ELYRIA, Ohio — The Lorain County Commissioners have approved new funding to help protect and support vulnerable older adults, responding to the growing demand for in-home medical and wellness checks.
Commissioners voted unanimously to authorize a $12,600 purchase of service agreement between Lorain County Job and Family Services (JFS) and the Lorain County General Health District. The funding will enable nursing staff to make home visits to older adults, monitor their health and identify early signs of neglect or mistreatment.
Like many communities across Ohio, Lorain County is seeing a steady rise in its older adult population. Out of Ohio’s 88 counties, Lorain County ranks 10th in growth of senior citizen population change from 2020 to 2024, according to the Chronicle Telegram. As of July 2024, residents age 60 and older made up 28% of Lorain County’s population—higher than the statewide average of 25.6%.
The proposal was presented to commissioners by Chris Cabot, director of Lorain County JFS, who highlighted the growing importance of adult protective services as the population ages.
“As we all know, the population is growing,” Cabot told commissioners. “Medical advances are helping people live longer into life. This contract is to provide nursing services for our adults in their home — to check vital signs, to treat wounds and to make connections with our adults who don’t obviously have a lot of connections all the time.”
The initiative falls under the county’s Adult Protective Services (APS) program, which assists residents aged 60 and older who face physical or cognitive challenges that limit their ability to care for themselves. APS works to prevent unnecessary institutionalization, promote independence and address conditions that threaten the safety or well-being of older adults.
Lorain County expands support for at-risk seniors with new home care funding
