News from the Northern Kentucky/Buffalo Trace Region

Wendy Bauer

On June 29, the Buffalo Trace Area Development District hosted "Senior Crime College," a presentation by Attorney General Jack Conway. The Attorney General spoke on senior crimes in Kentucky and strategies to prevent these types of crime. Also discussed were actual cases and the State's prosecution strategies. The program was held at the Buffalo Trace ADD office, 201 Government St, Suite 300, Maysville, KY from 10 a.m. to noon. 

On May 6, the Northern Kentucky Senior Advocates, the Elder Maltreatment Alliance of Northern Kentucky, and the Area Agency for Aging and Independent Living hosted a legislative breakfast at the NKADD office in Florence. In attendance were Senators John Schickel and Jack Westwood and Representatives Addia Wuchner and Sal Santoro, along with members of the sponsoring groups. The Association for Professionals in Aging (tri-state organization) provided funds for the breakfast. Joe Price and Pat Dressman of the NKY Senior Advocacy and Ann Varnum, Director for Human Services NKADD, presented "The Face of Aging."  Included in the presentation was an overview of the aging population in Kentucky now, and what it is projected to be in 2020. 

Pat Dressman told legislators that Kentucky is fourth in the nation for people over 60 with limitations, with 52% having at least one disability. Currently 16% of population is over 60 and by 2020 it is projected to be 24%. Ms. Dressman reminded the legislators that the Kentucky Elder Readiness Initiative identified that 82.2% of the baby boomers wanted to remain at home, and to accomplish that, funds would be needed for community-based services. Case studies highlighted what community-based services can do to assist older adults in remaining at home. Ann Varnum then presented data on NKADD's waiting list for aging services. Following the presentation there was much discussion between the attendees and legislators regarding the direction Kentucky is taking with aging services. The event, though not fruitful in preventing budget cuts or netting increases to funds supporting senior services, was very informative.