Ashlee Cordell
Miami University
2017
“Participating in the Ohio Scholars in Aging Program opened my eyes to a wide variety of programs and services for older adults.”

My internship was with Scripps Gerontology Center at Miami University. I worked as a research assistant on a project funded by the Ohio Department of Medicaid to pilot test and evaluate Ohio’s initial efforts to create a No Wrong Door system of integrated services. This single entry point system is designed to provide individuals with the opportunity to access quality information about programs and community options to more successfully navigate the system of long-term services.
The Ohio Department of Medicaid plays an active role in the Balancing Incentive Program (BIP), which provides states an opportunity to receive greater federal funding to improve access to home and community-based supports (HCBS) and long-term services and supports (LTSS). One of the initiatives to achieve a rebalancing of long-term care spending is to establish a No Wrong Door system of integrated services. The No Wrong Door initiative is based on the expectation that good information is a key step in assuring that individuals get the help they need. Our work is transforming the way quality care is coordinated by implementing a modernized single entry point system, prioritizing home and community based services, and restructuring the way services are obtained.
My research team displays a great amount of enthusiasm and dedication in their work to obtain the satisfaction level of older adults receiving help or services through Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) in the state of Ohio. I’ve been able to take part in many aspects of this research project, and I welcome the opportunities yet to come. Although research is complex and often doesn’t go as planned, learning new things is always rewarding. I have been able to strengthen my communication skills, become comfortable conducting telephone surveys, and ultimately better understand the needs of older adults. The research experience I have gained through Scripps Gerontology Center has reassured me that my future career goal of conducting aging-related research of my own is the right path for me.
Participating in the Ohio Scholars in Aging Program opened my eyes to a wide variety of programs and services for older adults. I learned a lot about the aging network from staff at the Ohio Department of Aging and other scholars in the program as well. The program also allowed me to network with extremely knowledgeable and inspiring professionals and students in the field of aging. I look forward to working alongside individuals who are as passionate about aging as I am! I would like to thank the Ohio Department of Aging (ODA) and the Ohio Association of Gerontology and Education (OAGE) for giving me this amazing opportunity. I am honored to be a 2017 Ohio Scholar in Aging.

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