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Maintain good records, and keep your information up-to-date with your SSA
Maintaining good records is very important. There could be numerous times throughout your life where you might need to produce an important record for multiple reasons such as health-related reasons, or eligibility paperwork for services you may need.
Personal records that should be maintained are social security card, birth certificate, medical records, and all evaluations (from schools, specialist, doctors, and other agencies).
Check out this Personal Care and Record Keeping Guide that can assist you with organizing your paperwork, and guide you on what to keep!
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Attend, plan, and encourage your loved one to participate in their Individualized Service Plan (ISP)
Never assume that the assessed need will remain the same. Continual assessment throughout a lifetime is needed to support the person. It is important to be present and to participate in ISP meetings to ensure needs and wants are being met.
DODD’s Overview of Service Planning and Coordination
What is an ISP (Individual Service Plan)
Stark DD SSA Department: 330-479-3582 Email: ssaintake@starkdd.org
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Self-Determination and Self-Advocacy
All people should be empowered to be able to make decisions about their own lives. Check out these links to the DODD Website for more information on Self-Determination and Self Advocacy:
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Ensure you are up to date with all medical appointments and services
It is very important to have a primary care physician, eye doctor, dentist, and any other specialists you may need. Staying on top of your health is essential!
As you age your services will change and focus more on your medical care and supports. Know the medical care you need as you age.
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Community Integration
Being a part of the community doesn’t have to be all work and no play. Finding enjoyable activities and events to attend is meaningful in addition to home life and schoolwork.
Staying active and being a part of a community not only enriches your own development but is a part of being included as a citizen and making friendships and relationships with those around you. The more connected a person is to their community, the more supports, happiness, and success they experience.
These resources can help you find events in your own community:
Visit Canton – Events Calendar
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Emergencies: Resources for Health and Safety, Housing, and Financial Help
There are resources in our community to access when health and safety are questioned.
When you feel a person age 60 or older is at risk, please call Adult Protective Services at 330-451-8998
Stark DD SSA After Hours Number – 330-438-9550
Major Unusual Incident Hotline – 330-477-4477
Stark County Health Department – 330-493-9904
Crisis Center 330-452-6000
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Retirement, Aging Resources, and Staying at Home Post-Retirement
This will help with planning your retirement!
Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council – Estate and Future Planning
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Helping to Create End-of-Life Plans
To help families understand the wishes of their loved one, it is important to discuss and plan for end-of-life decisions.
End of Life Planning and What to Expect Article
The Stark DD SSA Department is also available to help you navigate this process. 330-477-5200
Retirement Information
Retirement
This is a critical time to get connected with retirement services that meet the wishes of the individual and family.
