Golden Friends Adult Day Services

Program Description
Golden Friends, an adult day service, is a program of OUTREACH Community Living Services, Inc. effective July 1, 2005. OUTREACH is a non-profit corporation formed in 1977 whose mission is to provide supportive services in partnership with the individual and the community to enhance the quality of life for persons with disabilities.

Adult day services are designed to meet the needs of functionally impaired adults through an individual plan of care. Golden Friends Adult Day Service is a structured, comprehensive program that provides a variety of health, social and related support services in a protective setting during the daytime hours. While designed with senior citizens in mind, the program flexibility will allow those under age 62 who need the level of supervision provided to benefit from the services. Individuals who participate in the adult day service attend on a planned basis during specified hours. Currently approximately 30 persons are enrolled, with an average daily census of 15 persons. The adult day service assists persons to remain in the community and enables families and other caregivers to continue caring for an impaired member at home.

Golden Friends Adult Day Services
In partnership with the First Presbyterian Church of Wooster, 621 College Ave., Wooster, Ohio. Golden Friends Adult Day Service is located on the main floor parlor of the church.

Application and Eligibility
All persons living in Wayne County who request enrollment or who are referred for enrollment will be screened for appropriateness of the service. All applicants who are determined to potentially benefit from the services will be further screened for eligibility for payment through the Area Agency on Aging 10B Passport Program or through the Care Coordination Program. Persons with financial means may choose to pay the full fee for services. If not eligible for payment through the Area Agency on Aging or private pay, financial resources will be reviewed to determine eligibility for enrollment, per the Wayne County Department of Job and Family Services Policy on Method of Eligibility Determination for Title XX Social Services. Records of screening and eligibility determination will be maintained by the program.

Fees
If it is determined the person seeking enrollment does not qualify for other funding, the current table of Maximum Income Levels for Social Service Eligibility will be utilized to determine the amount of fee the person will be expected to pay for the service. Each day of service will be recorded and the person will be billed for the fee. Any person who is required to pay a fee but whose bill is over 60 days delinquent will be notified of loss of eligibility, and a report will be attached to the Title XX billing for that month. Fee redetermination will be completed whenever the person’s income changes or the Title XX fee schedule changes.

Client Rights
OUTREACH Community Living Services, Inc. will educate all persons enrolled in the Golden Friends Adult Day Services on their rights as service recipients. Those rights conform to the OAC 5101:2-30 rules. Acknowledgment of the receipt of those rights will be maintained in the record.

Referrals
Should it become apparent that a person enrolled in the program has need for other social services, OUTREACH Community Living Services, Inc. will ensure that a referral is made to an appropriate service provider. Access to those other social services will be facilitated, and the outcome of the referrals noted in the record.

Funding Match
Currently the program receives approximately 45% of its total funding from the Area Agency on Aging 10B and from fees paid by program participants.

SENIOR SERVICES PROGRAM

In addition to the Golden Friends Adult Day Services, the Senior Services Program provides a number of services to older adults.  These services are usually requested by the Area Agency on Aging Case Manager on behalf of seniors enrolled in their PASSPORT or Care Coordination programs, or by Job & Family Services workers who identify the need of services for older persons seeking their assistance.

CHORE
When a senior needs extensive, or “deep” cleaning to improve their living environment, we can provide that service.  This usually includes carpet and upholstered furniture cleaning, scrubbing of walls, and washing windows.  This service does not include the daily cleaning that would be expected to be done in a person’s home.  This service is provided only through referral by the Area Agency on Aging of the county Department of Job & Family Services.

SOCIAL WORK / COUNSELING
When a senior is in need of assistance to obtain community services, or is struggling with short-term depression or grief, we can assign a licensed social worker to assist the senior.  This is a short-term service and not designed to provide ongoing counseling.  Should longer-term services be needed, referrals will be made to the appropriate provider in the community.  This service is only available by referral from the Area Agency on Aging.

TRANSPORTATION
Medical Transportation – by arrangement with the Area Agency on Aging, we can provide transportation to and from medical appointments.  The destination does not have to be in the county for the service to be provided.  If needed, a wheelchair lift-equipped vehicle is available.  All drivers are carefully screened and have completed the state-required driver training course. 

General Transportation – OUTREACH Community Living Services, Inc. has several vehicles available to provide transportation to low-income seniors who need to get to doctor appointments, the grocery store, or other necessary services in the community but have been unable to access any other transportation source.  A senior who uses this service is asked to make a donation to the operation of the vehicle.  This service is subject to availability of an appropriate vehicle and trained driver.  To request this transportation, seniors may call:330-263-0862 OR 330-264-1144