It’s well known that Delaware County is growing rapidly, consistently among the top two counties in Ohio according to U.S. Census data.
And while many young families continue to move into the region, especially those areas bordering Franklin County, existing residents also are choosing to remain. That, officials say, is contributing to an aging population, many of whom are in need of services such as Meals on Wheels, a senior center for social and rehabilitation activities and a host of programs.
That’s the justification being given for a countywide senior services levy on the Nov. 8 ballot that will cost property owners about 10% more if approved.
“It’s largely due to the population growth, and the older population is growing even faster,” said Alison Yeager, spokeswoman for SourcePoint, which operates a senior center on Cheshire Road, south of the city of Delaware. “We’ve got so many people coming in, we think the numbers may actually underrepresent who’s here.”
Read more: Senior services levy to cost property owners 10 percent more
In the next 10 years, those residents who are 85 and older are expected to increase by 70 percent. And many residents are moving in to be near their parents, Yeager said.
The proposed five-year, 1.3-mill levy includes a 0.1 mill increase. It would cost $35.01 per $100,000 of assessed property value, or $3.50 more than property owners currently pay.
The levy would generate slightly more than $11 million annually, about $959,000 more than it currently does, the county auditor’s office has said.
Leslie Menges, 74, moved with her husband to Columbus from the East Coast five years ago to be near her son. About that time her husband, Dallas, 92, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. The couple eventually found a home near the SourcePoint facility that fit their needs.
Twice monthly, now, she teaches a peer-led support group for caregivers at SourcePoint. She also teaches balance classes.
She’s a retired registered nurse of more than 30 years who can handle tasks for her husband, but others may not be so skilled.
“There’s so many people who don’t know what to do,” she said of loved ones caring for seniors. “They may be 85 or 90 years old, people who lack the strength, stamina and expertise to take care of a loved one.”
She describes the senior community and volunteers as “a true community, like a church, super supportive.”
County leaders say the same about the county overall. But services and aid comes with a price.
Property tax revenue makes up more than 80% of SourcePoint’s nonprofit funding, which supports in-home care services such as Meals on Wheels, personal care, emergency response systems, adult day services and medical transportation.
About 65% of the funds help older adults with insurance counseling, caregiver support, social engagement, health and wellness programs, arts and education and volunteer opportunities, according to SourcePoint.
Funding from the current senior services levy in Delaware County expires at the end of 2023. If voters approve the levy, funding will continue through 2028.
For Menges, knowing that resources are available, even to to caregivers like her, has been important.
“They help me know that I belong to something. That I need to take care of myself. I’m here to get support for being a caregiver.”
dnarciso@dispatch.com
@DeanNarciso
