Special program gives seniors a life of independence

A Gibsonburg woman has a place of her own for the holidays after nearly a year in a nursing home.

After nearly a year in a nursing home, a Gibsonburg woman has a place of her own for the holidays. It's all thanks to a special program that is giving thousands of seniors a passport to a life of independence.

Pat Oren says, "I knew I wanted to experience life. I've been an observer for a long time. Pat Oren, 68, is still getting used to having her own space. Years ago, a car accident left her with lymphedema. The condition caused her legs to swell, leading to weight gain and ultimately left Pat in a wheelchair. Since then she's spent time in assisted living and a nursing home.

Pat says, "What I saw, so many people who thought their lives were over." That's when Pat decided to take life by the horns and get back on her own with help from Passport. It's a program offered by the Area Office on Aging that helps people transition from a nursing home back to independent living.

Pam Wilson of the Area Office on Aging of NWO says, "If someone is improving and can go home, it becomes very difficult because they don't have an income to move home." Pat says, "This gave me the means to do something I couldn't do."

Passport assists with rent, household items, medical care and food. Pat receives prepackaged meals, making it easy for her to maintain a balanced diet without having to find a way to the store. Therapists and aids provide convenient independence if Pat needs them, giving her everything she needs to continue her life experience. "It's like Christmas 16 times over. It's incredible that things that have happened to me," says Pat.

Right now there is a rolling wait list of about two months for the Passport program. If you want to apply or get more information, contact the Area Office on Aging of Northwestern Ohio at 419-382-0624.

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