Senior benefits in Delaware County, Ohio

If you care for a loved one at home, COAAA gives you free access to Trualta, an online training platform for family caregivers. It offers short videos, articles, tip sheets and professional-level training on personal care, brain health, safety, self-care, managing challenging behaviors and more, plus ways to connect with other caregivers and local resources. Use it from any computer or phone. Registration is required — COAAA's Trualta Support Specialists can check eligibility and help you sign up: call 614-724-7007 or 614-645-7460.

SourcePoint (800 Cheshire Rd, Delaware) provides Meals on Wheels, in-home care services, help with chores, transportation to medical appointments, caregiver support, and an enrichment center for adults 55+. Layered referrals: Delaware County Job and Family Services (emergency assistance, Medicaid); Bridges Community Action Partnership (HEAP/PIPP+); COAAA; hospital FAP + HCAP; Ohio 2-1-1.

Estimated bill savings: $200–$3,000 a year

Ohio HEAP for Delaware County residents: Bridges Community Action Partnership (formerly Community Action Organization of Delaware, Madison and Union Counties) is the HEAP/PIPP+/Winter Crisis administering agency — a 6-COUNTY agency serving Champaign, Delaware, Logan, Madison, Shelby, and Union counties. Income limit: 175% FPL (~$27,930 single). Apply via energyhelp.ohio.gov, by calling 1-800-282-0880, or at the local administering agency. PIPP+ (ongoing 6%-of-income utility plan) + Winter Crisis Program (Nov-March emergency tier) layer on top.

Estimated bill savings: $200–$1,500 a year

Delaware County hospital safety net: Delaware = OhioHealth Grady Memorial (county seat) + Columbus systems to the south. Ohio's fastest-growing county — suburban Columbus retirees plus a rural north half. Ohio's Hospital Care Assurance Program (HCAP) requires hospitals receiving HCAP funds (essentially all Ohio acute-care hospitals) to provide basic, medically necessary hospital-level services free of charge to Ohio residents at or below 100% FPL; each hospital's own Financial Assistance Program (typically sliding to 200-400% FPL) layers above HCAP. Apply at the hospital financial counseling office or at https://www.ohiohealth.com/billing-insurance/pay-your-bill/financial-assistance. Phone: 614-566-5594.

Estimated bill savings: $500–$30,000 a year

In this county: Delaware: Delaware = OhioHealth Grady Memorial (county seat) + Columbus systems to the south. Ohio's fastest-growing county — suburban Columbus retirees plus a rural north half. Ohio HCAP guarantees free basic hospital-level care at or below 100% FPL; each hospital's own FAP slides above that.

In-home care for veterans who want to stay in their own home and choose who provides their care — often a family member, who is paid for the care they give. The local VA Medical Center approves a monthly spending budget; COAAA handles the case management and coordinates the in-home services, which can include meal preparation, personal care, homemaking, and medication administration. Referrals come to COAAA through the VA Medical Center, so start by asking the veteran's VA care team about Veteran-Directed Care, or call COAAA at 800-589-7277.

Delaware County AAA = Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging (COAAA). Services include: Title III Congregate + Home-Delivered Meals; OSHIIP (Medicare counseling); PASSPORT Medicaid Waiver enrollment + assessment; National Family Caregiver Support Program; Ohio Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program; Long-Term Care Options Counseling. Apply by calling the AAA at 614-645-7250.

Estimated service value: $1,500–$6,000 a year

Delaware County Transit (Delaware Area Transit Agency, DATA) — county transit board-operated system. FLEX curb-to-curb service within Delaware city = $1.00 each way for seniors 65+. Demand Response county-wide (call ahead by noon the prior business day, up to 14 days in advance), plus fixed routes with paratransit for certified riders. Ohio counties operate independent transit systems — fare structure varies. Call 740-363-3355 to schedule; request the senior fare when booking.

Estimated service value: $200–$2,000 a year