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Help-at-Home

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

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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.

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

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.

Help-at-Home Sees Successful 2020 Adopt-a-Senior Season

By Featured News, Help-at-Home

Gifts are prepared for delivery. LifeCare Alliance’s Help-at-Home program had a wonderfully successful Adopt-a-Senior program in 2020!

With COVID-19 injecting uncertainty into this year’s Adopt-a-Senior holiday campaign, the Agency wasn’t sure how it would go in terms of donations and volunteers. But everyone pulled together, and generosity prevailed.

Everyone in the Help-at-Home department worked hard to make this year’s campaign happen. That included creating volunteer gift delivery routes, calling clients, and even hitting the road to deliver gifts themselves. This was all done in between the normal services provided by the Help-at-Home team, and multiple members of our field staff went out of their way to deliver extra routes of gifts in addition to providing wonderful service to clients. It truly was a team effort!

At a Dec. 20 gift donation and distribution event, 24 volunteers delivered 350 gifts to over 120 seniors! Workers also wrapped more than 100 gifts. Gift donations came in from members of the community as well as Home Instead and UPS.

All in all, Help-at-Home had enough gifts for 400 clients, comprising over $9,000 in donations!

Many clients shared that these were the only gifts they were going to receive this holiday season. Many were not able to see their families due to COVID-19 concerns. Thank you to everyone who contributed to the success of this year’s campaign!

-Alli Chrzanowski, Help-at-Home director

Wishing you a wonderful Holiday Season

Holiday Volunteer Opportunities 2020-2021

By Columbus Cancer Clinic, Featured News, Help-at-Home, Meals-on-Wheels

The holiday season is here, and LifeCare Alliance has multiple opportunities for you to pay it forward through donating gifts and volunteering. Our clients have felt the sting of isolation more this year than ever, and can’t wait to receive some holiday cheer! Read below to see what way of giving works best for you. Happy Holidays!

Adopt-A-Senior

Date(s) and Time(s): Nov. 1 – Dec. 13, 2020; 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 whom receive Meals-on-Wheels or participate in our cookouts and drive-through food pickup.  You will be helping your neighbors whom 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-Senior

Date(s) and Time(s): Nov. 1 – Dec. 13, 2020; 9am-4pm
Host Agency: LifeCare Alliance—Help-at-Home; 1699 W. Mound St., 43223
Contact: Alli Chrzanowski
Phone: 614-437-2814
Website: www.lifecarealliance.org
Email: achrzanowski@lifecarealliance.org
Families: Yes (min. age: preschool with adult)

Opportunity: Help older adults whom receive home care services from our Help-at-Home department celebrate the season!  Provide a local senior items off their 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. All gifts can be wrapped or unwrapped and delivered to LifeCare Alliance, or you may deliver directly to the senior’s home! Donations of tissue paper and small gift bags are welcomed.

Adopt-a-Family

Date(s) and Time(s): Oct. 17 – Dec. 13, 2020;
Deliver to client homes between 12/13-12/23 or deliver to the Cancer Clinic between 12/13 – 12/21.
Host Agency: LifeCare Alliance – Columbus Cancer Clinic; 1699 W. Mound St., 43223
Contact:  Christin Brown
Phone: (614) 437-2840
Website: www.lifecarealliance.org
Email: cbrown@lifecarealliance.org
Families: Yes (min. age: preschool with adult)

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 you can purchase off the Amazon Wish List:  (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. 16 – Dec 23, 2020; Delivery takes 1-1.5 hours between 10am-1pm
To Schedule: https://lifecare.mowscheduler.com/helpwanted/2020-12-13.

Christmas Eve Meals-on-Wheels Delivery
Date(s) and Time(s): Dec. 24, 2020; Delivery takes 1-1.5 hours between 10am-1pm
To Schedule: https://lifecare.mowscheduler.com/helpwanted/2020-12-24.

Christmas Day Meals-on-Wheels Delivery
Date(s) and Time(s): Dec. 25, 2020; Delivery takes 1-1.5 hours between 10am-1pm
To Schedule: https://lifecare.mowscheduler.com/helpwanted/2020-12-25.

Week after Christmas Meals-on-Wheels Delivery
Date(s) and Time(s): Dec. 26 – Dec 30, 2020; Delivery takes 1-1.5 hours between 10am-1pm
To Schedule: https://lifecare.mowscheduler.com/helpwanted/2020-12-26.

New Year’s Eve Meals-on-Wheels Delivery
Date(s) and Time(s): Dec. 31, 2020; Delivery takes 1-1.5 hours between 10am-1pm
To Schedule: https://lifecare.mowscheduler.com/helpwanted/2020-12-31.

New Year’s Day Meals-on-Wheels Delivery
Date(s) and Time(s): Jan. 1, 2021; Delivery takes 1-1.5 hours between 10am-1pm
To Schedule:https://lifecare.mowscheduler.com/helpwanted/2021-01-0.

A caregiver comforts her patient.

Pandemic Deals Additional Challenges to Caregivers

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

Taking care of aging loved ones can be challenging enough on its own, but taking care of them during a global pandemic? The past few months have left many volunteer caregivers looking for answers.

Here are a few tips to help you safely take care of your loved ones in the age of COVID-19:

Stay Informed

Follow the most recently updated guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local public health organizations like Columbus Public Health.

Minimize Risk of Exposure

People over the age of 65 make up eight out of 10 COVID-19 deaths, so when caring for elderly loved ones it’s imperative that you take every precaution to keep yourself free from exposure. This can include limiting trips into the community, frequent handwashing, wearing masks, face coverings and gloves when necessary, and cleaning and disinfecting your home.

Manage Supplies

Acquire extra necessary medications and be sure to stock up on over-the-counter medications as well as common supplies like tissues and cough syrup. Keep your household well stocked with food to limit unnecessary trips to the grocery store. Monitor needed medical supplies related to your loved one’s condition or treatments.

Make Telehealth Appointments

If a wellness appointment for you or a loved one can be completed over the phone, telehealth appointments are your safest option. You can make telehealth appointments with LifeCare Alliance Wellness Center staff by calling 614-437-2878.

Report All COVID Symptoms

If you or your loved one are exhibiting any COVID-19 symptoms, call your primary healthcare provider. If you don’t have a primary healthcare provider, call the Ohio Department of Health COVID-19 Hotline at 1-833-427-5634. In addition to other physical symptoms, people with dementia who contract COVID-19 can see increased confusion, increased agitation and sudden bouts of sadness.

Fight Boredom and Care for Yourself

Self-isolation can be a very difficult time for both you and the person you’re caring for. To fight boredom, try and schedule regular phone and video calls with other family members. Take breaks from reading, watching and listening to the news and make sure you each find time to do things you enjoy. You can also seek out a local caregiver support group like the Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging to help you work through any feelings of stress or frustration.

Get Help if You Need It

If taking care of an aging or disabled loved one is too much at this time, LifeCare Alliance’s Help-at-Home program provides affordable, quality in-home care for people in Franklin and Madison counties. For more information call (614) 278-3130.

Ramp Installed at Home

UPDATE: Home Repairs, New Ramp Improve Accessibility for Veteran Couple

By Featured News, Help-at-Home

Bob and Linda are strong community advocates in Columbus’ South Side Parsons Area Commission.

The married couple’s neighborhood pride pushes them to clean up crime and property damage in their community. But as issues with the roof and porch on their own home worsened, Bob and Linda needed some help. Their roof was damaged and part of their porch was sinking.

Bob served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. Over the years, he and his wife have dealt with several medical issues. He is one of many veterans that LifeCare Alliance is assisting through the Helping Hometown Heroes grant provided by Home Depot and Meals on Wheels America.

“We were in dire need of help and they came to our rescue to help us out,” Linda said. “And now our roof is fixed along with our porch. We just thank you from the bottom of our heart!!”

Bob shared his story with us:

I served in the Army from 1968-1971, doing one term in Vietnam.

When I got out of the service we got the house, and after some years we starting having a lot of issues with the house. We got a hold of LifeCare Alliance through a community meeting we were attending when Maurice talked about the program. LifeCare saved my rear end by coming out and fixing my roof and my dangerously sinking front porch that we were cited for from City Code Enforcement.

Without LifeCare Alliance, there would have been no way I could have afforded to do these repairs unless I hit the lottery or something.

UPDATE: Two years later, a code officer contacted LifeCare Alliance to report that Linda’s health issues were affecting her mobility. He said Linda took a very bad fall of the back porch area.

LifeCare Alliance contacted the couple to see what we could do for them. They asked if we could build some type of ramp off the back porch leading down to the garage to help Linda with her mobility issues.

Linda shared her story with us:

I wanted to thank LifeCare Alliance, The Home Depot and the kind and professional gentleman contractors from B & B Property, who have always taken care of our needs.

After meeting Maurice at one of the association meetings where he spoke about this program, our lives haven’t been the same since. He and his team have been such a blessing to us and allowing us to stay in our home safely. There was no way we could afford to do any of the work that LifeCare and Team Depot has provided us the past two years. I also want to mention our code officer and friend Robert for looking out for us.

LifeCare Alliance clients Bob and Linda

Before:

Before Ramp Installation - Porch with steps

After:

From our President & CEO: COVID-19 Update for LifeCare Alliance Volunteers and Supporters

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

June 8, 2020 UPDATE

SERVICE UPDATES

Meals-on-Wheels numbers continue to grow.  Our food production and delivery teams continue to amaze.  

  • Meal delivery has increased by 68% since March 1st.
  • The number of home delivered meal clients increased by 54% since March 1st.
  • Most meal service starts within 24 hours of receiving the contact or referral.
  • We continue to receive numerous requests for services daily, and we CONTINUE TO ACCEPT ALL THOSE WHO QUALIFY.  This contrasts with a recent survey by Meals-on-Wheels of America which reports that 55% of programs nationally have increased their already existing waitlists, with 22% of programs’ waitlists having doubled or more.
  • Meals delivered by week for the past several weeks are:
    • Week of 5/31-6/6  =  25,884
    • Week of 5/24-5/30  =  25,065
    • Week of 5/17-5/23  =  25,423
    • Week of 5/10-5/16   =  25,315
    • Week of 5/3-5/9  =  25,190
    • Week of 4/26-5/2  =  24,998
    • Week of 4/19-4/25  =  23,622
    • Week of 4/12-4/18  =  22,489
    • Week of 4/5-4/11  =  20,839
    • Week of 3/29-4/4  =  19,857
    • Week of 3/22-3/28  =  18,571
    • Week of 3/15-3/21  =  16,413
    • Week of 3/8-3/14  =  15,752
    • Week of 3/1-3/7  =  15,439

 The Columbus Cancer Clinic continues to add new families in need of pantry service.  Almost all pantry items are being delivered to client homes.

  • This represents a 53% increase in the number of individuals served since January and 77 new families.
  • The Columbus Cancer Clinic restarted regular mammograms Monday, May 18.
  • Total clients served by the CCC pantry:
    • January = 974 individuals with 10 new client pantry families
    • April = 1,492 individuals with 27 new client pantry families

The Central Ohio Diabetes Association camps will be held as VIRTUAL CAMP in 2020, and have developed a number of interesting activities.  Campers will be divided into small groups like their “cabins” and work with their counselors.  Staff is planning potential in person activities for later this year.

Wellness is restarting several services including Wellness Centers.  TeleHealth will continue, but Wellness Centers began seeing clients last week, in a safe manner.

Meals-for-Kids—We expect sites to begin reopening for summer. 

Our Senior Farmers’ Market will continue with coupons being mailed, instead of holding a distribution day.  The farmers will deliver the produce to us in bulk and we will deliver it, or clients can pick up. 

Senior PetCare continues to deliver pet food to clients in need for their dogs and cats.

L.A. Catering has developed several “take out” and new methods of delivering a safe catering, so please use them for your upcoming reopening and graduation events.  Everything can be individually boxed.  I hope you will use our LA Catering as you plan your events.

IMPACT Safety is providing on line programming in a number of areas.

VOLUNTEER UPDATES

We continue to receive new volunteers each day, and have received 1,500 new volunteer applications online since March 16. Volunteers have insured that all meals, pet food, and pantry items are delivered. We still need more as many are returning to work.   

LIFECARE ALLIANCE IN THE MEDIA

LifeCare Alliance President & CEO Chuck Gehring appeared on the Columbus Metropolitan Club virtual meeting on Wednesday, May 13 at noon, along with Dr. Lisa Courtice, CEO of United Way of Central Ohio. The moderator was Colleen Marshall of WCMH NBC4. The topic was “Nonprofits’ Frontline Response”. If you missed this, simply go to the Columbus Metropolitan Club website and click on the May 13 event. It is also rerun on some cable channels. Other media coverage can be found here.

Previous updates

March 23, 2020 Update

Dear friends,

Today, Meals-on-Wheels drivers and volunteers are sharing stories from the front lines, as they serve those most in need. We want to share a couple of these stories with you, our most faithful supporters.

“Clients have cried with gratitude when receiving their meals – they weren’t sure if we would be continuing with our deliveries.”

“Upon arriving to a home, I [volunteer] heard a client yelling for help. I called 911 and waited for the EMT to arrive. Once inside the home, I saw that the client was lying on the floor unable to get up.”

Your generosity makes this possible and we are grateful!

Yesterday, Governor DeWine announced a “Stay at Home” Order, beginning at 11:59 pm tonight. You may have questions about what this means for LifeCare Alliance and our critical daily services. Governor DeWine and the Federal government acknowledge our services as essential, which must go on. We will continue to provide food and basic needs services to home-bound neighbors. In fact, the need for Meals-on-Wheels continues to increase daily from multiple sources:

  1. individuals who are shifting from congregate dining center sites to now receive home-delivered meals,
  2. older adults who are temporarily home-bound due to COVID-19 precautions,
  3. and most recently, neighbors with developmental disabilities who typically attend adult day programs, but have been temporarily closed.

We have implemented significant changes to our services over the past week, taking steps for staff to work remotely, reducing or suspending non-essential tasks, and making modifications to essential tasks to ensure the maximum amount of precaution possible. As always, we invite you to stay connected and informed through our website, and via Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Volunteers—we still need you!

Healthy adults who can deliver meals are key to the success of caring for homebound neighbors during this time. THANK YOU to the hundreds of people who have already stepped up to serve.  You are so valued and so needed, and we are grateful for your commitment and compassion to the most vulnerable in our community. Please take a moment to review the most current procedures and updates below for Meals-on-Wheels and Groceries-to-Go pantry deliveries.

Donors—we still need you!

Many of you have already stepped up so generously to give an extra gift to help support the increased demand.  THANK YOU! With your help, we are on the frontlines of this pandemic, and quite literally the hands and feet that are providing life-sustaining services. If you would like to make a donation, you may do so by:

  1. Giving online at: https://www.lifecarealliance.org/donate/online-donation/
  2. Sending a check to: LifeCare Alliance, 1699 W. Mound Street, Columbus, OH 43223

Thank you for standing with us during this most critical time to ensure that we can continue serving those most in need in our community.

Your partner in Nourishing the Human Spirit,

Charles W. Gehring,
President & CEO

IMPORTANT MEALS-ON-WHEELS, PANTRY, & VOLUNTEER UPDATES:

To ensure that basic needs are met, while also implementing as much social distancing as possible, volunteers are temporarily approved to knock/ring the doorbell and leave the meal at the door—with visual confirmation that the client receives the meal.

  • Exceptions:
    • If you encounter a client who is too frail to reach all the way down to retrieve the meal from the front doorstep, please assist that client with moving a small chair/table outside for future deliveries, thus reducing future contact.
    • If you encounter a client who is bed-bound, please proceed with direct hand-off.
  • Temperature Checks: Due to the shortage of thermometers, we ask that volunteers check their temperature from home before arriving to volunteer.
  • We continue to need volunteers to delivery daily. We have established rapid response volunteer training sessions to help onboard new volunteers quickly and seamlessly.
    • New volunteers can begin by completing our online application here and attending an 11:00 am training at 670 Harmon Avenue, Columbus, OH 43223. Training will occur daily and volunteers may have the opportunity to deliver a route that day if there are openings.
    • Existing volunteers can sign up for an open route at any time online at: https://lifecare.mowscheduler.com/helpwanted
  • The Groceries-to-Go food pantry has moved to curbside pick-up and home delivery Monday – Friday, and is also in need of volunteers.  Volunteers are needed for both delivery and packing and preparation, and can apply and get started via the process noted above.

ADDITIONAL SERVICE UPDATES:

  • As telehealth options increase, our staff is putting measures in place to ensure that wellness and diabetes consultations can take place by phone.
  • Columbus Cancer Clinic activities have been modified so that essential functions like diagnostic screenings and food pantry assistance can continue. Non-essential screenings and activities have been suspended.
  • Help-at-Home services have been significantly reduced or modified to provide only essential tasks with as much precaution as possible.
  • Carrie’s Café is closed until further notice.
  • Congregate Dining Centers are closed and clients are now being moved to home-delivered meals.

ONGOING REMINDERS FOR VOLUNTEERS:

  • Please continue to observe the recommendation that volunteers not involve children in delivery at this time. If you must bring children on the route, please ensure that they stay in the car and not go up to the door.
  • If you have specific questions or concerns regarding your route or volunteering, please contact us at mowdriverssupervisors@lifecarealliance.org or 614-437-2891.
  • If you have known exposure, or are experiencing or exhibiting symptoms consistent with Coronavirus, according to the CDC—fever, shortness of breath, cough—we ask that you please stay home and not risk exposing others to possible illness. Please notify us via Meals-on-Wheels Scheduler, or the above contact information if you need to cancel.
  • Please practice the recommended precautions from the CDC – proper hand washing for at least twenty seconds, covering coughs/sneeze with your arm, staying home when sick, and avoiding exposure to others who are sick.

March 19, 2020 Update

To LifeCare Alliance Volunteers and Supporters:

We continue to navigate daily adjustments for COVID-19 precautions. Our highest priority is maintaining the most critical basic services for those who need daily food and care, while making necessary changes to modify or temporarily suspend non-critical services. Volunteer and program updates are ever-changing, and staff are preparing for increased work-from-home capacity wherever possible. Please take a moment to review our most recent update below and stay informed by visiting our website and following us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to stay informed.

IMPORTANT MEALS-ON-WHEELS, PANTRY, & VOLUNTEER UPDATES:

The need for Meals-on-Wheels continues to increase daily—both from our congregate dining center clients who are now receiving home-delivered meals, and from an increased need in the community from older adults who are temporarily home-bound due to COVID-19 precautions.  To ensure that basic needs are met, while also implementing as much social distancing as possible, volunteers are temporarily approved to knock/ring the doorbell and leave the meal at the door—with visual confirmation that the client receives the meal.

Exceptions:

    • If you encounter a client who is too frail to reach all the way down to retrieve the meal from the front doorstep, please assist that client with moving a small chair/table outside for future deliveries, thus reducing future contact.
    • If you encounter a client who is bed-bound, please proceed with direct hand-off.

Concerns:

    • If you have a concern for the well-being of a client, please report that to Meals-on-Wheels staff by:
      • Making a note on the delivery record.
      • Completing an observation report.
      • Calling the driver supervisors at 614-437-2891.

Temperature Checks coming soon! We are working to get thermometers onsite, and will begin taking temperatures upon entry to all of our buildings.

We continue to need volunteers to delivery daily. We have established rapid response volunteer training to help on-board new volunteers quickly and seamlessly.

  • New volunteers can begin same-day by completing our online application here and attending a 11:00 am training at 670 Harmon Avenue, Columbus, OH 43223. Training will occur daily for any new volunteers to join that day.
  • Existing volunteers can sign up for an open route at any time online at: https://lifecare.mowscheduler.com/helpwanted

The Groceries-to-Go food pantry has moved to curbside pick-up and home delivery. Volunteers are needed for both delivery and packing and preparation, and can apply and get started via the process noted above.

ADDITIONAL SERVICE UPDATES:

  • As telehealth options increases, our staff is putting measures in place to ensure that wellness and diabetes consultations can take place by phone.
  • Columbus Cancer Clinic activities have been modified so that essential functions like diagnostic screenings and food pantry assistance can continue. Non-essential screenings and activities have been suspended.
  • Help-at-Home services have been significantly reduced or modified to provide only essential tasks with as much precaution as possible.
  • Carrie’s Café is closed until further notice.
  • Congregate Dining Centers are closed and clients are now being moved to home-delivered meals.

ONGOING REMINDERS FOR VOLUNTEERS:

  • Please continue to observe the recommendation that volunteers not involve children in delivery at this time. If you must bring children on the route, please ensure that they stay in the car and not go up to the door.
  • If you have specific questions or concerns regarding your route or volunteering, please contact us at mowdriverssupervisors@lifecarealliance.org or 614-437-2891.
  • If you have known exposure, or are experiencing or exhibiting symptoms consistent with Coronavirus, according to the CDC—fever, shortness of breath, cough—we ask that you please stay home and not risk exposing others to possible illness. Please notify us via Meals-on-Wheels Scheduler, or the above contact information if you need to cancel.
  • Please practice the recommended precautions from the CDC – proper hand washing for at least twenty seconds, covering coughs/sneeze with your arm, staying home when sick, and avoiding exposure to others who are sick.

HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT:

Thank you to those who have already stepped up to support!  We are truly in this together as a community—and our staff and clients are feeling that sentiment in very real ways right now.  While our staff is being stretched daily to implement new procedures to ensure that those most in need receive care during this time, we are also acutely aware that there has never been a time in recent history where critical missions like ours has been at the center of national discussion.  People everywhere are getting a small glimpse of what home-bound neighbors face daily.

  • Volunteers are our biggest need right now.  If you are able to help, please sign up to volunteer through the process indicated above.
  • Like many in our community, we are already seeing significant impact from the implications of COVID-19, by way of revenue losses, cancellations, etc.  If you would like to make a donation, please do so by:

Your partner in Nourishing the Human Spirit,

Charles W. Gehring,
President & CEO

March 16, 2020 Update

To LifeCare Alliance Volunteers and Supporters:

As COVID-19 continues to spread, and officials continue to recommend increased social distancing and closures, LifeCare Alliance is monitoring the situation.  We are making adjustments to critical nutrition and health services that we provide daily.  As you know, our clients are among the most vulnerable in our community—and thus, the need for our services to continue is paramount.  Thank you for your continued support to ensure that those most in need can receive basic needs during this time.  Please take a moment to review our most recent update below to learn how we are continuing to both protect and provide for the wellbeing of our clients, staff, and volunteers.  You can also see current updates by visiting our website and following us on FacebookTwitter, and Instagram to stay informed.

PROGRAM UPDATES:

  1. Most core programs and services are currently still operating, within the recommended parameters set by our state and local officials. As long as we are able, we plan to continue services, with an emphasis on the most basic needs, such as food.  As service changes arise, we will continue to keep our community updated, and communicate specifically with impacted service areas.  Agency and program leadership is continuing to put both process and reporting protocols in place, to ensure that we can make any necessary modifications going forward.
  2. Current program closures/alterations:
    • Carrie’s Café is closed, effective Monday, March 16, 2020.
    • Congregate Dining Centers will be closed by Tuesday, March 17, 2020. Dining center clients will have the option to receive home-delivered meals.
    • Our Groceries-to-Go food pantry is taking steps to move completely to curbside pick-up and home delivery. Additional details will be provided soon.

IMPORTANT MEALS-ON-WHEELS DELIVERY UPDATE:

  1. We have received guidance from our regulatory bodies and funders.  In the interest of public health, Meals-on-Wheels programs statewide have been given permission to temporarily suspend the customer signature requirement at time of meal delivery.  This means that the volunteer’s signature on the delivery record will suffice until the risk level lessens.  As the situation continues to develop and evolve throughout central Ohio, we will keep you all posted through email and delivery record alerts.
  2. Medical experts have shared that children can be carriers, even without exhibiting symptoms, so we recommend that volunteers not involve children in delivery at this time. If you must bring children on the route, please ensure that they stay in the car and not go up to the door.
  3. We continue to need volunteers to delivery daily. We have established rapid response volunteer training to help on-board new volunteers quickly and seamlessly.
    • New volunteers can begin same-day by completing our online application here and attending a 10:00 am training at 670 Harmon Avenue, Columbus, OH 43223. Training will occur daily for any new volunteers to join that day.
    • Existing volunteers can sign up for an open route at any time online at: https://lifecare.mowscheduler.com/helpwanted

ONGOING REMINDERS FOR VOLUNTEERS:

  1. Should meal routes or other activities be further altered, we will proactively communicate with volunteers who are scheduled or impacted by the change. Please watch for future updates. If you have specific questions or concerns regarding your route or volunteering, please contact us at mowdriverssupervisors@lifecarealliance.org or 614-437-2891.
  2. If you are experiencing or exhibiting symptoms consistent with Coronavirus, according to the CDC—fever, shortness of breath, cough—we ask that you please stay home and not risk exposing others to possible illness. Please notify us via Meals-on-Wheels Scheduler, or the above contact information if you need to cancel.
  3. Please practice the recommended precautions from the CDC – proper hand washing for at least twenty seconds, covering coughs/sneeze with your arm, staying home when sick, and avoiding exposure to others who are sick.

HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT:

  1. Volunteers are our biggest need right now. If you are able to help, please sign up to volunteer through the process indicated above.
  2. Like many in our community, we are already seeing significant impact from the implications of COVID-19, by way of revenue losses, cancellations, etc. If you would like to make a donation, please do so by:

Times like these shine a spotlight on the critical importance of LifeCare Alliance’s services—today and every day—and we are grateful for your partnership. YOU make it possible to uphold our mission and to care for central Ohio neighbors most in need. Thank you for your care, concern, and commitment during this unprecedented time.

Your partner in Nourishing the Human Spirit,

Charles W. Gehring
President and CEO

March 10, 2020 Update

A Special Message to LifeCare Alliance Volunteers and Supporters:

Thank you for being on the front lines of serving our homebound seniors each day throughout central Ohio.  As the state of Ohio now has confirmed cases of COVID-19, we want to share an important update with you as we continue to closely monitor the risk and spread of the coronavirus.

We continue to take important steps to plan for possible scenarios, and receive daily updates from the Ohio Department of Health, Franklin County Board of Health, and Columbus Public Health.  Our leadership team is in regular communication with necessary partners and parties to keep a pulse on the situation and risk.  Please take a moment to read a few important updates below.

  • All agency programs are currently operating normally and we do not anticipate a disruption in services. However, out of an abundance of caution, we are planning for contingency scenarios, as well as taking appropriate precautions to ensure the health and well-being of our clients, as well as our dedicated staff and volunteers.
  • Should meal routes or other activities be altered, we will proactively communicate with volunteers who are scheduled or impacted by the change. Please watch for future updates, should we have new information to share.  If you have specific questions or concerns regarding your route or volunteering, please contact us at mowdriverssupervisors@lifecarealliance.org or 614-437-2891.
  • If you are experiencing or exhibiting symptoms consistent with the coronavirus, according to the CDC — fever, shortness of breath, cough — we ask that you please stay home and not risk exposing others to possible illness. Please notify us via Meals-on-Wheels Scheduler, by email at mowdriverssupervisors@lifecarealliance.org, or by phone at 614-437-2891 if you need to cancel for your route.
  • Please practice the recommended precautions from the CDC — proper handwashing for at least twenty seconds, covering coughs/sneezes with your arm, staying home when sick, and avoiding exposure to others who are sick.

Like many of you, we are concerned for those most vulnerable among us, many of whom are the clients we serve.  Know that we are committed to serving our clients as long as we are able, while taking steps to modify or alter service deliver if/when necessary.  Thank you for your shared concern.  We will provide future updates as new information becomes available.

Your partner in Nourishing the Human Spirit,

Charles W. Gehring,
President and CEO

Click the photo above for information on COVID-19 from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention.

Click the Franklin County Public Health logo above for local COVID-19 updates.

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with us

For the most up-to-date information on LifeCare Alliance programs, including any announcements and service adjustments, click here to follow us on Facebook.

LifeCare Alliance Announces 2020 Volunteer Recognition Dates

By Carrie's Cafe, Columbus Cancer Clinic, Events, Fan Campaign, Featured News, Help-at-Home, IMPACT Safety, Meals-on-Wheels, Senior PetCare, Volunteers

Each year, we take the time to thank our outstanding volunteers who embody our motto of “Nourishing the Human Spirit.”

Our volunteer base is the heart of LifeCare Alliance, and the work that volunteers do is so valuable to our Agency and our clients alike. More than 100 volunteers are needed every single day to deliver Meals-on-Wheels, run errands, assist with light housekeeping tasks, assist at a Senior Dining or Wellness Center, serve on a board, make favors for our clients, or help in the office.

Volunteers come together as individuals, corporations, families, and groups with the energy and enthusiasm needed to carry out the mission of LifeCare Alliance. Because of the volunteer base, LifeCare Alliance is able to continue serving clients without a waiting list, keeping homebound older adults and individuals with a medical challenge or disability safe, independent, and in their own homes — where they want to be!

Below is information on the locations, dates and times of recognition events throughout our service area. Please join us!

 

LifeCare Alliance Recognition
Monday, April 27, 2020 — 5:00 – 7:30 p.m.
L.A. Catering Event Center, 670 Harmon Ave. Columbus, OH 43223

Columbus Cancer Clinic/CODA/Help-at-Home/IMPACT Safety
Monday, April 20, 2020 — 11:00 – 1:00 p.m.
L.A. Catering Event Center, 670 Harmon Ave. Columbus, OH 43223

Logan County Recognition
Tuesday, April 14, 2020 — 12:30 – 2:00 p.m.
Hilliker YMCA, 300 Sloan Blvd. Bellefontaine, OH 43311

Champaign County Recognition
Tuesday, April 7, 2020 — 12:30 – 2:00 p.m.
Champaign County Library, 1060 Scioto Street Urbana, OH 43078

Marion County Recognition
Thursday, April 23, 2020 — 12:30 – 2:00 p.m.
Marion Senior Center, 2375 Harding Hwy E, Marion, OH 43302

Dining Center Recognition
Wednesday, April 1, 2020 — 11:00 – 1:00 p.m.
L.A. Catering Event Center, 670 Harmon Ave. Columbus, OH 43223

Madison County Recognition
Tuesday, May 5, 2020 — 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.
St.Patrick’s Church, 61 S. Union St., London, OH 43140

ABOVE: Longtime supporter and volunteer John McHugh with his Spirit Award.

Food 911: How Meals-on-Wheels Redefines Population Health

By Diabetes Education, Featured News, Help-at-Home, Meals-on-Wheels, Wellness

In September 2019, LifeCare Alliance was awarded a 3-year $750,000 grant from the United States Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration on Community Living (ACL) to expand our innovative model of care. While this model has been piloted and in progress since June of 2018, the grant will allow us to increase internal case management and referral infrastructure, collect health outcome data to measure the effectiveness of LifeCare Alliance interventions, and complete a thorough evaluation of collected data. Once concluded, LifeCare Alliance will publish and disseminate the findings to seek reimbursement for our holistic, one-stop-shop service model. Ultimately, the goal is to produce research that will allow for replication of our model across the nation.

Certainly, agency volunteers, staff, and supporters know firsthand the incredible impact of our services, as they partner in serving clients 365 days a year; however, the ability to quantify the successful outcomes and results will pave the way for future sustainability, relevance, and leverage in the ever-changing healthcare industry. This innovative network of referrals and information sharing is for clients who frequently depend on emergency services for basic needs.  This innovation is critical to ensuring that members of our community can age safely in place through a collaborative approach to care.

Meet Jerry and Marsha:

Jerry and Marsha, who live with the challenges of diabetes, were referred by their physician for an in-home consultation with LifeCare Alliance’s registered dietitian.  The couple, 74 and 68 years old, respectively, deal with many health concerns that began about a year ago. During that time, Marsha suffered a collapsed lung during surgery.  A month later, she tried the surgery again, but this time it was even worse—her organs began to shut down and her surgery was delayed again.  During Marsha’s healing process, they learned that Jerry needed back surgery and a pacemaker.  Because Jerry was Marsha’s only caregiver, this presented a challenge. That’s when Marsha contacted LifeCare Alliance’s Meals-on-Wheels program to sign up for the frozen meal program.

 “Meals-on-Wheels saved us,” said Marsha.  “Jerry and I are both diabetic, and we learned we could have a registered dietitian come to our home to help with meal planning as clients of LifeCare Alliance, we both took advantage of the service.  Now we know how to take control of our carbs and plan our meals with confidence.”

Jerry and Marsha are one story of many positive outcomes of Food 911: How Meals-on-Wheels Redefines Population Health. The impact of remaining together, independent, and in their own home—where they want to be—is significant, especially during this holiday season.

Meet the Faces of Innovation:

Molly Haroz, Director of Nutrition Programs, and Melinda Rowe, Wellness Services Director, are part of the incredible team at LifeCare Alliance that is implementing this innovative project. Understanding the challenges that many of our older adult neighbors face every day to maintain a healthy independent lifestyle, with dignity in the comfort of their own homes, the two directors have worked closely together to lay the groundwork that led to receiving the grant.

We know that the need is great!  There are still many in our community—including older adults, medical professionals, first responders, and insurance and health systems—who are not yet aware of this innovative approach. We are eager to continue spreading the word to help intercept those who are managing chronic, or even crisis, health situations. During the pilot process, we have seen that the majority of these citizens call 911 or visit the nearest emergency room to receive help with food, home repairs, etc.—services which hospital or paramedics are unable to fulfill. LifeCare Alliance’s goal is to make sure that our neighbors in need do not slip through the cracks, as they navigate complex health situations. By partnering with local fire departments and healthcare providers to refer “frequent flyers” or repeat visitors for ongoing in-home services, we are able to welcome new clients through our comprehensive array of health and nutrition programming.

Randy Little, Fire Chief of the Jackson Township Fire Department in Grove City, Ohio said of the initiative, “we have seen anecdotally how valuable LifeCare Alliance’s services are to our township residents and we look forward to continuing to grow and enhance our partnership, especially since we’ve seen such improvements in the lives of those we have referred to LifeCare Alliance.”

Tim Hill, Regional Manager-Ohio East of American Health Network of Ohio, LLC, said, “our patients come to our providers repeatedly for the same types of injuries that could have been prevented with proper nutrition, homemaking help, or even simple home repairs such as grab bar installations.  We have found that when needs are met, elderly patients often can function safely in their own homes without making multiple visits to our healthcare facilities on a weekly or monthly basis.”

Our heartfelt thanks to you, our supporters, who help make it possible for LifeCare Alliance to be innovative in meeting the needs of more than 30,000 clients each year. We look forward to sharing continued updates about the progress of this exciting project!

LifeCare Alliance, DAV partnership provides veterans with in-home support

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

LifeCare Alliance is proud to be in partnership with Disabled American Veterans as they provide grants to help fund our Help-at-Home program.

Help-at-Home provides personal care assistants and direct support care workers who assist with daily living activities such as bathing, fall prevention, and basic household chores. Living independently and safely in the comfort of one’s own home is a great source of joy in an older adult’s life. Help-at-Home ensures ill, elderly, and disabled individuals have adequate, clean, and safe housing. Last year alone, the program served 102 veterans in the central Ohio area.

The Disabled Americans Veterans Charitable Service Trust (DAV) has been serving veterans in America since 1920, and even has its origins in Ohio! The nonprofit was first organized by Judge Robert Marx of Cincinnati as the Disabled American Veteran of the World War (DAVWW). After the devastation that took place during World War I, Judge Marx and other organizers noticed veterans were not getting adequate care. They started the DAVWW locally, and then formed the national organization in 1921 with the purpose of “building better lives for all of our Nation’s disabled veterans and their families.”

Almost one hundred years later, the DAV continues its mission of serving veterans in need of assistance.

As a result of support from the DAV Charitable Service Trust, Help-at-Home has been able to provide continuous, ongoing services to veterans needing assistance with personal care and daily living activities. If veterans are injured or have disabilities, it is crucial to provide this safety net service which allows them to remain in their homes. Homemakers also provide a critical daily visit to these individuals, which serves as a health and well-being check-in to ensure that all of the client’s needs are met. Typically, these homebound individuals would be socially isolated if not for these visits.

Many Help-at-Home clients also receive a daily nutritional meal and visit through Meals-on-Wheels, but need additional services like the ones provided by Help-at-Home in order to continue to live a vibrant life. For example, an individual who requires a walker for mobility can get around enough to live on their own, but lack the ability to clean their bathroom efficiently without the possibility of falling. A clean living environment is vital to keeping clients healthy and safe in their own home.

Without funding partners like the DAV, LifeCare Alliance would not be able to serve our veteran neighbors with responsive, compassionate, and quality care. Thank you to the DAV for your steadfast commitment to build and strengthen the lives of our nation’s veterans!

Judge Robert Marx
Help-at-Home Donation

Help-at-Home Collecting Donations in July

By Featured News, Help-at-Home

You can help provide a safe, clean environment for older adults receiving in-home personal care!

The Help-at-Home program at LifeCare Alliance will be accepting donations at two events this month. Items may be dropped off at LifeCare Alliance, 1699 West Mound Street.

Join us on July 18 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. and July 21 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Our Help-at-Home has fun activities and treats planned for our donors!

The items below are some of our clients’ biggest needs:

Cooking Supplies
Cutting boards, chef and paring knives, spatulas, serving spoons, ladles, measuring cups/spoons, pots and pans, plates, bowls, flatware, drinkware, can openers, Tupperware containers

Food Items
Cereal, pasta, rice, noodles, peanut butter, bottled water, juice, reduced sodium or no-salt-added canned vegetables, canned chicken & tuna, canned fruits, canned vegetables, beans, soups and sauces, nutritional supplements such as Ensure and Boost

Personal Care
Adult diapers, toilet paper, shampoo, conditioner, soap/body wash, lotion, razors/shaving cream, body powder, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, mouthwash

Cleaning Supplies
Dish soap, laundry soap, fabric softener/dryer sheets, multipurpose cleaners, disinfectant wipes, sponges/scrub brushes, wash cloths, basic cleaning supplies

Paper Products
Paper plates, freezer and storage bags, foil, plastic wrap, paper towels, napkins, facial tissue

For more information, contact Help-at-Home at 614-278-3149.

Thank you, LifeCare Alliance nurses!

By Columbus Cancer Clinic, Featured News, Help-at-Home, Wellness

Happy National Nurses Week! LifeCare Alliance, originally called the Instructive District Nursing Association and founded in 1898, was the first Visiting Nurse agency in Ohio. Today, the Agency still has a mission to lead the community in identifying and delivering health and nutrition services to meet the community’s changing needs.

National Nurses Week is May 6th-12th annually, and is a time to recognize and support the nursing profession. We want to celebrate the nurses on staff who work hard daily to make sure the needs of our clients are met through the Columbus Cancer Clinic, Help-at-Home, and the Wellness department.

Get to know some of the nurses at LifeCare Alliance:

Doris Gyasi, RN

“I have been in the nursing field for 22 years now. I started as nursing aide, medication aide, Licensed Practical Nurse, and then RN.  To me nursing is not career rather it is a calling.  I’m passionate about healthy living, education, caring, and improving lives. I love what I do.”

Thelma Fosselman

“As a child I never wanted to be a nurse.  It just never crossed my mind until I saw a sign on the OSU campus my freshman year reminding students to get their nursing school application submitted. So I did and here I am. I was an attorney for a short time but I think God has a plan for each of us and it appears that I am chosen to be a nurse and I couldn’t be happier or more fulfilled.” Thelma has been a nurse for 35 years.

Barbara A. Parker, B.S.N, R.N., Faith Community Nurse

“I have been a nurse for 49 years.  After testing the waters by volunteering as teens at Mt. Carmel Hospital, my girlfriend and I decided to continue our education at Capital University, pursuing careers in nursing.”

Melinda Rowe, BSN, RN

“Nursing is a second career for me. I have always been passionate about wellness. I started with nutrition, then fitness, and now the nursing profession. I knew I wanted to be a wellness nurse, with a focus on keeping people out of the hospital and remaining as healthy as possible. Being a nurse allows me to work alongside other nurses as well as other allied health professionals to do just this!”

Julie Poirier, B.S.N.,  R.N.

“I’ve been a nurse 29 years at LifeCare.  When I was in high school, I wanted to be a nurse because nurses care and educate people.   At LifeCare, I’ve been a visiting nurse, weekend nurse manager, home health aide supervisor, and wellness nurse.  As a wellness nurse, I help seniors with chronic illnesses and see travel health customers.   Nursing is great because you learn new things, use critical judgment, and make a difference in your patient’s lives.”

Peggy Parisot

“37+ years of nursing.  I thought it would be a practical way to help people in many different roles and no matter where I am.  My mother, grandmother, and aunt were all nurses and great role models.”

LifeCare Alliance honors outstanding Franklin County volunteers

By Help-at-Home, Meals-on-Wheels, Volunteers, Wellness

LifeCare Alliance handed out more than 20 awards on Monday, April 1, 2018, at the annual Volunteer Recognition ceremony for outstanding Franklin County volunteers.

The Spirit Award presentation is a time to celebrate and recognize the dedication, commitment, and achievements of volunteers who give their time to our older adult citizens so they can remain independent in their homes.

This event, which honored the contributions of volunteers the previous year,  was live-streamed on Facebook Live. To watch the ceremony, click here to access the video on LifeCare Alliance’s Facebook page.

The 2017 Spirit Award recipients are:

  • American Electric Power, Corporate Leadership Spirit Award
  • Dr. Akua Amponsah, Help-at-Home Spirit Award
  • Natalie Artz, Youth Leadership Spirit Award
  • Jack DeBarr & Joseph Seifert, The Harriette Goodspeed Spirit Award
  • Kellie DuPont & Family, Future LifeCare Alliance Leader Spirit Award
  • Quentin Feng, Corporate Meals-on-Wheels Route Coordinator Spirit Award
  • Michelle Ford, Groceries to Go Spirit Award
  • Penny Henry, Catherine Gillie Spirit Award
  • Joan Hess, Farmer’s Market Spirit Award
  • Kelly Hollis, Outstanding Spirit Award
  • Huntington National Bank, Corporate Meals-on-Wheels Route Spirit Award
  • Ali Iovino, Food Production Spirit Award
  • Jackie Jacobs, Lifetime Achievement Award
  • Cherie Luckoff, Pet Care Spirit Award
  • John McHugh, Advancement Spirit Award
  • Everett Meidell, John Nilssen Memorial Spirit Award
  • Nationwide, Community Service Spirit Award
  • Nationwide PAWS, Pet Care Corporate Spirit Award
  • Ohio Dominican University, Meals-on-Wheels School Spirit Award
  • Thomas & Angela Stephens, The Samuel L. Black Volunteer Spirit Award
  • Temple Beth Shalom, The Frank Stoddard Raper Spirit Award
  • Wednesday Hump Leagues, POHC Philanthropic Spirit Award

If you are interested in volunteer opportunities for LifeCare Alliance, please call 614-444-MEAL (6325) or visit www.lifecarealliance.org to learn more.

Photo gallery

To see a gallery of images from the LifeCare Alliance Volunteer Recognition ceremony, click here.

2017 Volunteer Recognition Awards

LifeCare Alliance Announces 2018 Volunteer Recognition events

By Carrie's Cafe, Central Ohio Diabetes Association, Columbus Cancer Clinic, Events, Help-at-Home, Meals-on-Wheels, Volunteers

Each year, we take the time to thank our outstanding volunteers who embody our motto of “Nourishing the Human Spirit.”

Our volunteer base is the heart of LifeCare Alliance, and the work that volunteers do is so valuable to our Agency and our clients alike. More than 100 volunteers are needed every single day to deliver Meals-on-Wheels, run errands, assist with light housekeeping tasks, assist at a Senior Dining or Wellness Center, serve on a board, make favors for our clients, or help in the office.

Volunteers come together as individuals, corporations, families, and groups with the energy and enthusiasm needed to carry out the mission of LifeCare Alliance. Because of the volunteer base, LifeCare Alliance is able to continue serving clients without a waiting list, keeping homebound older adults and individuals with a medical challenge or disability safe, independent, and in their own homes — where they want to be!

Below is information on the locations, dates and times of recognition events throughout our service area. Please join us!

 

LifeCare Alliance Recognition
Monday, April 30, 2018 — 5:00 – 7:30 p.m.
L.A. Catering Event Center, 670 Harmon Ave. Columbus, OH 43223

Columbus Cancer Clinic
Monday, April 16, 2018 — 11:00 – 1:00 p.m.
L.A. Catering Event Center, 670 Harmon Ave. Columbus, OH 43223

Logan County Recognition
Tuesday, April 24, 2018 — 12:30 – 2:00 p.m.
Hilliker YMCA, 300 Sloan Blvd. Bellefontaine, OH 43311

Champaign County Recognition
Wednesday, April 11, 2018 — 12:30 – 2:00 p.m.
Champaign County Library, 1060 Scioto Street Urbana, OH 43078

Marion County Recognition
Thursday, April 19, 2018 — 12:30 – 2:00 p.m.
Marion Senior Center, 2375 Harding Hwy E, Marion, OH 43302

Dining Center Recognition
Monday, April 30, 2018 — 11:00 – 1:00 p.m.
L.A. Catering Event Center, 670 Harmon Ave. Columbus, OH 43223

Madison County Recognition
Wednesday, May 9, 2018 — 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Madison County Senior Center, 280 W High St, London, OH 43140

ABOVE: LifeCare Alliance CEO Chuck Gehring, left, presents the 2017 Catherine Nelson Black Philanthropic Spirit Award to Tom Long, JD, a long-time supporter of the Columbus Cancer Clinic.
LifeCare Alliance CEO Chuck Gehring speaks to the crowd during Big Wheels 2018

LifeCare Alliance Announces $5 Million Match Campaign

By Carrie's Cafe, Central Ohio Diabetes Association, Columbus Cancer Clinic, Help-at-Home, IMPACT Safety, Legacy, Meals-on-Wheels, POHC, Visiting Nurses, Wellness

At Big Wheels 2018, LifeCare Alliance announced a $5 Million Match Campaign to secure the future, by building its Legacy Endowment.

The Legacy Endowment Campaign is designed to meet existing and future needs of LifeCare Alliance for decades to come.

An anonymous donor has generously committed to matching the first $5 million in Endowment gifts, beginning in 2018. The donation comes during a momentous occasion for LifeCare Alliance as the Agency celebrates its 120th anniversary.

This Campaign creates an opportunity for individuals and families impacted by the work of LifeCare Alliance to express their stewardship and leave their legacies in concrete and meaningful ways.

If you are interested in learning more about the Legacy Endowment Campaign or how you can become a member of the Catherine Nelson Black Society, please contact Chuck Gehring, President and CEO at 614-437-2801 or Rebecca Hurd, Director of Advancement at 614-437-2867.

Click here to donate to the Legacy Endowment Campaign now!


ABOVE: LifeCare Alliance CEO Chuck Gehring speaks to the crowd at Big Wheels 2018.