Community Service Coordinator Joins WFD

The Westerville Division of Fire (WFD) is more than our local fire protection and emergency medical services agency. The WFD also connects residents-in-need to resources.

In addition to their emergency roles, personnel often encounter ongoing needs among residents, particularly in aging or special needs populations. These needs extend beyond the immediate scope of emergency medical care or transportation to the hospital. To address this, WFD has established a new program to expand care options for residents.

The enhanced service coordination program is now available as a free benefit to eligible residents. The newly appointed Community Service Coordinator, Karen Lewis, joined the team in June. Lewis provides personalized assistance to residents with health, financial, lifestyle and other needs through this program.

Lewis focuses on residents with the most pressing health, wellness and quality-of-life issues. She is available for one-on-one consultations based on referrals or by appointment for the following services. To contact Lewis, please call WFD at (614) 901-6600. Additional information may be found at www.westerville.org/fire.

Navigating Health Care Systems

☑ Explore insurance coverage (including Medicare or Medicaid) and connect with case management services.

☑ Review and assist with understanding medical bills or statements.

☑ Explore prescription drug benefit plans to help find low-cost medications.

☑ Arrange physician appointments and transportation.

☑ Assist in completing emergency medical information forms for paramedics’ use in case of an emergency.

☑ Work with hospital discharge planners to ensure a smooth transition home from a hospital stay.

☑ Arrange for in-home nursing, home health care, and/or therapy services.

☑ Arrange for home medical equipment delivery and installation.

Legal & Financial Needs

☑ Assist in completing forms or obtaining necessary information regarding living wills or advance directives.

☑ Assist in reviewing Social Security earnings statements.

☑ Connect with senior services to conduct long-term care planning.

☑ Assist in reviewing death or survivor’s benefits or making funeral arrangements for a loved one.

Educational and Emotional Support

☑ Connect with educational and recreational programs in the community.

☑ Connect with mental health treatment, substance use treatment, and grief counseling services.

☑ Connect caregivers with information, caregiving tools, and respite care services.

☑ Collaborate with school teams to address academic or behavioral concerns.

☑ Connect with youth treatment programs.

☑ Refer for Help Me Grow and Early Intervention Services.

Homemaker Assistance

☑ Help with finding and arranging homemaker assistance (cleaning, cooking, laundry, etc.).

☑ Assist with grocery shopping services.

☑ Arrange home-delivered meals.

☑ Arrange transportation for shopping or other needs.

☑ Conduct home safety assessments.

☑ Arrange for minor home repairs including deep cleaning.