September 21 marks National Senior Citizens Day, a date that recognizes older adults who have helped shape workplaces and communities like Clermont County. For Bill Dehass, President and CEO of Clermont Senior Services, that recognition means more to him than just a mark on the calendar. In this episode of Good Day Clermont!, Dehass shares his experience as a care coordinator in one of the region’s top senior living facilities.
“Gratitude” sits at the heart of senior care, Dehass says. As someone who has been around older adults his entire life, he appreciates the value that these individuals have given and continue to give to communities like his.
At a young age, Dehass’s grandmother, Mo, moved in with his family. “It was great having her around,” he recalled. Mo taught Dehass how to garden, shared stories from her past, and instilled wisdom in him and his mother, which he still attributes to today.
Bill Dehass, President and CEO of Clermont Senior Services.Physicians diagnosed Mo with dementia and moved her to a nursing facility when Dehass was a teenager. She later passed due to complications associated with the disease.
For Dehass, Mo was one of the first older adults he connected to in life. While he attributes his drive to care for seniors in Clermont County to her, he recognizes others who have left an impact over the years.
“I really gravitated toward older adults… I couldn't be more honored to serve as CEO to lead this organization into the future, to continue serving older adults and caregivers and families here in Clermont County,” Dehass told Good Day Clermont!
Dehass at his desk.Dehass has worked in senior care for over 20 years. He maintains that the community has a responsibility to ensure older adults are safe and have the resources they need to live happy lives.
For Clermont Senior Services, that means asking individuals what they need rather than assuming.
“We do our best to recognize our seniors and make sure we’re out hearing them,” Dehass said.
The organization conducted a community needs assessment in Fall 2025. Surveyors asked older adults what they needed and what they wanted. The “overwhelming response,” according to Dehass, was to continue living independently in the community with opportunities for social connection.
“At the end of the day, we sometimes forget that older adults are no different than us,” Dehass reminded listeners. Seniors want face-to-face connection and something to look forward to on their calendar.
For many seniors in the facility, continuing to feel a sense of purpose plays a big role in keeping a positive mindset later in life. He recalled how many adults under his care tell stories about their professions before retirement. It reminds him of his father, who often recounts his time as a construction worker, or his mother, who worked as an insurance agent.
Listening opportunities, such as the community needs assessment, help inform project planning and funding allocation for Clermont Senior Services. Recently, the organization teamed up with Clermont Metropolitan Housing Authority to open a lifelong learning center in Bethel, providing a resource many seniors in the community were seeking.
Dehass says that National Senior Citizens Day isn’t the only date staff celebrates senior visibility. The organization also plans events and fundraisers around Older Americans Month in May. National Elder Abuse Awareness Month in June offers many fundraising opportunities to support safe living conditions and healthcare resources for older adults.
Clermont Senior Services.Clermont Senior Services offers many volunteer opportunities for residents of all backgrounds and experience.
The Extra Hands program offers several one-off projects, such as clearing debris from older adults' driveways, helping staff with miscellaneous tasks around the facility, and grocery shopping for those who can’t always leave the house.
The organization also runs a Home Delivery Meals Program, helping older adults continue to live at home with the supplies they need.
More involved opportunities include the Volunteer Guardianship Program. This service connects volunteers with older adults who may no longer have family support. These guardians have an opportunity to guide them through healthcare decisions and oversee day-to-day needs.
Adopt a Senior Program is popular in Clermont County during the holiday season. Clermont Senior Services provides application details and more information about volunteer opportunities at www.clermontseniors.com.
Dehass with "Good Day Clermont!" host Bob Pautke.Dehass recognized the State of Ohio for providing some funding toward its Adult Protective Services resources. However, he noted that state funding only scratches the surface of what the facility needs to ensure every older adult in Clermont County has access to safe housing and care.
“Last year… we had a total of 703 referrals, and those referrals are allegations of abuse, neglect, exploitation," Dehass said. “It was close to 60% of those that we did end up going out and investigating.”
Clermont Senior Services is planning a fundraiser on September 16 called “Hit It Out of the Ballpark”. Seniors under their care will have the opportunity to visit the Great American Ballpark to watch a Reds game in the climate-controlled section of the batter’s eye. The event will include silent auctions, meals, and drinks.
During May, the organization also runs a 5k fundraiser called “May We Grow Old” and a Senior Health Expo in June.
Sponsorship opportunities for nonprofits and businesses are available online, Dehass noted.
Adults enjoying the warm summer months.When asked what Dehass hopes for Clermont’s older adult community in the next five to ten years, he responded, “All the things that they want for themselves.”
People-first nonprofits like Connect Clermont highlight and support organizations like these to ensure every member of the community has access to the resources they need for quality living. Residents can volunteer or donate to ensure these essential services can continue to serve with meaning in the coming years.
“Being able to make an impact on the community is what keeps me getting up every morning and coming in. I want there still to be support for older adults in the community,” Dehass concluded.
Follow Connect Clermont for more information about community development.
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