According to a study by the Ohio Department of Aging, Ohioans age 60 and older will make up a quarter of the state’s total population by 2040, and this group is expected to grow by more than 30% over the next six years.

That’s why the agency stopped in Dayton this month to participate in a feedback forum and learn more about locals’ experiences with assisted living facilities.

Nearly one hundred families, facility staff and stakeholders from the Dayton area came together to discuss what is needed to improve the lives of assisted living facility residents.

Ohio Department of Aging officials said they hope feedback from families and providers will improve care and spur policy reform.

Some facilities have difficulty addressing the mental health needs of their patients.

“They don’t have as much money for fancy activities and outings. And most of our counties are rural,” said Billie Henry of the Area Agency on Aging. “I hope that in the future there will be a link to mental health alongside dementia reimbursement. Because these people need more support.”

Participants also raised various concerns about the quality of care and affordability.

“What is there for people who don’t have that money, who don’t have $5,000 or $8,000 a month? What care or what facilities are available to these people?” asks Kathey Majid Smith, a volunteer at the facility.

As part of the nationwide feedback forum, the ODA will also stop in Cincinnati and Cleveland.