“Older adults and their caregivers now have a place to start when it comes to getting answers about aging,” said Beth Guttman, President of The Jewish Foundation of Cincinnati.
The Jewish Foundation of Cincinnati and the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati have announced the launch of AgeWell Cincinnati, a central solution that links older adults, their family members, friends, and caregivers to community resources for aging well in Jewish Cincinnati.
“More and more older adults are opting to live at home, often with less immediate family in town, and are living longer,” Guttman said. “And many in our community find it difficult to find the right organization or service to help them. We kept hearing that there should be one place to go—for advice, information, a ride, or support—and AgeWell Cincinnati is exactly that.”
AgeWell Cincinnati is led by Jewish Family Service in partnership with Cedar Village, JVS Career Services, and the Mayerson JCC. Funding is provided by The Jewish Foundation of Cincinnati and the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati.
The partner organizations make up the Cincinnati Jewish Senior Service Coalition, who created AgeWell Cincinnati to meet the needs of those 60 and better in the Jewish community of Cincinnati. Between Jewish Family Service, Cedar Village, Mayerson JCC, and JVS Career Services, older adults in Cincinnati have access to more than 60 programs and services tailored to their needs.
“Knowing which service you need and how to get it, however, can be daunting,” Guttman said.
With one phone call, older adults, their family members, and caregivers, will reach June Ridgway, AgeWell Cincinnati Manager and personal guide. June will help callers find solutions, using her expertise and the power of the community. Whether the caller is a caregiver or an older adult, June will find their perfect fit with one of the Cincinnati Jewish nonprofit agencies that serve those 60 and better.
“June has more than 30 years of experience in medical social work and aging services,” said Ann Sutton Burke, Director of Aging and Caregiver Services at Jewish Family Service. “She has been invaluable to our agency and is excited to expand her work through this new role. She is compassionate, a great listener, and dedicated to helping older adults maintain their independence and enjoy life to the fullest.”
Some of the resources callers can be linked to through AgeWell Cincinnati are counseling and family support; financial, legal, and benefits support; active lifestyles; housing; medical services; care coordination; and transportation.
“June’s job doesn’t stop when she hangs up the phone,” Burke said. “She will follow up with callers and our partner agencies to make sure everyone who calls her found what they were looking for.”
“Caring for loved ones and making decisions about their health and safety are difficult and stressful enough,” Guttman said. “By removing some of the logistical challenges, AgeWell Cincinnati can help provide ease of mind.”
To reach June at AgeWell Cincinnati, call (513) 766-3333 or visit agewellcincy.org.