Council President Shannon Hardin
West Jefferson Mayor Ray Martin
Columbus City Councilmember Elizabeth Brown
Columbus City Councilmember Lourdes Barroso de Padilla
Kroger
State Senator Stephanie Kunze of Ohio’s 16th District
Feb 15
Love0

Nominate a Volunteer for the LifeCare Alliance 2022 Spirit Awards!

By Events, Uncategorized, Volunteers
Coming soon: The LifeCare Alliance Spirit Awards, when we celebrate the extraordinary impact our volunteers have on our community. Because of our volunteers, our neighbors can stay safe, independent, and in their own homes, right where they want to be.

Help us honor the individuals who make a world of difference right here in central Ohio; they are the heart of LifeCare Alliance’s mission to Nourish the Human Spirit, helping to provide critical and lifesaving services to over 30,000 clients each year.

Please use the form below to submit your nomination. We’d like to know the LifeCare Alliance program that benefits from your nominee’s work, as well as the reasons your nominee stands out!

Please check back with the LifeCare Alliance website and social media for further information about the 2022 Spirit Awards as details are finalized.

Thank you for helping us honor the individuals who make a world of difference in central Ohio – nominate a volunteer for a Spirit Award!

Nomination Deadline: Monday, March 7

Dec 23
Love0

Rapid PCR Test Helping Families Stay Safer Over Holidays

By Wellness

Whether traveling internationally, or simply going to Grandma’s house, the rapid PCR testing that LifeCare Alliance’s Wellness Services now offers is helping families stay safer from COVID this holiday season.

PCR stands for polymerase chain reaction, and with accuracy that approaches 100 percent, it is considered the gold standard of COVID testing. In fact, it is required for travelers headed to several international destinations – including Canada.

According to Melinda Rowe, Director of Wellness Services for LifeCare Alliance, there is a lot of confusion around the various COVID tests and their best uses.

“There are rapid antigen tests, which are the ones most frequently conducted in-home,” says Rowe.

“These are the ones that you get for low-cost at the drugstore, or which are sometimes given out free by the health department.”

Antigen tests can be less accurate than PCR tests as they rely on the level of antigens in a person’s body who has been exposed to the COVID virus. It is widely thought that a person can carry and spread the disease 3-5 days before exhibiting symptoms or producing enough antigens to register on a rapid antigen test.

The PCR test can successfully detect even the smallest amount of coronavirus genetic material in a sample, making it a highly sensitive and accurate test.

Many international destinations are requiring proof of a negative PCR test anywhere from 24-72 hours before arrival of flights into their country. This requires a rapid PCR test as opposed to a traditional PCR test that can take several days to return results.

A few of the nations requiring PCR testing include England, France, Germany, Italy, Dominican Republic, and even Canada. These requirements are changing rapidly and travelers should continually monitor any conditions to entry into a country because of COVID.

But international travel isn’t the only reason people are choosing to get a rapid PCR test.

Wallis Harsch, a retiree from The Ohio State University, came to LifeCare Alliance to get a rapid PCR test before visiting her son and his family on the East Coast. She wanted to make sure her grandson would be safer from COVID exposure if she and her husband went to visit him for the holiday.

“Many people with family members who are elderly, extremely young, or have pre-existing conditions, are opting to get the rapid PCR test before visiting in order to protect those most vulnerable,” says Rowe.

LifeCare Alliance Wellness Services offers rapid PCR testing at our headquarters at 1699 W. Mound Street. The test costs $200 and is not covered by insurance. Sixty percent of the fee goes to cover the costs of special equipment, supplies and the trained technicians required for the test. The rest of the fee is dedicated to LifeCare Alliance’s social enterprise and goes to support the nurses we have out in the community that provide free health screenings, free foot care, free diabetes education, and counseling and other services.

LifeCare Alliance offers rapid PCR testing at our headquarters at 1699 W. Mound Street in Columbus, Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. You must call for an appointment at 614-437-2878.

Dec 20
Love0

LifeCare Alliance Now Offers Rapid COVID testing!

By Uncategorized

Are you getting ready for a trip this winter? If so, make sure you do your research!

Most international destinations now mandate proof of a negative COVID-19 test for entry, and in most cases, the PCR test (SARS-COV-2 PRC TesT) is a preferred testing option. Timing requirements for the test vary from 24, 48, or 72 hours before arrival at your destination.

If you’ll soon be departing for the trip of a lifetime and don’t know where to turn, don’t panic! LifeCare Alliance now offers rapid COVID testing! The rapid PCR test is now available by appointment with guaranteed results in 30 minutes.

The best part? Proceeds from this social enterprise are used to fund LifeCare Alliance’s programs that help the central Ohio community, like Meals-on-Wheels, the Columbus Cancer Clinic, the Central Ohio Diabetes Association, and more!

To schedule an appointment at our Wellness Center (1699 W. Mound Street), call 614-437-2878!

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this COVID Travel Test near me?

We are located at 1699 W. Mound Street , Columbus, Ohio 43223

Who needs a rapid PCR test?

Travel to many international destinations requires a negative PCR test at this time. Check with your travel agent, your airline, and confirm with the State Department website that lists destination requirements by country: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/COVID-19-Country-Specific-Information.html

Here is a sampling of the popular destinations that currently (as of 12/14) require a traveler to provide a negative COVID-19 test upon entry and/or be vaccinated:

  • Barbados
  • Brazil
  • Canada
  • Dominican Republic
  • England
  • France
  • Germany
  • Ghana
  • Italy
  • Jamaica
  • Liberia
  • Peru
  • Sierra Leone
  • Somalia
  • South Africa
  • Tanzania

 What documentation will I receive?

This COVID test with fast results will send you on your way in 30 minutes with a printed copy of your results.

What should I bring to my appointment?

Please bring your passport and driver’s license.

How is the test performed?

A minimally invasive nose swab.

How long will the appointment take?

Please plan for a 30-minute window.

What happens if my test is positive?

If you receive a positive test result, you likely have an infection with SARS-CoV-2. Contact your healthcare provider and your travel agent and travel insurance provider, as your trip will need to be rescheduled.

Nov 26
Love0

November is American Diabetes Month

By Uncategorized

Each year in November, communities across the country team up to bring attention to diabetes during American Diabetes Month. According to the American Diabetes Association, 34.2 million Americans have diabetes, and 1.5 million Americans are diagnosed with diabetes every year. Organizations like Diabetes Dayton are here to help individuals of all ages manage their diabetes through life-saving programs like the Diabetes Emergency Supply Assistance Program, or DESAP, and summer camp programming.

Since 1963, Diabetes Dayton has been offering summer camp and transforming the lives of children with diabetes in the greater Dayton area. After not holding in-person camp last year, participants were glad to return to camp at the YMCA Camp Willson Outdoor Recreation Center, located just outside of Bellefontaine. There, youth enjoyed a variety of camp activities such as swimming, hiking, campfires, wall-climbing, archery, horseback riding, field games and a dance on the last evening. In addition to making new friends who are living with diabetes like themselves, education is a central part of camp, helping campers become more knowledgeable and skillful in the management of their diabetes.

The eagerness to return to camp was felt by everyone involved. “My daughter loves the relationships she has made through camp,” commented one parent. “These friendships will last a lifetime.” Without the funding support from The Benevolent Fund of the Masons, CareSource Foundation, Middletown Community Foundation, and the Michelle McGann Fund, the transition back to in-person camp would not have been possible.

Thirty-two years after Diabetes Dayton started camp, the DESAP was formed when they started providing a minimal amount of diabetes supply assistance to those who were uninsured. Critically needed testing and supplies include but are not limited to glucometers, test strips, lancets, glucose tabs, sharps containers, syringes, and insulin pumps. Recognizing the need for and high cost of insulin and testing supplies, Diabetes Dayton formed a new partnership this year with locally owned ZIKS Family Pharmacy. This project was funded by a grant from The Dayton Foundation and will positively impact individuals living with diabetes who are at risk of long-term complications due to lack of access to supplies and medicine.

Another funder of the DESAP is The Levin Family Foundation. Their foundation supports agencies in Dayton and surrounding areas that feed, clothe, educate, and provide health related support to those in need. Thanks to a grant from The Levin Family Foundation, the DESAP will be able to expand its reach to physician’s offices and Federally Qualified Health Centers to create awareness and reach more clients in the area. This support will ensure that individuals living with diabetes are able to obtain the necessary supplies to test their blood sugar on a regular basis and prevent long-term health complications.

Thanks to all of the incredible funders of Diabetes Dayton programming to create happier, healthier communities throughout the Miami Valley!

Learn more:

CareSource Foundation: https://www.caresource.com/about-us/caresource-foundation/

Middletown Community Foundation: http://www.mcfoundation.org/

Michelle McGann Fund: https://themichellemcgannfund.com/

The Dayton Foundation: https://www.daytonfoundation.org/

The Levin Family Foundation: https://levinfamilyfoundation.org/

Nov 19
Love2

Subaru of America Shares the Love with Homebound Seniors!

By Events, Meals-on-Wheels

Meals on Wheels America and LifeCare Alliance are thrilled to participate in the 2021 Subaru Share the Love Event, which has helped deliver more than 2.5 million meals to seniors across the country over the past 13 years.

This partnership with Subaru of America, Inc. is vital because too many seniors are struggling to stay independent and healthy. One in four seniors lives alone in isolation and nearly 7.4 million American seniors have incomes below the poverty line, which puts them greatly at risk for food insecurity. This is why LifeCare Alliance provides nutritious meals, friendly visits, and safety checks to the seniors of Franklin, Madison, Marion, Champaign, and Logan counties. This support keeps seniors safe, independent, and living in their own homes, where they want to be.

We’re incredibly grateful to Subaru and its retailers for supporting our organization and the seniors we serve. With that in mind, we thought you might like to learn a little bit more about the Subaru Share the Love Event.

HERE’S HOW IT WORKS

This November 18, 2021, through January 3, 2022, for every new Subaru vehicle purchased or leased, Subaru will donate $250 to the customer’s choice of participating charities.* Meals on Wheels is one of four national participating charities and has been since the inception of the event. Through this event, as a member of Meals on Wheels America, LifeCare Alliance will receive a share of the donation from Subaru vehicles sold at participating Subaru retailers.

You might not be in the market to purchase a new car, but you can still help by spreading the word to your family and friends. A few quick and easy ways to do that:

– Share this article to your social media networks!
– Share our posts about the Share the Love Event on Facebook: (www.facebook.com/lifecarealliance), Twitter (@lifecareallianc), or Instagram (@lifecarealliance)! #ShareTheLove

And remember: this holiday season you can ensure our senior neighbors are not forgotten, when you purchase or lease a new Subaru and select Meals on Wheels as your charity of choice.

*Disclaimer: Subaru will donate $250 for every new Subaru vehicle sold or leased from November 18, 2021, through January 3, 2022, to four national charities designated by the purchaser or lessee. Pre-approved Hometown Charities may be selected for donation depending on retailer participation. For every new Subaru vehicle sold or leased during the campaign period, participating retailers will donate a minimum of $50 in total to their registered Hometown Charities. Purchasers/lessees must make their charity designations by January 15, 2022. The four national charities will receive a guaranteed minimum donation of $250,000 each. See your local Subaru retailer for details or visit subaru.com/share. All donations made by Subaru of America, Inc.

Nov 16
Love1

Holiday Volunteer Opportunities 2021-2022

By Columbus Cancer Clinic, Events, Help-at-Home, Meals-on-Wheels, Volunteers

The holiday season is here, and LifeCare Alliance has multiple opportunities for you to spread tidings of comfort and joy and Nourish the Human Spirit by donating gifts and volunteering. Please read below to see what way of giving works best for you. Thank you for your support, and happy Holidays!

 

Adopt-A-Senior
Date(s) and Time(s): Nov. 1 – Dec. 17, 2021; 9am-4pm
Host Agency: LifeCare Alliance; 670 Harmon Avenue, 43223
Contact: Molly Haroz
Phone: 614-437-2861
Website: www.lifecarealliance.org
Email: mharoz@lifecarealliance.org
Families: Yes (min. age: preschool with adult)
Opportunity:  Donate gifts that will be delivered during the holidays to older adults who receive Meals-on-Wheels.  You will be helping your neighbors who may be an older adult, medically challenged, and/or home-bound and receive Meals-on-Wheels. Gifts should be delivered unwrapped.  Donation ideas include calendars, puzzle books, note cards and stamps, as well as personal care items like toothpaste, deodorant, shaving cream, soap, socks, lotions, cologne, and mugs. Donations of tissue paper and small gift bags are welcomed.

 

Adopt-A-Client of the Groceries-to-Go nutritional program!
Date(s) and Time(s): Nov. 1 – Dec. 17, 2021
Host Agency: LifeCare Alliance; 670 Harmon Avenue, 43223
Contact: Leilani Monfort
Phone: 614-437-2836
Website: www.lifecarealliance.org
Email: lmonfort@lifecarealliance.org
Families: Yes (min. age: preschool with adult)
Opportunity: Donate food and personal hygiene items that will be available to clients of the Columbus Cancer Clinic, as well as their families. The pantry is in need of the following: Gift cards, personal care items (lotion, bath salts, shampoo, conditioner, hand soap), household cleaning supplies, canned vegetables and canned soups, snacks and sweets.
Groceries-to-Go Amazon Wish List: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2REVM4PJIU2KQ?ref_=wl_fv_le
Opportunity: Drivers to deliver to homebound clients

 

Adopt-A-Senior
Date(s) and Time(s): N/A – At capacity! Thank you to our supporters!
Host Agency: LifeCare Alliance—Help-at-Home; 1699 W. Mound St., 43223
Opportunity: Help older adults who receive home care services from our Help-at-Home department celebrate the season!  Provide a local senior items from his or her wish list!  Wish list items may include blankets, puzzle books, mugs, as well as personal care items like toothpaste, deodorant, shaving cream, soap, socks, and lotions, or household cleaning items. Please wrap and deliver gifts to LifeCare Alliance, or you may deliver directly to the senior’s home! Donations of tissue paper and small gift bags are welcomed.
The Help-at-Home Amazon Wish List contains items that are always needed: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/GUUEC9N7XNDN?ref_=wl_fv_le.

 

Adopt-a-Family 
Date(s) and Time(s): N/A – At capacity! Thank you to our supporters!
Host Agency: LifeCare Alliance – Columbus Cancer Clinic; 1699 W. Mound St., 43223
Opportunity: Help Columbus Cancer Clinic clients and their families celebrate the season! Wish list items may include toys, food, clothing, household items or gift cards.  Deliver gifts for holiday gift bags to our Mound Street offices.
The Columbus Cancer Clinic Amazon Wish List contains items that are always needed: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3R5R5QYAFS9OF/ref=hz_ls_biz_ex.

 

Meals-on-Wheels Delivery
Host Agency: LifeCare Alliance; 670 Harmon Avenue, 43223
Website: www.lifecarealliance.org
Questions? Email: volunteer@lifecarealliance.org
Call: 614-444-MEAL (6325)
Families: Yes (min. age: preschool with adult)
Opportunity: Multiple opportunities to assist with Meals-On-Wheels food delivery during the holiday season.  Deliver holiday cheer and hot, nutritious meals to your neighbors who may be elderly, medically challenged or home bound and receive Meals-on-Wheels.  Routes take 1-1½ hours to deliver.  Maps and training are provided before departing on a route. New volunteers should start by submitting a volunteer application at https://www.lifecarealliance.org/volunteer/apply/.  Existing volunteers can sign up for opportunities using the below links.  If the links do not work for you, simply copy and paste them into your preferred browser.

 

Week Before Christmas
Date(s) and Time(s): Dec. 20 – Dec 23, 2021; Delivery takes 1-1.5 hours between 10am-1pm
To Schedule: https://lifecare.mowscheduler.com/helpwanted/2021-12-19.

 

Christmas Eve Meals-on-Wheels Delivery
Date(s) and Time(s): Dec. 24, 2021; Delivery takes 1-1.5 hours between 10am-1pm
To Schedule: https://lifecare.mowscheduler.com/helpwanted/2021-12-24.

 

Christmas Day Meals-on-Wheels Delivery
Date(s) and Time(s): Dec. 25, 2021; Delivery takes 1-1.5 hours between 10am-1pm
To Schedule: https://lifecare.mowscheduler.com/helpwanted/2021-12-25.

 

Week after Christmas Meals-on-Wheels Delivery
Date(s) and Time(s): Dec. 26 – Dec 30, 2021; Delivery takes 1-1.5 hours between 10am-1pm
To Schedule: https://lifecare.mowscheduler.com/helpwanted/2021-12-26

.

 

New Year’s Eve Meals-on-Wheels Delivery
Date(s) and Time(s): Dec. 31, 2021; Delivery takes 1-1.5 hours between 10am-1pm
To Schedule: https://lifecare.mowscheduler.com/helpwanted/2021-12-31.

 

New Year’s Day Meals-on-Wheels Delivery
Date(s) and Time(s): Jan. 1, 2022; Delivery takes 1-1.5 hours between 10am-1pm
To Schedule: https://lifecare.mowscheduler.com/helpwanted/2022-01-01.

Sep 10
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Four teenage female campers pose for a photo at Camp Hamwi

Dedicated Funders Make Camp Hamwi Possible

By Central Ohio Diabetes Association, Featured News

“I feel like camp has changed the way I look at having diabetes. I love being around all of the great people here!”

Receiving feedback such as the quote above from a Camp Hamwi participant is like music to the ears of the Central Ohio Diabetes Association (CODA). Each year since 1968, CODA has held camp programming during the summer months. Camp Hamwi has provided life-saving disease management skills for thousands of youth living with diabetes in a safe, recreational environment. The camp is named after Dr. George Hamwi, a co-founder of CODA.

At camp, youth ages 7-17 learn the importance of good diabetes control in their childhood and for a lifetime. In addition to Camp Hamwi, there is a program called Stepping Stones, a transitional day camp for children ages 8-12, and Kids Camp for children ages three to seven. The 2021 camp season welcomed 11 campers to Kids Camp, 23 to Stepping Stones, and 199 to Camp Hamwi.

Returning to in-person camp programming would not be possible without the generous support of CODA funders. The Franklin County Community Partnership Grant Program through the Franklin County Commissioners has helped each year since 2013. This year, 77 campers came from Franklin County. The continuous support from the Franklin County Commissioners enables campers to get the most out of camp, including a personal diabetes management plan. The plan includes: A healthy meal plan, regular physical exercise, regular checks of blood glucose levels, and taking diabetes medications as prescribed.

Another longtime supporter of LifeCare Alliance and CODA camps is the Ingram-White Castle Foundation. The Foundation especially supports programs that address a critical human service need. Without this significant funding, CODA would not be able to provide scholarships for campers that attend each summer. One of the many critical skills attained at CODA’s youth and camp programs are self-care skills such as blood sugar testing, insulin injections, and the importance of adhering to diet and exercise regimens.

Three teenage male campers in a canoe at Camp Hamwi

The Harry C. Moores Foundation, a longtime funder of not only CODA Camp but other LifeCare Alliance programs as well, is located in Columbus and supports camps in order to make an impact in child welfare throughout the state. This year camp welcomed youths from 39 Ohio counties with additional campers coming from West Virginia and Michigan. A number of campers reside in rural Ohio counties where they might be the only student in school with diabetes. Being able to interact with their peers who are also learning to manage their diagnosis can be a meaningful experience for those feeling isolated by their condition. A camper remarked, “I feel really glad I came to camp. I came not knowing anyone here, but over the week I made some really cool friends. I was nervous, but I am really happy I decided to come in the end and I will for sure come next year.”

At the end of camp staff completed a thorough outcome evaluation with participants and families to determine program and education components for the next year. The excitement and anticipation to return to camp was felt by everyone involved. “I love Camp Hamwi and I am excited to keep coming here as I grow older,” commented one camper. “Thank you for what you do to make Hamwi special!!!”

Without the support from the above listed funders and additional grants from The Knox County Foundation, CareSource Foundation, the Pickaway County Community Foundation, the Richland County Foundation, the Columbus Medical Association Foundation Youth Advisory Council, and the Tom E. Dailey Foundation, returning to in-person camp would not have been possible.

Thank you so much to all of our funders for making CODA camp successful in 2021!

-Stephanie Rowe Bencic, LifeCare Alliance

Aug 30
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A caregiver holds an elderly woman's hand

Ten Warning Signs Your Older Family Member May Need Help

By Featured News, Help-at-Home, Meals-on-Wheels, SixtyPLUS

Changes in physical and mental abilities that may occur with age can be difficult to detect — for older adults and their family members, friends, and caregivers too. Certain behaviors may indicate the need for loved ones to take action. Here are 10 warning signs that your loved one who is an older adult may need some help with living independently:

  • Your loved one has changed eating habits, resulting in losing weight, having no appetite, or missing meals.
  • They have neglected personal hygiene, including wearing dirty clothes and having body odor, bad breath, neglected nails and teeth, or sores on the skin.
  • They have neglected their home, with a noticeable change in cleanliness and sanitation.
  • They are unusually loud, quiet, paranoid, or agitated, or making phone calls at all hours.
  • Relationship patterns have changed, causing friends and neighbors to express concerns.
  • Physical problems, such as burns or injury marks that may result from general weakness, forgetfulness, or misuse of alcohol or prescribed medications.
  • Decreased or reduced participation in activities that were once important to them, such as bridge or a book club, dining with friends, or attending religious services.
  • Forgetfulness, resulting in unopened mail, piling of newspapers, not filling their prescriptions, or missing appointments.
  • Mishandling finances, such as not paying bills, losing money, paying bills twice or more, or hiding money.
  • They have been making unusual purchases, such as buying more than one subscription to the same magazine, entering an unusually large number of contests, or increasing purchases from television advertisements.

If the signs above are raising red flags, resources such as the Administration for Community Living’s Eldercare Locator may be of assistance. For more information about ACL, visit www.acl.gov.

LifeCare Alliance’s wellness, nutrition, and support programs may also help. To make a referral, click here and a member of our team can reach your loved one about services we can offer.

— Content provided by the Administration for Community Living

Aug 23
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A LifeCare Alliance employee loads a donated fan into a car at a Beat the Heat Fan Campaign distribution.

LifeCare Alliance a Community Resource During Central Ohio Summer Heat Wave

By Fan Campaign, Meals-on-Wheels, Press Releases

COLUMBUS, Ohio (Aug. 23, 2021) — With temperatures soaring into the 90s this week, LifeCare Alliance staff and volunteers are out in full force helping central Ohioans beat the heat.

FREE FAN DISTRIBUTION

LifeCare Alliance will be distributing free box fans on Wednesday, Aug. 25, 2021, at 670 Harmon Ave., Columbus, OH 43223, from 2:30-3:30 p.m. while supplies last. This service, which is powered by community donations of box fans all summer, is open to anyone who needs assistance cooling their homes.

Those interested in receiving a fan should bring their identification or proof of residency. The drive-through fan distribution is designed to meet social distancing recommendations for reduced risk of COVID-19 exposure.

For more information on LifeCare Alliance’s Beat the Heat Fan Campaign, please visit www.lifecarealliance.org/fans or call the Fan Hotline at 614-437-2870.

MEAL DELIVERIES DURING EXTREME HEAT

LifeCare Alliance serves Meals-on-Wheels in Franklin, Madison, Marion, Champaign, and Logan counties in Ohio. Volunteers and staff will be delivering meals in each of these areas during the hottest days of 2021.

“The dedication of our volunteers and staff is remarkable,” said Charles W. Gehring, President and CEO of LifeCare Alliance. “Especially during extreme heat or extreme cold, it is vital that we ensure our clients receive a nutritious meal each day. Our staff and volunteers help make sure that we are meeting the needs of some of the most vulnerable members of our community.”

Meals-on-Wheels deliveries are an essential part of LifeCare Alliance’s wellness, nutrition, and support services for seniors and people with medical challenges and disabilities. LifeCare Alliance is the largest Meals-on-Wheels provider in the Midwest, and the agency serves all who qualify with no waiting list. During this extreme heat, that can save lives.

ADVICE FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, NEIGHBORS

LifeCare Alliance urges central Ohioans to check in on their vulnerable loved ones during this time of extreme heat. Older adults and people with medical challenges are more susceptible to heat exhaustion and heatstroke.

Concerned about someone during this heat wave? You may be able to help by referring them to LifeCare Alliance’s customer service department. Please visit www.lifecarealliance.org/referral to begin the signup process or call 614-278-3130. A representative will reach out to them and assess their needs and eligibility for services. Concerned family members and neighbors may also serve as a proxy for homebound people needing a box fan. The person in need would send their proxy with their identification or proof of residency to pick up a fan for them. A fan can increase air flow and lower the temperature in a room by as much as 10 degrees.

-###-

For more information:

Contact: Anthony Clemente
E-mail: aclemente@lifecarealliance.org

Aug 05
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Representatives from Marion Police Department and LifeCare Alliance

SixtyPLUS Update – Summer 2021

By Featured News, SixtyPLUS

Welcome, New Partners

The Marion Police Department is one of LifeCare Alliance’s newest partners in the SixtyPlus program! We’d like to welcome them and thank them for joining forces with our Agency to address important needs for seniors and people with medical challenges or disabilities in Marion.

Here’s what Officer BJ Gruber said about the new partnership:

“Marion PD chose to partner with LifeCare Alliance because the officers come into contact every day with people who have a host of different needs. In order to be more efficient it is important that they have partner like LifeCare Alliance throughout the community that they can connect with.”

Referral Training

As we continue in our efforts to increase partner referrals, we have developed a partner referral training!  Please email Fannisha Page at Fpage@lifecarealliance.org to register your department for the referral training. This can be done in person or via zoom!

Thank you, London Fire Department, for being the first to attend this training!

Let’s get Referring

Starting in August we are asking our current partners to send over data for any runs made on seniors 60 and older. We will take care of the rest!

Frailty Scale Data: What’s New

Since June 2020, LifeCare Alliance staff members have been administering the Home Care Frailty Scale (HCFS) to all new clients over the age of 60. The HCFS is a 30-point instrument used to evaluate the following six domains: function (e.g., ability to perform housework), movement, cognition and communication, social interaction, nutrition, and clinical diagnoses. The purpose of administering the HCFS is to collect data from clients that represent their current levels of frailty and their specific health needs. LifeCare Alliance staff members complete the HCFS with clients every three months in order to routinely monitor frailty levels and determine the extent to which LifeCare Alliance services help minimize the risk of worsening frailty.

Preliminary analyses (see figure below) of HCFS data have indicated that LifeCare Alliance services may play a key role in helping older adults maintain and/or improve their frailty levels over a three-month time period. HCFS data will continue to be routinely collected from clients and analyzed by the LifeCare Alliance team to examine trends in frailty levels among older clientele.

A full description of the HCFS can be found here.

Dr. Juckett will be presenting frailty data at the Gerontological Society of America conference in Phoenix this November. She has also submitted an abstract depicting LifeCare Alliance’s efforts implementing the Home Care Frailty Scale to the 2021 AcademyHealth Virtual Conference on the Science of Dissemination and Implementation in Health.

Headshot of Dr. Lisa Juckett

Dr. Lisa Juckett

New to the team

Dr. Govind Hariharan will be serving as our health economist and will estimate the cost savings of LifeCare’s programs for local community agencies and the greater healthcare system.

Dr. Govind Hariharan specializes in the field of health economics and has multiple decades of experience as an award winning researcher, teacher and consultant. He is also the founder of NEO Advisory LLC, a policy and strategic and economic advisory firm.

Dr. Hariharan is often sought after as an advisor for his keen insights and has provided strategic advice on health care, technology, investments and global expansion to companies and governments. He serves or has served on many advisory boards including the American Diabetes Association, WellStar Institute for Better Health, as well as various health care related task forces in Georgia and New York. He has consulted for numerous organizations such as the World Bank, Council for Quality Growth, University of Texas- San Antonio and Life University.

Dr. Hariharan’s research is extensively cited, especially in the areas of health care, public policy and technology of older adults. He has taught or lectured around the world including major U.S., Chinese, Indian and Singaporean Universities. He has been interviewed or quoted in many media outlets including the Financial Times, Investors Daily, O Globo, Atlanta Business Chronicle, Money Talks and National Public Radio.

Dr. Govind Hariharan

This project was supported, in part by grant number 90INNU0016, from the Administration for Community Living, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C. 20201. Grantees undertaking projects with government sponsorship are encouraged to express freely their findings and conclusions. Points of view or opinions do not, therefore, necessarily represent official ACL policy.

Jul 07
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Meals-on-Wheels logo

LifeCare Alliance’s new funding partner, Community Health Foundation, helps clients in Champaign County receive Meals-on-Wheels

By Featured News, Meals-on-Wheels

Supporters like the Community Health Foundation enable LifeCare Alliance to provide Meals-on-Wheels to older adults and individuals living with a medical challenge and/or disability in Champaign County.

The Community Health Foundation began in 1986 as the parent company of The Community Hospital of Springfield and Clark County. Their mission is to preserve reproductive services, to promote health and wellness, and to advocate for quality healthcare through grant making and education in Clark and Champaign Counties.

As a new funder, their support has provided much-needed relief to our neighbors in Champaign County. Thank you for Nourishing the Human Spirit!

-By Stephanie Rowe Bencic, LifeCare Alliance

Give Now

Click here to join supporters like the Community Health Foundation in supporting the clients of LifeCare Alliance!

Jul 07
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Volunteers loading fans into cars

NBC4: Alliance Distributing fans to people in Columbus

By Fan Campaign, Featured News, LifeCare Alliance in the News

Story published July 7, 2021, by NBC4:

LifeCare Alliance’s Michelle Jones predicts more than 4,000 fans will need to be distributed this year in Columbus.

LifeCare Alliance’s Beat the Heat Fan Campaign has been running for 20 years, in an effort to decrease heat-related deaths.

Call the fan hotline at 614-437-2870 to stay up-to-date on upcoming distribution dates.

Click here to read the full story.

Click here to learn more about LifeCare Alliance’s Beat the Heat Fan Campaign.

 

Jul 07
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A LifeCare Alliance representative delivers a fan to two clients.

ABC6: LifeCare Alliance providing thousands of fans during hot summer days

By Fan Campaign, Featured News, LifeCare Alliance in the News

Photo and story published July 7, 2021, by ABC6:

LifeCare Alliance typically gives out anywhere from 2,000 to 4,000 fans each summer during our Beat the Heat Fan Campaign.

Ted and Janice Onocki, two of many central Ohio residents receiving fans, mention getting a fan is like, “Christmas in the 90-degree heat!”

LifeCare Alliance provides a fan to anyone in need, no questions asked. Call the fan hotline at 614-437-2870 to stay up-to-date on upcoming distribution dates.

Click here to read the full story.

Click here to learn more about LifeCare Alliance’s Beat the Heat Fan Campaign.

 

Jul 01
Love0
Dedra Thompson standing in front of Evans Center sign.

Discover Grove City: Dedra Thompson is giving back to Grove City’s older adults in a big way

By Featured News, LifeCare Alliance in the News

Photo and story published in the July 2021 issue of Discover Grove City:

After retiring from a 35-year career with Nationwide Insurance in 2013, Dedra Thompson came on part-time as a dining center coordinator at the Evans Center in Grove City.

When the Evans Center had to temporarily close its doors, LifeCare Alliance arranged a grab-and-go lunch system in the parking lot of the Evans Center.

Dedra is passionate about her involvement with the center and says her favorite part is the seniors, and that staying in touch with them through grab-and-go lunches was a major source of support to help them get through loneliness.

Click here to read the full story.

 

Jun 30
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Spanish-Speaking Volunteers Needed at Columbus Cancer Clinic

By Columbus Cancer Clinic, Featured News

The Columbus Cancer Clinic is looking for Spanish-speaking volunteers to assist clients who do not speak English.

Volunteers for Groceries-to-Go, which serves CCC clients, would work at our 670 Harmon Ave. location and take calls for clients that speak Spanish. Volunteers in the Columbus Cancer Clinic will work at our 1699 West Mound Street location. With 38 percent of Columbus Cancer Clinic clients speaking Spanish, volunteers are especially needed. Spanish-speaking clients come in on Tuesday afternoons, on Wednesday afternoons, and on Thursdays. On those days, volunteers will interact with Spanish-speaking clients and perform task such as:

  • Greet patients at the door in their primary language
  • Perform the COVID-19 triage upon arriving for appointments
  • Assist patients in understanding the check-in process (Requesting their photo IDs, providing instructions for completing their registration paperwork, etc., but not for medical interpretation.)
  • Escorting patients to the exam room and providing instructions for changing to gowns and storing their belongings in a locker
  • Make appointment reminder phone calls for patients that did not agree to receiving a text or email reminder (To help reduce our no-show rate)
  • Call patients after we receive a referral from their PCP to schedule their appointment (Staff would then enter the appointment information in the electronic health record.)

If you or a friend are bilingual in Spanish and English, please refer to our volunteer page to start Nourishing the Human Spirit today!

Jun 18
Love0
Fan Campaign Drive-Through sign

NBC4: LifeCare Alliance hosts first ‘Beat the Heat’ drive-thru of summer

By Fan Campaign, Featured News, LifeCare Alliance in the News
Story published June 18, 2021, by the NBC4:

LifeCare Alliance hosted the first electric fan distribution of the summer for its Beat the Heat campaign on Friday, June 18, 2021.

Additional information on fan distribution and donation is available by calling The Fan Hotline at 614-437-2870 or visiting the Fan Campaign webpage.

Click here to read the full story.

 

Read More

Jun 07
Love3
A Lowe's employee hands off a stack of fans to a Columbus firefighter.

LifeCare Alliance’s 2022 Fan Campaign Helps Central Ohioans Beat the Heat

By Fan Campaign, Featured News

For many, the summer heat may not be an issue that they think twice about. For others, like children, seniors, and people with disabilities, hot weather can cause major problems.

Central Ohioans who don’t have fans or air conditioning units have difficulty cooling their homes in the summer, sometimes dealing with temperatures of 90 degrees or more. The heat isn’t just uncomfortable; it can also cause heat strokes, which can result in death.

LifeCare Alliance helps central Ohio residents in the summer months with our Beat the Heat Fan Campaign. This annual event provides fans free of cost. Here’s how the process works:

Donating a Fan

Anyone can donate a fan to LifeCare Alliance’s Beat the Heat Fan Campaign. Drop them off at your nearest fire station or at our meal distribution facility at 670 Harmon Ave. Volunteers and staff members pick up the fans from fire stations and bring them back to our Harmon location. Ahead of our distribution events, our team prepares fans by labeling them as donated and loading them onto racks.

You can even donate a fan without leaving your house. Using our Amazon Wish List, donors can order fans and have them delivered directly to LifeCare Alliance.

Fan Campaign Kickoff Event

To kick off our annual campaign, LifeCare Alliance teams up each year with Lowe’s Home Improvement, 2345 Silver Drive, for a donation drive. Lowe’s donates the first 100 box fans, while customers may donate fans right in the store parking lot from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Our media partner, WBNS-10TV, will help get the word out about this important campaign to assist people right here in our community.

Receiving a Fan

Once LifeCare Alliance receives and prepares enough fans, we schedule our first distribution event.

To receive a fan, you need to first find out when our distribution events are. By calling our Beat the Heat Hotline, at 614-437-2870, you can learn when the next distribution event will take place. A recorded message will confirm whether or not a fan distribution event is scheduled for the day of your call. Please keep checking the hotline until we schedule our next distribution event.

Because the Beat the Heat Fan Campaign is powered by fan donations, we cannot provide fan distribution event dates in advance.

Distribution Event Procedures & Eligibility

Each fan distribution event will take place at 670 Harmon Ave. Please bring government-issued picture ID, such a driver’s license or passport, or proof of central Ohio residency. Park your car, and enter through Carrie’s Café doors.  Fan distributions will be held inside Carrie’s café.  Staff/volunteers will hand you a fan receipt to fill out.  Once your fan receipt is filled out, please take a seat and wait for your number, listed on the fan receipt to be called. Staff/volunteers will be available to help you load your fan in your vehicle if needed.

Anyone in central Ohio who needs a fan is eligible to receive one. Because quantities are limited, only a small number of fans are available per household.

If you need a fan but are unable to attend one of our distribution events, we may still be able to help. You may send a proxy (such as a friend or family member) to attend the distribution in your place. That person must present your identification or proof of address in order to receive a fan or fans for you. If you are a LifeCare Alliance client who receives Meals-on-Wheels, you may call the Meals-on-Wheels office to request a fan delivery when your meal is delivered. LifeCare Alliance is unable to provide fan deliveries to the general public.

Why We Do It

Having just one fan in a room can help lower the temperature by ten degrees! It’s not just about comfort; it could also save lives. LifeCare Alliance thanks all of the generous members of our community who donate fans each year, and encourages anyone in need of assistance to attend one of our distribution events. For more information and to contact our team, please visit our Beat the Heat Fan Campaign homepage.

—By Mason McHugh, LifeCare Alliance

Jun 04
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Home Depot Client Dwight

LifeCare Alliance, #TeamDepot Help Veteran With Needed Home Repair

By Featured News, Home Repairs

When a local veteran needed assistance with repairs for leaky faucets in his home, he turned to LifeCare Alliance.

A friend referred Dwight — a United States Air Force veteran who retired from Experience Columbus after 21 years — to LifeCare Alliance for home-repair help. Dwight noticed his faucets leaked constantly, and he realized he needed shut-off valves installed to alleviate the problem.

LifeCare Alliance completed the repairs with grant funding from Meals on Wheels America and The Home Depot Foundation. The Helping Hometown Heroes program serves veterans with safety and health-related home maintenance projects.

“Once my faucets were repaired and the valves installed, I felt just like a kid, no more leaks!” Dwight said. “Thank you, LifeCare Alliance, and thank you, Team Depot. I really appreciate it.  I am going to tell as many veterans that I know about this service, I’m sure they too can benefit from this program.”

SEE ALSO

Home Depot Client Dwight

LifeCare Alliance, #TeamDepot Help Veteran With Needed Home Repair

| Featured News, Home Repairs | No Comments
When a local veteran needed assistance with repairs for leaky faucets in his home, he turned to LifeCare Alliance. A friend referred Dwight — a United States Air Force veteran…
LifeCare Alliance Administrative Building

10TV: LifeCare Alliance Replaces 30 Furnaces for Seniors in 2020

| Featured News, Home Repairs, LifeCare Alliance in the News | No Comments
Story published Jan. 12, 2021, by 10TV: Nancy Jones lost her husband, Jack, a year ago. On top of an already tough year, she started worrying about her furnace. It…
Elmer, LifeCare Alliance client, shown at home in his chair.

Grab bars, new step make WWII veteran’s home a safer place

| Featured News, Home Repairs, Meals-on-Wheels | No Comments
LifeCare Alliance, with the help of a grant from Meals on Wheels America and Team Depot, made improvements in the home of a Navy veteran to help him move safely…
View of water damage on ceiling

Army widow’s roof repair a ‘blessing’ thanks to LifeCare Alliance, MOWA, Team Depot

| Featured News, Home Repairs | No Comments
Ms. Marcum is a 95-year-old widow of a U.S. 2nd Battalion Army Ranger veteran who served from 1944-1946. When she needed help with a leaky roof that posed a safety…

LifeCare Alliance is excited to announce a new funding partner with our Chores program, the HomeServe Cares Foundation.

| Featured News, Home Repairs | No Comments
The Chores program oversees repairs to help improve clients’ living environment by providing safety and health-related such as electrical and plumbing maintenance, grab bar and railing installations, and floor and…

LifeCare Alliance helps veteran fix costly code violations with help of Team Depot, Meals on Wheels America

| Featured News, Home Repairs, Meals-on-Wheels | No Comments
LifeCare Alliance, with the help of a grant from Meals on Wheels America and Team Depot, helped a local veteran with home repairs that improved safety hazards and helped avoid…
May 19
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Willie the dog looking across the camera

United Way of Logan County Helps LifeCare Alliance Pilot Senior PetCare Program to Meals-on-Wheels Clients!

By Featured News, Senior PetCare

Thanks to the generous support of our pet-loving friends at the United Way of Logan County, we are currently piloting a rollout of the Senior PetCare program in Logan County, offering food, treats, and toys along with much-needed veterinary care! Clients are eligible once they have been enrolled in the Meals-on-Wheels program for 60 days. In fact, the program has already helped cover veterinary care for two pets for Meals-on-Wheels clients in Logan County with the funding received from the United Way.

More than 70% of LifeCare Alliance’s clients own at least one cat or dog, and the bond with their animal is very strong. Candice LaFramboise, Senior Coordinator for Corporate and Community Engagement at LifeCare Alliance runs the Senior PetCare program says, “Many Meals-on-Wheels clients live on a fixed income, and offering veterinary care to qualified clients can ensure that their pets are happy and healthy. When the pets are well cared for, the clients will be too.” For some, their pet may be the only companion they have contact with throughout the day.

The Agency first learned of the need for a pet-specific program in the mid-2000s after discovering that some Meals-on-Wheels clients were feeding all or a portion of their meal to their pet. These individuals face barriers to obtaining pet supplies on their own, such as not having enough money to buy pet food or being physically incapable of getting to the store. As a result, LifeCare Alliance began accepting donations of pet food, treats, and even toys for clients living with companion pets pet welfare donations in 2007 and expanded the program to offer veterinary assistance in 2008. One Senior PetCare client explained the program the best when she said, “The most important part of the program is the help that I get for my pets; these are things I wouldn’t be able to do otherwise. I’ve had my dog for 14 years.”

Although LifeCare Alliance’s Meals-on-Wheels Program operates in five counties in central Ohio—Franklin, Madison, Champaign, Logan, and Marion—Senior PetCare has primarily served clients in Franklin County. In 2020, Senior PetCare provided over 74,000 pounds of pet food to clients’ pets and covered vet care for 42 animals. In the first quarter of 2021, the program made 352 client visits and delivered 3,430 bags of pet food.

To establish the program in Logan County, we are providing pet food and veterinary assistance to our clients in need. This involves expanding pet food deliveries through our Meals-on-Wheels and AniMeals (pet food) delivery routes. We have also introduced veterinary care assistance to eligible clients in the county, which covers wellness exams, vaccinations, medications, and/or flea & tick preventatives. We want our clients to continue visiting their local vets in Logan County, so we will work with the clients and vets to pay for veterinary visits thus injecting funds into the county economy. The Agency continues outreach efforts in Logan County to gain additional volunteer, in-kind, and monetary support for the program.

-By Crystal Kurzen, Grants Manager, LifeCare Alliance

Learn more

Click here to visit LifeCare Alliance’s Senior PetCare page and learn more about the Agency’s program that helps older adults and their companion pets stay together.

May 17
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Claire Eastman delivers a meal to a central Ohio resident.

Columbus Dispatch: Meals on Wheels needs volunteers to handle demand tied to COVID-19 pandemic

By Featured News, LifeCare Alliance in the News, Meals-on-Wheels

Picture and story published May 17, 2021, by the The Columbus Dispatch:

LifeCare Alliance’s daily Meals-on-Wheels delivery is a huge help to central Ohio residents like Deloris Harrington, who is undergoing chemotherapy and needs to stay home to recover from treatments.

From March 2019 to February 2020, the central Ohio Meals on Wheels program served 4,751 different customers. A year later, from March 2020 through February 2021, that number grew to 7,873, a 66% increase.

That increase in business, in turn, has led to an urgent need for more volunteers.

Click here to read the full story.

Click here to volunteer and help LifeCare Alliance reach all those in need of services.

 

May 07
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IMPACT Safety logo banner

IMPACT Safety Teaches People with Disabilities to Protect Themselves

By Featured News, IMPACT Safety
IMPACT Ability Students

IMPACT Safety looks to return to in-person events when deemed safe.

People with developmental disabilities face a higher-than-average risk of assault, abuse and bullying. But there’s plenty they can do – no matter the level of disability – to boost their emotional and physical safety.

“Self-defense is way bigger than hitting people,” Matt O’Brien, an instructor and trainer with IMPACT Safety, said during a recent class. “Karate is really good for one thing. But what we’re teaching is really good for all this other stuff.”

O’Brien and his colleague Olivia Caldeira are working with about a dozen ARC Industries participants who signed up for a multi-week course on personal-safety skills for people with developmental disabilities. IMPACT Safety, a program of LifeCare Alliance, has decades of experience helping to empower vulnerable populations.

“It all starts with, ‘How does this person make their wants or needs known?’” Caldeira said. “It’s important to give people choice and a sense of control.”

Everyone, for example, can learn to convey a “stop” message, whether with hands out and a firm voice, or through gestures and expressions. Program participants get plenty of practice on that front when O’Brien plays the role of a shady guy making unwanted approaches. And everyone, whether they are able to speak or not, whether they walk or use a wheelchair, finds ways to tell him to get lost.

“Do you have to let a stranger get close to you? No!,” O’Brien told the class. “If you can remember stop signs, you’ve got 90% of what we’re telling you.”

Because people with developmental disabilities often rely on others for assistance with daily tasks and decisions, it can be difficult for some to realize that they have the right to set and enforce personal boundaries. “Perpetrators are drawn to people who are vulnerable,” Caldeira said. “We have to make sure people with disabilities are empowered. It’s about body autonomy for people who might not have had that.”

Letting go of a passive mindset also is important when interacting with caregivers, seeking help or reporting abuse. “People are taught stranger danger, but if you look at the statistics, it’s usually someone they know,” Caldeira said.

Sessions focus on safety in various situations and settings, and also include self-calming strategies to reduce anxiety and stress.

For now, classes are virtual due to the coronavirus pandemic. But it hasn’t taken long for participants to get the hang of interacting with O’Brien and Caldeira on screen, and to embrace the empowerment message: During a one recent class, three people showed up in Superman shirts.

For more information or to schedule a workshop, email info@impactsafety.org or call 614-437-2967.

Published May 2021 in the Franklin County Board of Developmental Disabilities “Dateline” newsletter.

May 04
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Help-at-Home logo

NBC4: LifeCare Alliance program offers household help to central Ohio’s seniors

By Featured News, Help-at-Home Careers, LifeCare Alliance in the News

Story published May 4, 2021, by NBC4:

In honor of Older Americans Month, LifeCare Alliance wants others to know they are here to serve those older Ohioans through one of their programs.

LifeCare Alliance’s Help-at-Home provides homemaking and personal care services to older adults living in Franklin and Madison counties. The goal is to help seniors live in the comfort of their homes and to maintain an independent lifestyle.

One woman named Kathleen Henry is 101-years-old and said she’s been using the service for a few years now and is thankful for the program.

Click here to read the full story.

Click here to join the LifeCare Alliance team.

 

May 03
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Mel Leiper receives Spirit Award

Madison Messenger: Meals on Wheels award goes to Mt. Sterling’s Mel Leiper

By Featured News, LifeCare Alliance in the News, Meals-on-Wheels

Story published May 3, 2021, by the Madison Messenger:

LifeCare Alliance recently presented the Madison County Congregate Dining Spirit Award to longtime Meals-on-Wheels volunteer and Mount Sterling resident Marilyn “Mel” Leiper.

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in March last year, LifeCare Alliance had to shut down the local dining center. Leiper helped the organization transition the residents to home-delivered meals.

“Even through some health issues, she continued to make sure everyone got meals who needed them. She is a top notch volunteer, and we are forever grateful for her,” said Tony Madison, LifeCare Alliance Meals-on-Wheels driver.

Click here to read the full story.

Click here to see the rest of the 2021 Spirit Award winners.

 

Apr 27
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Lisa Manns with LifeCare Alliance's Claire Eastman and individuals from RTC Industries

BELLEFONTAINE EXAMINER: RTC Industries honored for Meals-on-Wheels dedication

By Featured News, LifeCare Alliance in the News, Meals-on-Wheels

Story published April 27, 2021, by the Bellefontaine Examiner:

LifeCare Alliance awarded Lisa Manns (pictured middle with the award) from RTC Industries with the 2020 Logan County Meals-on-Wheels Corporate Partner Spirit Award for her commitment to a meal route adoption.

Lisa looks forward to continuing her commitment to volunteer and to keep spreading the word to others about how they too can enjoy giving back through LifeCare Alliance’s programs.

You must be subscribed to the Bellefontaine Examiner to access the full story.

Click here to read the full story.

Click here to see the rest of the 2021 Spirit Award winners.

Apr 14
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Car receiving drive-through meal at Carrie's Cafe

NBC4: LifeCare Alliance anticipates giving more free meals as weather warms

By Carrie's Cafe, Featured News, LifeCare Alliance in the News, Meals-on-Wheels

Story published April 14, 2021, by NBC4:

LifeCare Alliance is helping more people put food on the table during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Michelle Jones, LifeCare Alliance’s Communication Director, says the Agency distributes about 5,000 meals at both their drive-through sites and in person.

Anyone who needs assistance can check out LifeCare Alliance’s programs page.

Click here to read the full story.

Apr 06
Love0
Carrots with Tomatoes and Macaroni

Produce Pick: Carrots with Tomatoes and Macaroni

By Senior Farmers Market

This year’s Senior Farmers Market application period has begun!

LifeCare Alliance, along with the Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging, will deliver thousands of boxes of fresh produce to seniors across seven central Ohio counties.

Last year’s produce boxes, which are funded by the USDA’s Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program, included apples, carrots, greens, onions, peppers, and tomatoes.

What will you make with your produce box? We’ll be sharing some ideas throughout the spring and summer, with the help of the USDA. (Note: Ingredients in addition to the produce provided will need to be purchased to complete these recipes.)

Carrots with Tomatoes and Macaroni

Each serving of this delicious and quick pasta dish provides 1 1/2 cups of veggies.

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion (small, chopped)
  • 4 plum tomatoes (chopped, from a can)
  • 1/2 cup tomato juice (from a can)
  • 6 carrots (large, peeled and sliced)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon sugar
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped, or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • 1 teaspoon butter
  • 1 cup elbow macaroni, cooked

Directions

  1. In a saucepan, cook the onion in the oil until soft but not brown. Add the tomatoes, carrots, salt, pepper and sugar.
  2. Cover and cook over low heat for 5 minutes. Remove the cover and cook over low heat, stirring often, for another 5 minutes, or until the carrots are tender and the tomatoes are cooked down to a sauce.
  3. Stir in the parsley. Mix the butter with the cooked elbows. Stir in the carrot mixture and serve.

Source: University of Rhode Island, Cooperative Extension, The Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program

About

The Seniors Farmers Market Nutrition Program is designed to provide low-income seniors with access to locally grown fruits, vegetables, honey and herbs.

LifeCare Alliance administers the local Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program in seven central Ohio counties. The program is funded by the USDA, with additional support from the Franklin County Office on Aging and the Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging.

Click here to learn more about the program or to apply today!

Apr 06
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Apple and Chicken Salad served over lettuce

Produce Picks: Apple & Chicken Salad

By Senior Farmers Market

This summer, LifeCare Alliance, along with the Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging, will begin delivering thousands of boxes of fresh produce to seniors across seven central Ohio counties.

The produce boxes are funded by the USDA’s Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program, and have been a popular offering for seniors across our area! Last year, items in the produce boxes included apples, carrots, greens, onions, peppers, and tomatoes. Items vary by availability, but seniors get a great source of fresh, nutritious produce.

What will you make with your produce box? We’ll be sharing some ideas throughout the spring and summer, with the help of the USDA. (Note: Ingredients in addition to the produce provided will need to be purchased to complete these recipes.)

Apple & Chicken Salad

A deliciously balanced blend of crisp Cameo apples, celery, raisins, chicken breast and Greek yogurt-based dressing, served over a bed of lettuce.

Ingredients

  • 2 red apples (such as Cameo Apples)
  • 2 celery stalks (diced)
  • 2 chicken breasts (skinless, cooked, diced, about 2 cups)
  • 1/4 cup plain non-fat Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cup raisins
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 16 lettuce leaves (Bibb, Romaine, green or red leaf)

Directions

  • Cut apples in quarters; remove core and chop.
  • In a medium size bowl, mix all ingredients, except lettuce.
  • To serve, arrange lettuce on serving plates top with apple and chicken salad.

Notes

  • Weekly Menu Planning Tip: When you’re planning a dinner with chicken cook up extra chicken breast and refrigerate for later use in this salad.
  • Serve with 8 oz non-fat milk and 1 slice rustic whole grain bread.

Source: Produce for Better Health Foundation

About

The Seniors Farmers Market Nutrition Program is designed to provide low-income seniors with access to locally grown fruits, vegetables, honey and herbs.

LifeCare Alliance administers the local Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program in seven central Ohio counties. The program is funded by the USDA, with additional support from the Franklin County Office on Aging and the Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging.

Click here to learn more about the program or to apply today!

Mar 19
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Macy's check presentation to LifeCare Alliance at Macy's Polaris Fashion Place

LifeCare Alliance’s Partnership with Macy’s Leads to Stronger Communities

By Columbus Cancer Clinic, Featured News

Macy’s 2021 check presentation to LifeCare Alliance pictured above. 

As we mark the one-year anniversary of quarantine, virtual events, and the COVID-19 pandemic, the need to work together and strengthen community collaboration has been essential in order to persevere. One such noteworthy partnership that LifeCare Alliance has shared is with Macy’s.

LifeCare Alliance’s partnership with Macy’s can be traced back to 2019, when the Agency was seeking a new venue to host Night of Hope and Support, our annual event that benefits clients with active cancer through the Heather Pick Spirit Fund of the Columbus Cancer Clinic. Macy’s at Polaris Fashion Place turned out to be the perfect fit for the event, and their team loves the work LifeCare Alliance does for the community. The manager, stylist, and the whole team at Macy’s believe in the awareness and empowerment Night of Hope provides to people living with cancer and the community at-large.

The Agency’s collaboration with Macy’s didn’t stop there. In November of last year, the store manager contacted LifeCare Alliance about an opportunity to nominate a local non-for-profit for COVID-19 relief. Because of our ongoing, trusted relationship, Macy’s nominated LifeCare Alliance and a grant was approved to support our clients.

Partnerships such as Macy’s effectively leverage the strengths of each party involved and apply it strategically to combat issues at the forefront like the pandemic. Building these relationships with a shared understanding and collective focus leads to stronger communities. Like Macy’s values of acceptance, respect, integrity, and giving back to the community, LifeCare Alliance strives to serve those in need through compassionate, responsive, quality care 365 days-a-year.

Thank you to Macy’s for their partnership and commitment in sharing our mission of leading the community in identifying and delivering health and nutrition services to meet the community’s changing needs.

-By Stephanie Rowe Bencic, LifeCare Alliance

Learn more

Watch the replay of 2020’s virtual Night of Hope and Support by clicking here!

Mar 14
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LifeCare Alliance Mound Street Building Entrance

10TV: Need for in-home meals remains high in Columbus area

By Featured News, LifeCare Alliance in the News, Meals-on-Wheels

Photo and story published Mar. 14, 2021, by 10TV:

The need for home deliveries in the community is higher now than it was this time last year.

“Our Meals on Wheels program has shot up 65% last April, in numbers, and we are still up that high. In fact last week we were up 69%, higher than we were last March,” said Charles W. Gehring, President and CEO of LifeCare Alliance

Gehring suggests calling the Franklin County Office on Aging at (614) 525-5230 or LifeCare Alliance (614) 278-3130, to talk to a person who can help arrange an appointment and a ride to a vaccination site.

Click here to read the full story.

Mar 10
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Diabetes Dayton logo

Dayton 24/7 Now: Local type 2 diabetics share feelings about COVID-19 vaccine eligibility

By Featured News, LifeCare Alliance in the News

Story published Mar. 10, 2021, by the Dayton 24/7 Now:

Those with type 2 diabetes are eligible to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Montgomery County has one of the highest incidence rates for diabetes in the state.

Donna Queen is living with type 2 diabetes. She said her parents and siblings have it as well. She said this is life-changing news.

Chuck Gehring, President and CEO of LifeCare Alliance, said this news is especially important in the Miami Valley. LifeCare Alliance’s Diabetes Dayton provides free diabetes education and supplies like test strips and meters to the community.

Click here to read the full story.

Mar 09
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Logan with a big smile on his face

Dealing with Diabetes: Responsibility vs Fear

By Central Ohio Diabetes Association, Featured News, It Takes a Family

Responsibility is a necessity when it comes to living with diabetes. Diabetes doesn’t go away; it doesn’t take a break; it doesn’t give you a night off. As adults, we are accustomed to having responsibility. But it really breaks my heart sometimes to think about how much responsibility I expect my nine-year-old to have.

I have always been a “consequence driven” person. As early as I remember, I stopped doing things because they could potentially be dangerous or put me in positions where I might be made fun of.

What I used to consider the “responsible” trait, I have now realized was me living with a lot of fear. I was afraid of all the bad things that could happen. I could hurt myself, look awkward doing something for the first time, or not like something I ate.

Now I realize I was only looking at one side of the coin. I was not looking at all the GOOD “what ifs.” What if I had fun?! What if I liked the food?! What if I found a new hobby that I really enjoyed?!

I don’t want Logan, or his sister, to turn responsibility into FEAR. So while diabetes doesn’t give us a break, we don’t have to create fear while we live with it.

Part of that starts with what many of us strive to do…live without restriction! I am always amazed when people ask, “He can’t eat that can he, since he’s diabetic?” It really comes down to educating him (And myself, honestly!) that we are not striving for a restrictive diet. We are striving for a balanced diet. We want to have all the fun stuff: the birthday cake; the ice cream; the big bowls of yummy mac & cheese. AND we want to have the healthy food that fuels our body in a way that builds us up.

Then we get to recognize where we can incorporate a little more flexibility! Again, it’s about balance. Diabetes can feel very heavy sometimes with all the necessities, planning ahead, and device changes. How we keep those things less restrictive is to allow fun in other areas. Maybe it’s about having more friends over to play than we normally would be willing to have, or it’s going for an extra scoop of ice cream on the special days. Maybe it is even playing before homework gets done.

Whatever helps you balance the responsibility with still being a kid…LET IT WORK FOR YOU!

There is no right or wrong answer…so practice and see what works. We are all figuring it out as we go, which, in itself, can feel like a responsibility! Don’t give yourself more pressure than you have to.

About

Family photo of Dunlap family

This blog post is PART ELEVEN of IT TAKES A FAMILY: LIFE WITH TYPE 1, written by Lindsay Dunlap.

The Dunlap family lives with two generations of T1D, and Lindsay is graciously sharing their experience with us. If you’d like to connect with Lindsay, she’d be happy to talk about the highs and lows with you at lindsay@lindsaydunlapcoaching.com.

Learn More

Click here to learn more about the Central Ohio Diabetes Association, including support for families through programs such as Camp Hamwi.

Mar 08
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Bananas on display at a supermarket

10 Tips for Eating Healthy on a Budget

By Wellness

Even when you know what healthy foods to choose, being able to pay for them can be hard, especially if you are on a fixed income. Start by deciding how much you can afford to spend on food.

There are websites that can help you plan a food budget. For example, the U.S. Department of Agriculture supports Iowa State University’s Spend Smart-Eat Smart. This website also has inexpensive recipes based on the Dietary Guidelines.

Once you have a budget, find store ads in the newspaper or grocery store websites to see what is on sale. Try to plan some meals around featured items and pick up some extra canned goods or staples that are on sale. And check the expiration or use-by date. A product might be on sale because it is almost out of date. Choose items with dates farthest in the future.

While shopping, make use of these budget-wise 10 tips.

  1. Ask about discounts. Ask your local grocery stores if they have a senior discount or a loyalty or discount card. Besides getting items at a lower price, you may also get store coupons.
  2. Use coupons when you can. Remember, coupons only help if they are for things you would buy anyway. Sometimes, another brand costs less even after you use the coupon.
  3. Consider store brands—they usually cost less. These products are made under a special label, sometimes with the store name. You might have to look on shelves that are higher or lower than eye level to find them.
  4. Be aware that convenience costs more. You can often save money if you are willing to do a little work. For example, buy whole chickens and cut them into parts, shred or grate your own cheese, and avoid instant rice or instant oatmeal. Bagged salad mixes cost more and might not stay fresh as long as a head of lettuce.
  5. Look at unit prices. Those small stickers on the shelves tell you the price but also the unit price—how much the item costs per ounce or per pound. Compare unit prices to see which brand is the best value.
  6. Try to buy in bulk, but only buy a size you can use before it goes bad. If you buy meat in bulk, decide what you need to use that day and freeze the rest in portion-sized packages right away.
  7. Focus on economical fruits and vegetables like bananas, apples, oranges, cabbage, sweet potatoes, dark-green leafy vegetables, green peppers, and regular carrots.
  8. Think about the foods you throw away. For less waste, buy or cook only what you need.
  9. Resist temptations at the check-out. Those snack foods and candy are put there for impulse buying. Save money and avoid empty calories!
  10. Sign up for meal delivery. While some older people have trouble finding enough money to buy food, others need help preparing meals. There are a variety of groups around the country that deliver meals to people who have trouble getting out of their homes. These groups usually offer one hot meal a day. One of the largest is Meals-on-Wheels.

-Information from the National Institute on Aging

Mar 08
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Make Smart Food Choices for Healthy Aging

By Wellness

Choosing healthy foods has health benefits for everyone. As you age, food provides the nutrients you need.

This infographic from the National Institute on Aging offers tips on how to help you maintain a healthy weight, get the nutrients you need, and lower your risk of chronic disease.

Healthy Eating Tips Infographic by National Institute on Aging

Transcription

Make Smart Food Choices for Healthy Aging

It’s never too late to make smarter food choices. Healthy eating is an important part of staying healthy as you age.

Following these tips can help you maintain a healthy weight, get the nutrients you need, and lower your risk of chronic disease.

  • Try to eat and drink from these food groups each day: fruits, vegetables, grains, protein, and dairy. Variety is an important part of eating healthfully!
  • Cut back on foods and beverages that are high in calories and added sugars, sodium, and saturated fats. Shift to healthier options like fresh fruits and vegetables instead.
  • Instead of high-calorie snacks, such as potato chips, try nutrient-dense snacks, such as carrots.
  • Instead of fruit products with added sugars, such as fig cookies, try fresh fruit, such as a peach.
  • Instead of regular cola, try water flavored with fruits or vegetables.
  • Use a food diary to help you keep track of your total daily calories, carbs, protein, etc., and see if you are making healthy choices. Understand how many calories you need based on your level of daily activity.
  • Choose a variety of foods that are packed with nutrients and low in calories.
  • Check the food labels to understand what foods will meet your nutritional needs each day.

How Many Calories Do You Need Each Day?

Women:

  • Not physically active — 1,600 cal.
  • Moderately active — 1,800 cal.
  • Active lifestyle — 2,000-2,200 cal.

Men:

  • Not physically active — 2,000-2,200 cal.
  • Moderately active — 2,200-2,400 cal.
  • Active lifestyle — 2,400-2,800 cal.
Mar 08
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Vegetables on display at a market

Fresh, Canned, or Frozen: Singing the Praises of Produce

By Wellness

Fruits and vegetables contain many vitamins and minerals that are good for your health. Whether fresh, canned, or frozen, produce has many benefits.

Fresh produce

Fresh produce is rich in flavor and nutrients. Generally, the fresher the produce, the better in terms of nutrition. You may opt to purchase in-season produce at the local grocery store, or even grow your own!

Tip: To avoid fresh produce from going bad, freeze it for another time.

Canned produce

Buying canned produce is cost effective and long lasting, but often times, it is higher in sodium and slighter lower in nutritional value.

According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, canned foods can be just as nutritious as fresh and frozen foods because canning preserves many nutrients. The amount of minerals, fat-soluble vitamins, protein, fat and carbohydrate remain relatively unchanged by the process of canning. Interestingly, though, the heating process that may harm some vitamins can actually increase the antioxidant content in canned foods.

Frozen produce

Like canned foods, frozen produce is often packaged at the peak of freshness has high nutritonal content and flavor. It also has a long shelf life. In addition to a time-saving convenience, frozen foods can be a benefit for individuals with limited kitchen space or utensils. Not only can frozen foods be more affordable in price, but they also can aid in reducing food waste.

To get more nutritional tips like this, contact one of LifeCare Alliance’s registered dietitians! Schedule a one-on-one session to learn important diabetes management/nutritional therapy. Contact Elana Burak at 614-437-2912 or by email at eburak@lifecarealliance.org.

Getting Started

Planting your own fruits and vegetables can be a fun hobby that leads to real flavor and nutrition! Here’s how to get started:

  1. Find a space where you want to plant your veggies (remember: it needs to have at least 6 hours of sun exposure).
  2. Grab some potting mix and dirt.
  3. Pick your favorite vegetables and herbs and get to planting!

Here are some easy-to-grow favorites: Radishes (grown from seeds), leaf lettuce (grown from seeds), cherry tomatoes (grown from a plant), bush beans (grown from seeds), and many more!

To grow your own herbs, grab a pot, some potting mix, grab rosemary, basil, oregano, thyme, chives or whatever your favorite herbs might be and place it in the pot. Get ready to add some nutrition and flavor to your diet!

Mar 05
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Volunteer looks over Senior PetCare AniMeal route sheet in car.

Columbus Dispatch: LifeCare Alliance’s Senior PetCare program delivers pet food to those in need

By Featured News, LifeCare Alliance in the News, Senior PetCare

Photo and story published Mar. 5, 2021, by the Columbus Dispatch:

Despite her deep love for their pets, Natalie Joe and Michael Kennison almost had to give them up because they were having a hard time affording pet food.

Similar to Meals on Wheels, LifeCare Alliance’s Senior PetCare program regularly delivers dog and cat food to people’s front doors. To receive the monthly pet food, someone must be a client of LifeCare Alliance, which serves older adults, the medically challenged and homebound adults.

Senior PetCare volunteer Liz Alcalde has delivery routes for the program on the East and South sides. She says, “…everybody that I deliver to is really, really struggling financially, and I just really think it’s important that they are allowed to have their pet with them.”

Click here to read the full story.

Feb 26
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Nominate a Volunteer for the LifeCare Alliance Spirit Awards!

By Carrie's Cafe, Central Ohio Diabetes Association, Columbus Cancer Clinic, Events, Featured News, Help-at-Home, Meals-on-Wheels, POHC, Volunteers, Wellness
Thank you for nominating an outstanding volunteer for the Spirit Awards! Volunteers are essential to the success of LifeCare Alliance in our community, so it is important to recognize the wonderful work they do.
Please use the form below to submit your nomination. We want to know the LifeCare Alliance program that benefits from your nominee’s work, as well as the reasons your nominee stands out from all the rest.
Please visit LifeCare Alliance’s website and social media for information about this year’s Spirit Awards as details are finalized.
Feb 26
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Columbus CEO: Volunteer of the Year Sandy Freer lives to serve

By Featured News, LifeCare Alliance in the News, Meals-on-Wheels

Photo by Rob Hardin. Story published Feb. 26, 2021, by Columbus CEO:

Sandy Freer, Vice President of Business Partner Relations at Quantum Health, has been chosen as the Volunteer of the Year by Columbus CEO for their 2021 Healthcare Achievement Awards.

At the heart of Quantum Health’s many efforts is LifeCare Alliance. Freer and her team began taking delivery routes in 2009 and over time increased participation to five times per week.

Freer says, “It brings me joy, and I believe part of the reason I’m here on this Earth is to be in service to other people.”

Click here to read the full story.

Feb 19
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Campers smiling and waving

CODA Welcomes the Tom E. Dailey Foundation Inc. as a New Camp Supporter

By Central Ohio Diabetes Association, Featured News

Above picture of Camp Hamwi campers taken prior to 2020. 

Supporters like the Tom E. Dailey Foundation Inc. help LifeCare Alliance’s Central Ohio Diabetes Association (CODA) provide Camp Hamwi for children with diabetes.

The Tom E. Dailey Foundation Inc. was established through an endowment by Tom Dailey, a senior executive in the payments industry for over 30 years. The foundation reflects the founder’s commitment to uplift Ohioans by supporting diversity, railroad heritage, parks and rec, youth, and the arts.

Since 1968, CODA’s camp programs have helped children with diabetes learn life-saving disease management skills in a safe, recreational environment. Campers have demonstrated for over 50 years that camp programming leads to an entire transformation on how they view their disease and how they approach life. Given the tools of better acceptance, self-management and knowledge of their diabetic condition, campers go on to excel in other areas of their life and strive for dreams they did not think they could accomplish before they experienced camp.

Thank you to the Tom E. Dailey Foundation Inc. for helping CODA to continue the 53-year-old tradition of Camp Hamwi!

-By Stephanie Rowe Bencic, LifeCare Alliance

Learn more

Visit LifeCare Alliance’s Central Ohio Diabetes Association camp page to learn more about CODA’s camps that empower children living with diabetes!

Feb 15
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Project OpenHand-Columbus Logo

LifeCare Alliance, Kent Richard Hofmann Foundation Partnership Helps the Fight Against HIV/AIDS

By Featured News, POHC

Support from funders such as the Kent Richard Hofmann Foundation enables LifeCare Alliance to provide vital nutritional assistance to clients in our Project OpenHand-Columbus program.

The Kent Richard Hofmann Foundation is a private foundation dedicated to the fight against HIV and AIDS. Kent Richard Hofmann was an architect, philanthropist and early AIDS activist in Atlanta. Since his passing in 1988, the Foundation has kept his wishes to dedicate support to organizations providing advocacy and direct care to people living with HIV/AIDS.

LifeCare Alliance’s Project OpenHand-Columbus provides nutrition services to individuals in Central Ohio living with active HIV/AIDS. The program focuses on preventing nutrient deficiencies, weight loss, wasting and malnourishment, while maximizing the effectiveness of drug therapies and medical treatment. By providing nutritious meals to people living with HIV/AIDS, LifeCare Alliance can help to protect their immune systems, keep them in their homes and prevent ill health.

With supporters like the Kent Richard Hofmann Foundation, LifeCare Alliance is able to serve our neighbors with responsive, compassionate, and quality care. Thank you for helping us Nourish the Human Spirit!

-By Stephanie Rowe Bencic, LifeCare Alliance

Learn more

Visit LifeCare Alliance’s Project OpenHand-Columbus page to learn more about the Agency’s program that fight HIV/AIDS with nutrition!

Feb 02
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10TV: ‘It’s life or death without my insulin’: Central Ohio Man Explains the Drastic Cost of Insulin

By Central Ohio Diabetes Association, Featured News, LifeCare Alliance in the News

Story published Feb. 2, 2021, by 10TV:

Dylan Knecht was diagnosed with Type-1 Diabetes when he was just 2 years old.

According to GoodRx, a vial of insulin, which is about 1,000 units, cost $210 in 2014, that price rose to $360 by 2018.

LifeCare Alliance, which manages the Central Ohio Diabetes Association and Diabetes Dayton, sees a lot of individuals or families who suddenly get this disease and then have to start spending 400 or more dollars a month on insulin for one person.

Click here to read the full story.

Jan 29
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Columbus Dispatch: Soaring Insulin Prices Show How the US is Losing the Battle Against High Drug Costs

By Central Ohio Diabetes Association, Featured News, LifeCare Alliance in the News

Photo and story published Jan. 29, 2021, by Columbus Dispatch:

According to a new bipartisan investigation, the cost of insulin has been kept artifically high.

The investigation found that drug manufacturers “aggressively” raised the list price of their leading insulin brands an average of 300% over the past decade.

Lifecare Alliance hands out supplies for diabetics but cannot provide insulin.

Click here to read the full story.

Jan 21
Love4

SixtyPLUS Update – Winter 2021

By SixtyPLUS

Welcome, New Partners!

The London Fire Department, London Police Department, and Marion Police Department are the latest agencies to partner with LifeCare Alliance.

We are excited to expand this grant into the other counties that we serve. As we continue to Foster our new and current partnerships, we are still looking to add more SixtyPLUS partners.

SixtyPLUS is designed to arm the first responders with the necessary resources to alleviate non-emergency runs while developing a long-term care solution to meet the increasing demand for seniors.  LifeCare Alliance, one of the oldest and largest providers of services for older adults, will intervene to assist in the home, reducing seniors’ reliance on excessive emergency resources.

In many cases, the needs include basic help in the home — such as meals, home repairs, or diabetes management, which can help seniors remain safe, independent, and in their own homes, where they want to be! Partners will securely share relevant data with LifeCare Alliance to identify senior needs and, over time, measure improvements in both service delivery and client outcomes.

Meet Dr. Lisa

Headshot of Dr. Lisa Juckett

Dr. Lisa Juckett, PhD, OTR/L, CHT
The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center
614-366-7543
Email

If you have not scheduled a meeting with Dr. Lisa  Juckett to discuss your data, please contact her to schedule your meeting!

Dr. Lisa Juckett, PhD, OTR/L, CHT, is an occupational therapist with doctoral training in the field of social work. She has worked for The Ohio State University since 2010 and is currently an Instructor in the Division of Occupational Therapy. Her research focuses on bridging the gap between research discoveries and the use of these discoveries in real-world healthcare settings. Heavily informed by the field of implementation science, Dr. Juckett’s research examines the factors and strategies that influence evidence-based practice adoption, primarily in organizations that serve the older adult population. In partnership with Lifecare Alliance, Dr. Juckett serves as the outcomes evaluator and is monitoring trends in frailty levels, referral sources, and the types of services received by Lifecare Alliance clients.

Who should you refer?

When partners go to a call, there may be some question as to whether the person you are responding to is a good fit for a LifeCare Alliance referral.

Here are some helpful factors to remember: Any person over 60 who is a lift assist, hoarder, is diabetic, indicates malnutrition, suffers from mental health or memory issues, has a physical disability, or calls frequently for emergent or non-emergent needs should be referred.

Remember, our services are not based on income but on physical and mental need. For more information, please refer to our Referral Cheat Sheet or our online referral form!

Getting to know your Contact

Headshot of Fannisha Page

Fannisha Page, CHW
LifeCare Alliance
614-437-2881
Email

Fannisha Page, CHW, is a certified Community Health Worker. She was born in Columbus, Ohio, is a proud graduate of Columbus Alternative High School, and attended The University of Memphis. She has been with LifeCare Alliance for one year. Fannisha previously worked as a Community Health Worker for Primary One’s women’s health center. Fannisha is certified in Centering Pregnancy, as a State Tested Nurse’s Assistant, and a CPR instructor. She has experience as a patient care technician in the emergency department and administrative support in mental health facilities in Lima, Ohio. Fannisha is a wife, mother of 3 beautiful girls, and an entrepreneur.

Fannisha is passionate about outreach and working with first responders and other community agencies to ensure that seniors are receiving fair access to resources so that they can remain safe, independent, and living in their homes — where they want to be.

SixtyPLUS is provided by a grant from the U.S. Administration for Community Living, and administered by LifeCare Alliance.

About SixtyPLUS

LifeCare Alliance is one of seven nonprofits chosen from a nationwide pool of applicants to study the effectiveness of services offered to seniors in American communities.

Through this study, called SixtyPLUS and funded by the Administration for Community Living, LifeCare Alliance will help create a national model to address the needs of the nation’s growing senior population. We will implement unique and innovative partnerships with fire departments, hospital systems, and healthcare providers while collecting accurate data that represent the true impact of our services.

Together, we can “bridge the gap” between the healthcare system and the community-based service system for the betterment of our seniors.