LAKE COUNTY COUNCIL ON AGING INC

Programs

1. Home delivered meals - meals on wheels are delivered monday through friday by dedicated volunteers. Each senior received a nutritious meal plus two optional frozen meals for weekends, casual conversation and safety check-in for the 1,245 seniors totaling 212,442 meals served in 2024. Meals on wheels provides a service that enables many seniors to remain independent in their own home by receiving meal assistance when they are unable to get out or shop, have difficulty seeing or standing to prepare a meal or live within modest means. The program has a minimal suggested donation of 2.50 per meal. But, a meal is given to the recipient senior regardless of ability to donate. The agency does not keep track of any senior who donates so that each donation is somewhat "anonymous". The additional support programs available to home delivered meal clients; supplemental pet food, commodity supplemental food and fresh produce, were maintained or expanded in 2024. The purpose of these support programs is to bring more nutrition into a senior's life by delivering fresh and shelf-stable food and reducing senior food insecurity. 1,718 packs of pet food were provided to 116 clients and their 301…

   $1,192,785 spent$1,573,642 earned by the program
   39% of program spending

2. Social worker services in 2024, the social workers at council on aging continued to provide vital supportive services to lake county's senior population and their support system. The team of licensed professional social workers conducts home visits to assess each client's current abilities, challenges, and strengths to best develop a care plan to help that individual move forward in maintaining a healthy overall well-being in the home setting. The social workers identify areas of need with the client and their support system and help build connections to assist in those areas. The social workers assist clients by linking them to council on aging's services and other community resources. Some clients may present with more complex issues and concerns such as a lack of support, physical and mental health difficulties, and food insecurity. Social workers provide guidance to clients with referrals to community programs and ensuring the process is well-coordinated and completed. The social work department remains committed to serving the senior population in lake county to ensure they achieve an optimal, self- defined quality of life. 2024 social work services: provided services to…

   $1,374,751 spent$818,776 earned by the program
   44% of program spending

3. Congregate meals the four congregate lunch place sites are located within a short drive of nearly every lake county resident. Two of the sites are located within the city senior center itself. The congregate lunch places offer welcoming atmospheres for seniors to have a nutritionally balanced hot meal while enjoying the company of other seniors. The congregate meals program is open to seniors 60 years or older, with a suggested donation of 1.50 per meal which is given anonymously. In 2024, the lunch place congregate meal program experienced an increase of 21% of the number of seniors attending lunch and served 19% more meals. 22,620 meals were served to 467 seniors in 2024. In addition, the agency played a key part in senior day at the lake county ohio fair by providing a sit-down lunch to 350 seniors in attendance.

   $279,726 spent$294,276 earned by the program
   9% of program spending

4. Homemaker services the agency's homemakers assist seniors with routine basic chores such as light dusting, vacuuming, changing bed linens, mopping floors, and cleaning of the kitchen and bathroom. More importantly, the homemakers provide socialization for seniors while overseeing that they are in a safe, clean environment while living their golden years. The cost for the homemaker program is based on a sliding fee scale based on the individual's income. The lake county council on aging homemaker program staff and seniors allow goals to be met with a little help from a friend all from the comfort and security of their home. 2023: provided 3,659 total units of homemaker services to 233 lake county senior households. Information & assistance information & assistance is a fundamental service of the adrc. I&a specialists take the time to listen to the caller and establish a personal rapport. This is crucial because those who call the agency may not always know to ask for a service by name. I&a specialists assist callers with determining their needs and preferences then provide unbiased information on programs and services that can help meet their needs and support independence. I&a…

   $244,198 spent$1,125,986 earned by the program
   8% of program spending

The 4 programs described on its FY2024 Form 990, listed largest first by expense. Program spending in total: $3,091,460.