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LIBERTY -- Seniors and caregivers compared home health care services, active adult retirement communities, long-term care and assisted living, and learned about veteran benefits, technology assistance, free health screenings, and other area senior organizations and services at the Metroplex Expo Center on Tuesday.
The Tribune Chronicle and The Vindicator sponsored the seventh annual Boomers & Beyond Senior Expo event, with more than 800 people attending.
Sue Shafer, community events coordinator for the newspapers, said, “We try to do this as a one-stop shop for seniors. Sometimes the children of a senior want to know their options. They can look ahead at assisted living, independent living and long-term care."
Evelyn McLendon of Youngstown read about the event in The Vindicator.
“I am here looking for information for a friend in a nursing home who wants to go home. I am looking for Direction Home for information,” McLendon said.
Yost Insurance Agency Agent Obed Manoz was available at the Zing Health booth to answer questions. Manoz said that some carriers are dropping dual special-needs programs such as Medicare and Medicaid plans. He added that Zing Health offers Medicare plans focused on chronic conditions, saying that Zing plans are geared toward, for example, someone requiring dialysis.
Clear Captions Business Development Manager Stephanie Blaine said they offer a no-cost phone, free installation and lifetime support for those with hearing loss who need captioned phone calls. The phone displays the caller’s words in near real time, with the ability to return later to reread previous conversations. The phone is offered through a federally mandated program. Title IV of the Americans with Disabilities Act required telephone companies to provide such services.
Window Depot marketing consultant Sher-Ree Glover described the multiple home renovation options they offer, including bathtub-to-shower conversions. They offer senior and veteran discounts.
Warren Family Mission's booth provided information about their services. They offer lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday, a food pantry and a clothing ministry.
Buckeye Pace on Elm Road in Warren, is a welcoming community where seniors can come on weekdays to socialize, enjoy a meal and engage in activities, with access to their medical clinic.
Phillip Wright of Howland attended the event in the morning and said, “I have been coming here ever since they started having these. I usually come with my wife, but she is away on a trip."
TLC Insurance Group representative Charlene Johnson said that because many people are paying more for prescription medications, insurance companies are dialing back on other areas. TLC meets with individuals and determines the best insurance plan for them. They also offer dental plan options.
Martha Flint traveled to the Senior Expo from Hartford. Flint said she read about the event in the Tribune Chronicle and her friend told her it was a good event.
Sapphire Essentials of Poland offered THC- free CBD products. Dr. Jim Collins, PhD, offered gummies to attendees, as well as special pricing on gummy squares, soft gels, CBD oil, pain balm and menthol roll on.
SCOPE offers assistance to those ages 50 and older in helping maintain their independence. They offer recreational activities, educational events, and fitness and socialization programs. Some of the other services provided include social work and counseling, grocery delivery to homebound seniors, prescription assistance and Medicaid/Medicare counseling, and free income tax assistance through AARP. SCOPE has nine centers in Trumbull County.
Jim Ezzo, SCOPE's trip coordinator, said that the newest center just opened in Brookfield. There are centers in Warren, Niles, Howland, Newton Falls, Cortland, Hubbard, Bristol, Brookfield and Champion.
St. Joe's at the Mall was available to provide blood pressure testing. They are located next to JCPenney’s at Eastwood Mall and offer a monthly calendar at Mercy.com as well as at their site. They offer health screenings, monthly lunch and learn with local doctors, mobile mammograms, a dental service bus, and living will and durable power of attorney for healthcare sign-ups. They also offer exercise classes and gym memberships.