News

As the country approaches a major demographic milestone – by 2034, older adults will outnumber children for the first time in U.S. history – Warren County is experiencing its own population shift.

While relatively young compared to neighboring counties, Warren County is home to more than 51,000 people aged 60 and older, and this number is rising.

More significant, however, is the growth of the 85 and older population –the group most likely to need help with daily activities. This population will more than double by 2050.

Warren County ESP, funded by the county’s senior services tax levy, helps eligible older adults in the county access basic services to support independent versus institutional living.  For families and taxpayers, in-home care is far less expensive than nursing home care.

In 2024, the largest age group served by Warren County ESP was 80- to 89-year-olds, with more than half of all clients aged 80 or older. Another age group – centenarians (people age 100 and older) – has also been growing in recent years. Warren County ESP currently serves 15 clients aged 100 and older.

You might assume this group would require more services compared to younger age groups, but that’s not always the case, said Konnie Hansen, director of care management for Warren County ESP.  Hansen and her staff shared their experience working with older clients and the consensus was that because of their longevity, many manage quite well on their own and are even healthier than younger clients.

“It is interesting as you would initially assume that this group has live-in caregivers, but surprisingly enough, many of our clients who are 100 and older live in subsidized [housing] independently,” Hansen said.

Hearing and vision impairments are the primary issues for this age group, and the reason they need assistance to live independently. Falls are also a concern. Help with housekeeping, personal care and transportation, as well as emergency response systems (to detect falls), can help address these barriers and are provided by ESP.

A unique aspect of this age group, however, is that most have experienced loss in their lives, outliving many of their family members, including their own children. ESP care managers report it is not uncommon for grandchildren to fill the role of caregiver because they are the next living relative.

“On the flip side,” said ESP Care Manger Barbara Root, “if [adult] children are the caregiver, a lot of them are in their 70s to 80s and need assistance for themselves, too.”

Hansen said ESP has not had to make any changes to support this growing group of centenarians. “We continue to review each barrier that arises for the support of the clients and caregivers,” she explained.

Hansen added that ESP staff, led by care manager Marcie Calvery, are making a special effort to acknowledge milestone birthdays for clients enrolled in the program by partnering with local Head Start classrooms to make birthday cards.

“Our hearts get tugged on more by our centenarians,” Hansen said. “The perseverance is amazing to see as they maintain their independence.”

Click here to read how ESP helps Marvel, age 106, remain independent at home.

To learn more about Warren County ESP, call (513) 695-2271.