Franklin County's Office on Aging Is Open to Every Older Resident

Franklin County Board of Commissioners I Franklin County Office on Aging

The Franklin County Office on Aging does not require a financial hardship determination. No income threshold, no means test. If you are a Franklin County resident of a certain age and you need support, the office is ready to help. 

Board President John O'Grady made that distinction directly during the May 5 General Session, which opened in recognition of Older Americans Month. He drew a line between the county's aging programs and many of its other services. 

"For a lot of our agencies, you have to be from a population most in need," O'Grady said from the dais. "But this particular agency, all you have to be is of a certain age." 

The Office on Aging operates programs including Senior Options, Caregiver Support, and Home Repair. These services help residents stay in their homes, manage medical needs, and stay connected to community. The Aging Forward agenda, a strategic framework adopted by the county, continues to expand that work as the region's older population grows. 

Commissioner Kevin L. Boyce used the moment for a personal challenge. He committed to doing something kind for an older adult before the week was out, starting with his mother, and invited everyone listening to do the same, whether that means a kind message, an unexpected cup of coffee, or simply checking in on someone nearby. 

Commissioner Erica C. Crawley added a layer often missing from aging conversations: mental health. With May also serving as Mental Health Awareness Month, Crawley named isolation, substance use, and prescription management as real but frequently overlooked challenges for older residents. Access to community, she noted, is not a soft concern. 

This year's Older Americans Month theme is "Champion Your Health," with a focus on prevention, wellness, and the role that connected communities play in healthy aging. 

County Administrator Kenneth Wilson shared a concrete opportunity: Senior Options Day at Huntington Park on May 21. Residents 60 and older can call 614-525-6200 to register for a box lunch and a Columbus Clippers game. 

For programs and services, visit franklincountyohio.gov/aging.