Information and Assistance Services
Information and Assistance (I&A) Services are divided into two areas, Screening and Assessment. Screening is a telephone evaluation conducted to assist callers and their families in identifying their long-term care needs and options. The Screeners also provide verbal and written information and professional guidance to enable callers to make informed choices and gain access to long-term care services including arrangement for a free in-person assessment with one of the Agency’s Registered Nurse Assessors.
Calls received by the I&A Screeners range from a simple request for a “phone number for home delivered meals” to “what kind of services are available” or “am I eligible for help from your Agency.”
The calls can result in one of the following outcomes:
- Information and referral can be provided over the phone
- Information can be mailed to the caller
- An assessment can be scheduled to determine eligibility for an Agency program
- An assessment can be scheduled to discuss long-term care options
- An assessment can be scheduled to determine eligibility for nursing facility placement
Contact an Information Specialist
To contact an Information Specialist, please call 1.800.421.7277 ext. 3997, or click here to request a visit by phone. Requests for contact will be fulfilled within three working days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What home care program assists individuals under the age of 60?
A: The Ohio Home Care Waiver is the Medicaid Waiver in Ohio that serves the under-60 population who meet the eligibility requirements. Visit http://olrs.ohio.gov/ASP/olrs_WaiversTables.asp for specific information regarding the waiver and where to apply.
Q: What is the phone number for the Department of Job and Family Services?
A: Summit County 330.643.8200
Stark County 330.452.4661
Portage County 330.287.5800
Wayne County 330.297.3750
Q: What types of housing are available for older adults?
A: Housing options range from independent living options to adult care facilities to nursing facilities depending on the individual's financial situation and level of needed services. Contact the I&A Screening Unit at 330.896.9172 or 800.421.7277 ext. 3997 for more detailed information or lists of available options.
Q: Does the Area Agency on Aging provide emergency services?
A: The Agency does not provide emergency services. An individual interested in receiving services through one of our programs must be screened and assessed to determine eligibility before services are started. If you need service immediately, you may want to contact your physician to see if you would be eligible for skilled services under Medicare/Medicaid. You may also choose to private-pay for services until we have determined your eligibility for our services.
Q: What transportation services are available where I live?
A: Transportation services vary by county and funding sources. Contact the I&A Screening Unit at 330.896.9172 or 800.421.7277 ext. 3997 for additional information or lists of transportation providers.
Q: Who should I contact if I want to pay privately for services?
A: Personal care aides and homemakers are available through most home health agencies. You can find the names of these agencies in the phone book or you can contact the I&A Screening Unit at 330.896.9172 or 800.421.7277 ext. 3997 for a list of agencies that contract with our agency to provide services for individuals eligible for our programs, but also accept private pay clients.
