CES is ...
an organization that provides training, education, and information regarding
home and community based services to seniors, caregivers, families,
professionals, and providers in order to strengthen the home and
community based options for aging Ohioans. This is important because of the
growing elderly population and their desire to remain independent as long as
possible.
What We Do . . .
We are developing a group of senior advocates to become a part of our
initiative. This group will receive formal training from experts in the field
(including elected officials) about the aging network and the legislative
process. This group will be the foundation for what will develop into a larger,
grassroots based advocacy group that will highlight and bring the needs of our
older adults to the attention of elected officials
Ohio Senior Advocates
At Citizens for Elderly Services, Inc. we believe advocacy is an educational
process that helps us stand alongside an individual who is disadvantaged and
speak out on their behalf in a way that represents the best interests of that
person and contributes to informed public and private policy.
CES focuses on services such as the county levy programs, PASSPORT, Medicare, Social Security, the Older Americans Act, Administration on Aging, and other programs which support older persons living independently in their chosen community environment.
Purpose of Advocacy
-Representation and work with a
person or group of people who may need support and encouragement to exercise
their rights, in order to ensure that their rights are upheld.
-Speaking, acting or writing on behalf of another person or group.
-Differs from mediation or negotiation because these processes aim to reach a
mutually acceptable outcome between parties.
-Has no prescribed or clearly determined method. What constitutes advocacy will
differ in different circumstances and according to the skills and needs of the
individual or group.
-May involve working against established or entrenched values, structures and
customs, and therefore needs to be independent of service providers and
authorities.
-Advocates are not impartial because they work entirely from the perspective and
interests of the older person. Their role is to assist older people by
representing the older persons needs in a society.
Aims of Advocacy
The common aims of elderly advocacy are to:
-Increase the older persons
control over their quality of life
-Overcome barriers that restrict opportunities
-Ensure appropriate societal and service delivery responses
-Protect human rights
-Ensure independence and dignity as we age
-Be responsive to and emphasize individual needs and wishes
-Be oriented towards outcomes for older people
-Aim for empowerment of disadvantaged individuals and groups
-Challenge stereotypes and stigma