Mandate

The Council on Aging of Southwestern Ohio will foster the planning, development and implementation of a comprehensive and coordinated service system for senior adults, those with similar needs, and caregivers in Butler, Clermont, Clinton, Hamilton, and Warren counties. The Council on Aging of Southwestern Ohio serves as the Area Agency on Aging, as defined in the Older Americans Act in Planning and Service Area #1 of the State of Ohio.

Therefore, COA will:

• Identify needs, means and resources to plan, implement, coordinate, and fund quality programs which will meet the needs of senior adults, those with similar needs, and caregivers in the service area.
• Advocate and seek funding for the quality programs and services which will meet the needs of senior adults, those with similar needs, and caregivers in the service area.
• Provide a forum which will seek to increase public awareness and concern about the needs of senior adults, those with similar needs, and caregivers, to promote appropriate community action.
• Serve as a conduit to provide information to senior adults, those with similar needs, and caregivers.

The Council on Aging of Southwestern Ohio in partnership with the local aging network, will deliver a competitive, accessible, quality service to individuals seeking assistance or information about programs and/or events concerning senior adults by…

• Supporting staff with technology and training.
• Giving staff the authority to make decisions.
• Providing supportive leadership that enables staff to achieve their full potential.
• Recognizing and rewarding staff for superior service.

Position Statement: COA will develop and plan flexible services for the current and future needs of seniors and caregivers, including a culturally diverse population.

Goal #1: Develop and promote wellness options in the community.

Strategies:

1. Promote/increase wellness programs and increase community involvement.
2. Expand mental health services for in-home clients/caregivers.

Goal #2: Increase transportation options, reduce restrictions, improve quality and coordination of services.

Strategies:

1. Improve and increase existing transportation options, coordination and utilization.
2. Improve quality of existing services.

Goal #3: Expand service options for caregivers and seniors.

Strategies:

1. Expand and enhance services to support caregivers.
2. Enhance service options to clients and caregivers.

Position Statement: COA needs to be better known in the community as a resource for seniors and caregivers, and develop a greater presence with legislators and decision makers.

Goal #1: Educate public about COA services and options for seniors prior to crisis.

Strategies:

1. Increase early awareness about COA services.
2. Become known as the leader in aging for information and intake.
3. Provide fair and reasonable PSP rates to providers.

Goal #2: Enhance legislative advocacy on local, state and federal levels.

Strategies:

1. Increase legislative awareness and support continuously.
2. Build grassroots base of advocates to involve large numbers of voters, seniors & baby boomers.

Goal #3: Develop an internal and external communication plan.

Strategies:

1. Develop an Internal Communications Strategy.
2. Develop an External Communications Strategy.

Position Statement: COA will prepare for the changing environment: competition, growing needs, shrinking resources, and increasing expectations.

Goal #1: Reform provider rates, contracting, and referral system.

Strategies:

1. Reform the provider contracting process.
2. Reform the referral process.
3. Review and refine provider QI/Audit requirements.

Goal #2: Learn from outside competition, including managed care, and position the organization to compete.

Strategies:

1. Position COA to be competitive.
2. Financially position COA to meet increasing needs of older adults.
3. Improve operational efficiency.
4. Maximize resources with changing client need.

Goal #3: Build a strong organizational culture within COA.

Strategies:

1. Build a strong organizational culture.
2. Ensure preparedness of workforce.
3. Evaluate competitiveness of current benefits.

Goal #4: Enhance board leadership and orientation, define and enhance the advisory council role and increase staff awareness of those roles.

Strategies:

1. Strengthen COA Board and advisory council.
2. Increase awareness of Board and Staff roles.

Position Statement: COA needs to diversify funding beyond governmental, and demonstrate the impact of its programs.

Goal #1: Determine COA's position on funding, and create a development plan to diversify funding beyond governmental sources.

Strategies:

1. Develop the capacity to create a fund development program.