Community Services

Mission Statement

The mission of community services is to ensure the general welfare of each resident by leveraging city, county, state, and national resources to develop, implement and maintain services that increase the quality of life, sense of purpose and community involvement for all in Seven Hills.

About the Department

Community Services has a no wrong door policy, meaning if you contact someone from the department, they will help solve the problem to the best of their ability.

On a day-to-day basis the department deals with issues throughout the community, including residents’ health, community outreach, the Seven Hills food pantry and older adult programing.

Working with other local community departments and business partners Seven Hills provides many services, including but not limited to, Meals on Wheels, Lock Box Registration, Community Social Activities, Bingo, Community Breakfast, Snowplow Programs, and increasing financial literacy of residents.

Announcements

  • Easter Egg Hunt - March 28th Located at the Recreation Center. To learn more Click Here!

  • Notice to City of Seven Hills Residents - Potential Utility Bill Discounts!

  • Did you know you may qualify for certain utility bill discounts? Please click here for further information. Please note, not all customers may qualify for a discount under the offered program.

Community Services Contact Information

Tony Terry
7325 Summitview Drive
Seven Hills, OH 44131
216-525-6230
tterry@sevenhillsohio.org

Cuyahoga County Division of Senior & Adult Services

13185 Kinsman Road
Cleveland, OH 44120
Centralized Intake Line - 216.420.6700

About Meals on Wheels

The City of Seven Hills in cooperation with Coyne Catering offers its residents a home delivered meal service. This program is vital in our community for those people who are unable, due to diminished motor skills or permanent or temporary physical disability to procure and/or prepare their own meals. This program serves two essential functions:

  1. Home delivered meals, and

  2. Daily contact with the resident on the program

Coordinator:

Tony Terry
216-525-6230
tterry@sevenhillsohio.org

When are meals delivered?

Meals on Wheels are generally delivered between the hours of 11AM and 1:00PM Monday through Friday. Weekends are not included. There will be no special exceptions made for splitting up the days of the week. Typically delivery will start on a Monday and end on a Friday unless an emergency situation occurs.

Who delivers the meals?

The delivery staff is made up of community volunteers.

What is the cost of the Meals on Wheels program?

At this time the price of the meals is $8.50 per day, per person and is determined by Coyne Catering.  The collection will take place on Mondays for the following week of deliveries. Arrangement may be made with the Meals on Wheels coordinator to mail in payment and may include prepayment for up to 2 months of deliveries. If writing a check, please be sure to make payable to "The City of Seven Hills".

Who prepares the meals?

The meals are prepared at Coyne Catering. The meals consist of a cold lunch item as well as a re-heat dinner item. In addition there is typically bread and butter, a fruit, a dessert, and juice. There is no specific menu. Special requests are not permitted with the exception of dietary restrictions. At which point the resident may be eligible for meals provided by Parma Hospital.

Meals on Wheels Extra Help:

Seven Hills Meals on Wheels is a 5 day per week delivery with meals for lunch and dinner included. Because this is not complete weekly coverage for 3 meals per day, 7 days per week, the City of Seven Hills offers a food pantry that participants can request items for breakfast of for the weekends.

To secure food pantry items, please call coordinator Tony Terry to discuss items to best nutrition needs at 216-525-6230.

Extra help offered on a case by case basis and is available while supplies last.

Benefits CheckUp

Have you had your Benefits CheckUp?

You may be missing out on federal, state, and Cuyahoga County assistance programs, and/or discount prescription drug programs for which you are eligible. Complete the short questionnaire developed by the National Council on the Aging, in partnership with Cuyahoga County, and discover what benefits you are eligible for and how to claim them.

You May Qualify For:

  • Senior Citizen Tax Credit

  • Earned Income Tax Credit

  • Homestead Exemption

  • Home Energy Assistance Programs

  • Family Caregiver Support Program

  • Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program (OSHIIP)

  • Homestead Water Rate Discount

  • AT&T Lifeline Ohio Program

  • Food Stamp Program

  • Legal Rights Service

  • Medicare/Medicaid

  • Senior Employment Program

  • 116 company sponsored discount prescription drug programs, and/or 30 state-funded pharmacy programs

Community Office on Aging

The Community Office on Aging plans, advocates, develops and coordinates programs and services for seniors and at-risk adults in Cuyahoga County. This office also links DSAS and other Cuyahoga County agencies serving seniors and the aging network. Key initiatives of this office include:

Advocacy

The Coordinator of Advocacy monitors and evaluates legislation that impacts seniors at local, state, and federal levels. The Coordinator networks with others in the aging network, advocating for legislation to enhance and improve senior services in Cuyahoga County.

The Community Office on Aging intervenes on behalf of seniors in Cuyahoga County through the Advocacy Committee, a subcommittee of the Cuyahoga County Advisory Council on Senior and Adult Services.

The Advocacy Committee's role is to examine policies, legislation, and to promote issues that will impact seniors at the local, state, and federal levels.

Once a position is adopted by the Advisory Council, action is taken to achieve desired goals that include: postcard and letter campaigns targeted to key legislators, advocacy workshops, community forums, and testimony on behalf of seniors at the state capitol in Columbus. Advocacy Committee members staff advocacy tables at health and information fairs to inform seniors on important issues, and to assist them in reaching their state representatives and senators.

Pertinent information is available on the following web sites:

Web sites of particular interest to seniors are:

Community Resources

Community Resources focuses on issues of immediate concern to residents. The principal units within this division are the following:

Information Outreach

The Information Outreach Unit administers the Benefits Check Up and Home Energy Assistance Programs, including HEAP.

Medical Unit

Registered nurses in the Medical Unit conduct nursing and mental health assessments as part of an interagency team that offers face-to-face assessment, immediate crisis counseling, and ongoing mental health services. This unit assists older adults in crisis through Project Assist and SAVES.

Resource Unit

The Resource Unit conducts assessments for vulnerable adults 18+ in need of social services or to resolve other unmet needs, such as housing, medical care and/or disability assistance. Case management is provided for clients participating in a representative payee program, adult care homes, as well as for those with long term needs.

Project Assist

Project Assist serves older adults with moderate to severe mental illness who face homelessness or are in crisis. Referrals to Project Assist can be made 24 hours a day 7 days a week by calling the DSAS' Elder Abuse Hotline (216) 420-6700 or the Mental Health Services Mobile Crisis Team (216) 623-6888. Project Assist service partners include: Cuyahoga County Community Mental Health Board, Mental Health Services, Inc., Cuyahoga County Department of Senior & Adult Services,, Benjamin Rose, Recovery Resources, Inc., Adult Guardianship Service of Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry and Margaret Blenkner Research Institute of Benjamin Rose.

  • Elder Abuse Hotline - (216) 420-6700

  • Mental Health Services Mobile Crisis Team - (216) 623-6888

  • Click here for information regarding elder abuse prevention.

SAVES

The Senior Anti-Violence Empowerment Services (SAVES) Network is a collaboration among organizational partners committed to serving adults 60+ who are victims of domestic violence. The SAVES network was launched in 2005 to help this underserved population. The SAVES network is composed of nine partners that have significant experience serving the elderly and/or domestic violence victims: Benjamin Rose, Catholic Charities, Cuyahoga County Department of Senior & Adult Services, Cuyahoga County Witness/Victim Services Center, Domestic Violence Center, Jewish Family Service Association, Lakewood Department of Human Services, Recovery Resources and the West Side Catholic Shelter.

Grandparent/Kinship Care Program

The Grandparent/Kinship Care Program addresses the needs of grandparent/relative caregivers of Cuyahoga County children through education and information, short-term service coordination, and linkage to county and community services. For information and assistance, contact GKP Intake at info@ohiograndparentkinship.org or P.O. Box 14734, Columbus, Ohio 43214

Services

  • Advocacy: GKP staff coordinate advocacy efforts on behalf of relative caregivers at both state and national levels. They inform legislators about the needs of relative caregivers, and advocate for additional financial support and services.

  • Community Navigators provide short-term service coordination for caregivers in need. Navigators link caregivers to community services, arrange for emergency assistance and troubleshoot caregiver-related issues.

  • Financial Assistance. Navigators provide information and assistance to caregiver families who qualify for financial entitlements through the Ohio Works First Child-Only Cash Grant, and/or the Ohio Kinship Permanency Incentive Program.

  • Legal Assistance is available on either an individual basis, or in a group setting at a legal workshop. Topics covered include guardianship, custody, adoption, foster parenting and related supportive services. Issues surrounding divorce, separation, wills, housing, title transfers and bankruptcy are addressed on a one-to-one basis during individual counseling sessions

  • Caregiver Education Luncheons for adults raising relative children are held, monthly, at the Department of Senior & Adult Services, 1701 E 12 Street, Reserve Square, These luncheons inform relative caregivers of valuable resources, programs, and opportunities available to them, as well as to the children in their care. Topics include how to deal with special needs children, counseling opportunities, budgeting, how to cope with stress in blended families, and more. Luncheons also provide an opportunity for caregivers to share experiences, while enjoying a meal among friends.

  • Respite. Respite provides relative caregivers with a break, enabling them to attend to their own health and well-being. Relative caregivers may register for up to 8 hours of respite per week for a maximum of 64 hours per calendar year. Respite is provided by skilled adult professionals from licensed social service agencies.

Energy Assistance Programs

The Ohio Department of Development offers several programs to help income-eligible Ohioans pay their utility bills and improve the energy efficiency of their homes, including the federally-funded Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LI-HEAP):

  • Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)

  • Winter Crisis Program (E-HEAP)*

  • HEAP Summer Crisis Program (SCP)*

  • Home Weatherization Assistance Program (HWAP)

  • Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP) *

*For E-HEAP, SCP, and PIPP, an appointment is required at a local provider agency. Cuyahoga County residents who wish to make an appointment, should call the Council for Economic Opportunity in Greater Cleveland 24 hour Energy Assistance Appointment line at (216) 518-4014. The TTY number for the hearing impaired is 711.

Consumers can apply for HEAP from September 1, 2008 through March 31, 2009. Processing the application in Columbus may take 10 -12 weeks. To check the status of your HEAP application, call 1-800-282-0880 or e-mail the Ohio Department of Development at energyhelp.ohio.gov.

What you need to apply:

  • Proof of citizenship or alien status for all household members.

  • Completed and signed application

  • Proof of income for the last 12 months for HEAP; the last 3 months for PIPP

  • Copy of your most recent utility bills

  • Documentation of social security number and birth date

  • Income information for all household members 18 years of age and older

The Department of Senior & Adult Services (DSAS) specializes in HEAP outreach to seniors 60+ and adults with disabilities 18+. Contact the DSAS HEAP Coordinator at (216) 420-6830 if you need assistance.

2008-2009 Income Eligibility Guidelines for HEAP 

Size of Household – Total household income for 12 months

  • 1 person – up to $18,200.00

  • 2 person – up to $24,500.00

  • 3 person – up to $30,800.00

  • 4 person – up to $37,100.00

  • 5 person – up to $43,400.00

  • 6 person – up to $49,700.00

  • 7 person – up to $56,000.00

  • 8 person – up to $62,300.00

For households with more than 8 members, add $6,300 per member. Please check dsas.cuyahogacounty.us for updated Eligibility Guidelines.

Senior Coordinator, Tony Terry can assist in filing for Energy Assistance Programs by appointment. Please contact Mayor's Office at 216-525-6230 to check available appointment dates and times.

Home Support Services

If you are a Cuyahoga County resident and live in your own home or apartment, chances are we can help you receive the support services you need to live independently right at home. For more information dsas.cuyahogacounty.us contains a chart which provides a quick overview of each of Department of Senior and Adult Services programs.

Caregiver Respite

Caregiver respite provides an interval of rest or relief to qualifying residents who provide unpaid care to a relative or family member living in the same home. Qualified, caring DSAS home health aides take over the care of your loved one, so that you - the caregiver - can have a little time to run errands, schedule a medical appointment, or simply rest and recharge. There is no age requirement for the caregiver, as long as the adult being cared for meets eligibility requirement. Respite is available Monday through Friday, between 8 am and 5 pm, with a 75 hour maximum per 90 day period.

To be eligible for respite services through the Home Support Division, the caregiver must:

  • Be a Cuyahoga County resident

  • Be providing informal, unpaid care to a person living in the same home

  • Be willing to share personal information for reporting requirements, such as date of birth, social security number, income and demographics

The adult receiving care must not be a beneficiary of a Medicaid waiver program, such as PASSPORT, PACE, or enrolled in the Options program. The adult receiving care must:

  • Be 60+ or an adult child with mental retardation, or developmental disability with onset prior to age 22

  • Have annual income at, or below, 150% of the federal poverty level, ($15,315 for a one-person house)

  • Be frail

  • Be willing to share personal information for reporting requirements, such as date of birth, social security number, income and demographics.

Ohio Home Care Waiver

The Ohio Home Care Waiver is designed to serve frail, disabled adults between 18 and 59 years of age, who have functional limitations, and who have been referred by a physician or other medical authority.

Eligibility Criteria

Client must be:

  • Between 18 and 59 years of age

  • Living in their own home or apartment

  • Frail enough to require hands-on assistance with the activities of daily living

  • In agreement with their physician and provider regarding an approved plan of care

Services Provided:

  • Personal care

  • Respite

  • Skilled nursing

  • Physical/occupational/speech therapy

  • Medical social services

Options for Elders

Options for Elders is a flexible, affordable program that provides in-home care to older Cuyahoga County residents who, because of income and/or assets, are not eligible for PASSPORT or other Medicaid waiver programs.

Services Provided:

  • Medical Transportation

  • Emergency Response System

  • Adult day services

  • Personal care

  • Homemaker services

  • Home delivered meals

  • Information and assistance

  • Chore

  • Case management by skilled social workers

To be eligible clients must be:

  • 60+ years of age

  • Cuyahoga County residents

  • Living in a private home or apartment (excluding assisted living residences, adult care homes, nursing homes, and group homes)

  • Eligible for support services based on an assessment of need for assistance with daily activities. Examples: adults with limited vision, who walk with a cane, or who need help with bathing and/or food preparation.

  • Managing expenses on a modest monthly income with limited financial reserves


95% of Options clients rate their services as "good" or "excellent.” For further information, or to make referral by phone, call Options Intake at (216) 420-6800.

PASSPORT Provider Services

PASSPORT is a federal and state Medicaid waiver program that provides information, assessment, and in-home support services to adults 60+. It is targeted to low-income seniors with extremely limited assets and functional limitations. PASSPORT provides information to anyone who has questions about long-term care services.

Eligibility Criteria

In Cuyahoga County, eligibility is determined by the Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging. PASSPORT offers comprehensive in-person assessments by registered nurses and licensed social workers to help older persons, their family members, and caregivers determine what services they need and want. For information or to schedule an assessment, contact the WRAAA at 1-800-626-7277 or 1-216-621-0303 and visit their website at www.psa10a.org.

A person is usually eligible for PASSPORT in-home services if he or she is:

  • 60 years of age or older

  • Medicaid eligible

  • Living in his/her own home or apartment

  • Determined to need hands-on help with daily activities (bathing, dressing, meals)

  • In agreement with his/her physician and provider regarding an approved plan of care

Once an applicant for PASSPORT is determined eligible, the DSAS PASSPORT Unit can become your PASSPORT provider offering:

  • Personal care and/or homemaking provided by state-tested Home Health Aides

  • Social work counseling provided by an LSW

In addition, a Registered Nurse monitors care by visiting the home every 62 days (minimum requirement). DSAS Home Health Aides can also do laundry, accompany clients to medical appointments, prepare meals, and provide companionship. DSAS Home Health Aides are state tested and receive 12 hours of continuing education annually.

Personal Pay

The DSAS Home Support Division provides home care that enables disabled seniors, or at-risk adults aged 18+, to receive personal care and homemaking services in their own home, thus delaying or preventing institutionalization. We assist eligible Cuyahoga County clients with:

  • Adult Geriatric Counseling (by a licensed social worker)

  • Homemaking Services (light housekeeping, laundry, meal preparation, shopping for food and/or running errands)

  • Personal Care (bathing, dressing/grooming, oral hygiene, skin care)

  • Respite Care (personal care, custodial care/light housekeeping)

Eligibility Requirements

Home Support services are available to eligible Cuyahoga County residents and fees are based on a sliding scale according to income. To be eligible for Personal pay services, client must:

  • Be disabled or an at-risk adult 18+

  • Be Cuyahoga County residents

  • Provide a statement of medical need

  • Live in their own home or apartment

To receive further information, or to request a referral, call the Home Support Intake Line at (216) 420-6817.

Skilled Care

Home Care Skilled Services are available to Cuyahoga County residents who are Medicare/Medicaid eligible and under the care of a physician. Our goal is to provide caring, efficient, and effective home health care to adult medical/surgical patients, geriatric patients, and adults with multiple, or unstable medical conditions.

  • Skilled nursing

  • Physical therapy

  • Occupational therapy

  • Speech therapy

  • Medical social services

  • Home health aide services

Skilled nursing services are provided or supervised by a Registered Nurse. Clients receive a comprehensive assessment; care as prescribed by a physician, coordination of care and services, as well as client/family education. Education is a vital component of the care plan; so that clients and their families understand the diagnosis, illness, care plan, appropriate diet, as well as the importance of prescribed medications.

Eligibility Requirements

Potential clients for home care skilled services are eligible if they are:

  • Residents of Cuyahoga County over age 18

  • Medicaid/Medicare eligible

  • In need of medical or rehabilitation care

  • Living in their own home or apartment

The Home Care Skilled Services Division accepts both Medicare and Medicaid as reimbursement for services provided the above eligibility criteria are met. For further information, or to make referral, call (216) 420-6817.

Medicaid Benefits

The Medicaid Benefits Division helps elderly applicants, or caregivers, determine Medicaid eligibility for Nursing Home placement, PASSPORT, and/or PACE (Program for All-inclusive Care for the Elderly).

To schedule a Medicaid eligibility interview for nursing home placement or PASSPORT, call 216-987-7075.

Medicaid provides comprehensive medical coverage - including health care delivered through fee for service for nursing home placement, or in home health care - depending on the client's health and financial status. Eligibility is determined by a state standard of need.

Call the Ohio Medicaid Hotline at 1-800-324-8680 for general information on programs, benefits, and eligibility requirements or view the Medicaid Eligibility Manual at https://medicaid.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/medicaid/resources-for-providers/policies-guidelines/medicaid-eligibility-procedure-letters/medicaid-eligibility-procedure-letters.

PASSPORT is a federal and state Medicaid waiver program for frail, low-income older persons 60+ who have functional limitations that require assistance with the activities of daily living. DSAS professionals assist in determining financial eligibility for PASSPORT. However, the Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging (WRAAA) must first assess the applicant's level of frailty and physical requirements for home support services.

PACE is an innovative program of care for frail older persons 55+. It includes, primary, specialty, acute, home care services, as well as long-term care from a single health provider.

Call Concordia Care at (216) 791-3580 for information or referral.