In Upper Arlington, the push to improve services for the aging population is growing more intense. City officials have re-engaged in an evaluation to potentially consolidate senior services, a plan that had been paused due to shifts in city priorities. This comes as the Upper Arlington Senior Center services transitioned to the new Bob Crane Community Center earlier this year, resulting in a marked increase in membership and participation by residents aged 60 and up.
The City's dedication to its senior citizens is a long-standing one, with the Upper Arlington Commission on Aging being a prime example. Since 1983, it has provided educational events, support groups, and wellness programs. As detailed by the City of Upper Arlington's announcement, the CARES initiative – a community paramedicine program aimed at helping older adults manage their health at home – has become an integral part of these efforts., Since it was originally known as STAYUA in 2009, the program has been continuously adapted to meet the community's needs, adding roles like a full-time CARES Coordinator in 2018 and integrating services from the Police Division in 2024.
Yet, the city isn't resting on its laurels. With an eye on future growth and sustainability, the assessment that restarted this year will cover existing resources and facilitate a smooth transition of services. The City looks to collaborate with the Commission on Aging Board for planning and implementation, directly engage with seniors to capture their needs and wishes, and look into successful approaches from other communities. Plans also involve establishing a City Council Board focused on older adult support services and rerouting City funds to strengthen in-house offerings.
In a statement from the City of Upper Arlington's communication, the vision is clear: "The City envisions its expansion of services to be ready for implementation in 2026." To turn this vision into reality, the City will be exploring essential needs such as housing and transportation for older adults, centralizing volunteer opportunities, and seeking external financial resources to support the growing demand for its services. According to Parks & Rec Director Debbie McLaughlin, this is a holistic approach to enable seniors to age in place successfully.
Acknowledging its history and the community's role in building the framework for the present, the City cites the creation of the Commission on Aging and the paramedicine program as the backbone for this evolving support network. As the demographics shift, so do the plans to adapt to and accommodate an increasingly older adult population. Residents with questions on these transitions can reach out to McLaughlin for more information.
