Answers on Aging & Independence
February 2014 Updates
Forum on Aging quickly approaching - Kentucky CEUs new this year!
Council on Aging's 2014 Forum on Aging, presented by Helping Hands Healthcare, is less than three weeks away!  It's not too late to register or purchase a sponsorship.  

Forum on Aging, March 4-5 at the Sharonville Convention Center, is a unique opportunity for Social Workers, Nursing Home Administrators, Nurses and Activity Professionals to network and earn up to 10 Continuing Education Units (CEUs).  New this year - Forum on Aging will offer CEUs for Kentucky Long-term Care Administrators! When you register, be sure to indicate which type of certificate you need for CEUs.  The registration deadline is February 25. 

 

Council on Aging's Annual Meeting and Awards Luncheon
Also, we hope you will join us March 5 for Council on Aging's 43rd Annual Meeting and Awards Luncheon. The meeting includes a buffet lunch, a brief overview of COA's 2013 Annual Report, and an awards ceremony. The meeting will conclude with a special keynote presentation by nationally-respected author and creator of the Becoming an Alzheimer's Whisperer program, Dr. Verna Benner Carson.  Registration required.  
 
Note: If you have already registered to attend BOTH days of Forum on Aging, or March 5 of Forum, you are already registered for the Annual Meeting and Awards Luncheon.  There is nothing you need to do.
Council on Aging Updates
Partnership shows how to "Make the Right Call" on emergency care
Using the emergency room (ER) for non-emergencies increases health care costs for everyone in the Tri-State and slows the response time for true medical emergencies. That is why Council on Aging is partnering with the Health Collaborative and other community healthcare leaders in a campaign called "Make the Right Call."  Learn more...
MyCare Ohio Updates: state changes enrollment process; local agencies partner to offer education events
There's a lot of news to report regarding MyCare Ohio, the state's new managed care program for people who are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid.  An estimated 20,000 individuals will be affected by MyCare Ohio in southwest Ohio. Get the latest on enrollment changes and local education events in February and March.  Read more...


COA providing care management services for Ohio Home Care Waiver and Transitions Carve Out Waiver

As of Jan. 1, Council on Aging is providing care management for people enrolled in the Ohio Home Care Waiver and Transitions Carve Out Waiver.  The program is an in-home long-term care option for eligible children and adults who have significant disabilities and/or mental health needs. Learn more...

COA to hold open interviews Feb. 19

Are you passionate about helping seniors and people with disabilities live independently at home?  Join our team!

Council on Aging will hold open interviews on Feb. 19 in Piqua for assessors, care managers and supervisors in the Dayton and southwest Ohio areas. Read more...

 


News to Use
Nominate someone for Ohio Senior Citizens Hall of Fame
Nominations received by March 1 will be considered for May 2014 induction ceremony
The Ohio Department of Aging is accepting nominations for outstanding individuals to be inducted into the 2014 Ohio Senior Citizens Hall of Fame.  

Nominations are accepted all year long, but to have your nominee considered for the May 2014 induction ceremony, submit your nomination no later than March 1.  Read more...

Scammers see cold weather as opportunity to "freeze" seniors' bank accounts

Scammers are taking advantage of our region's severe winter to gain access to seniors' personal and financial information.

Clients in the state's Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) have been contacted by someone describing themselves as a HEAP provider or from the "energy assistance program."  The caller's objective: bank account and Social Security information.  Read more...

Tax Time: avoid scams, credits for caregivers, help with filing

This time of year, fliers, yard signs, emails and other advertisements offering tax preparation assistance and promising bigger, faster refunds are popping up everywhere. When you alone are ultimately responsible for the information on your tax returns, how do you separate the professionals from the scammers?  Read more...

 




Let Disability.gov guide you to the information you're looking for

Are you looking for information about how much work you need to qualify for Social Security disability benefits, or how to apply for benefits? How will working affect your benefit payments? Are you searching for an affordable place to live, or want to find ways to make your home accessible? Disability.gov can help! Learn more...

As polar vortex moves out, high heating bills move in.  HEAP can help!

For seniors with low or modest incomes, high energy prices are sure to be a frightening prospect during this frigid winter. But help is available through the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP).  HEAP helps seniors and other low-income Ohioans pay their home heating bills.  Read more...

Medicare costs too high? You may qualify for Extra Help
With one phone call, Council on Aging can help seniors determine their eligibility and apply for help in paying their out-of-pocket Medicare costs including co-payments, premiums, deductibles and prescriptions.  Since 2009, more than 690,000 people have applied for Extra Help for a total savings of over $1.9 billion. Start saving today! Read more...
Upcoming Events and Learning Opportunities
Visit the Events page on our website for a complete, up-to-date list of events for adults, caregivers and professionals.
Featured Education Events:  MyCare Ohio Consumer Education Forum and Provider Brown Bag Luncheon
 
March 20 Consumer Education Forum: Consumers, advocates and caregivers, please join Council on Aging and the Center for Independent Living Options for an information forum to learn how MyCare Ohio will affect you. Individuals who have BOTH Medicare and Medicaid are required to enroll in a MyCare Ohio health plan by June 1, 2014. Information and one-on-one assistance will be available during the Forum. RSVP suggested, but NOT required.  Learn more...

February 18 Provider Brown Bag Luncheon: Council on Aging and the Center for Independent Living Options (CILO) will present information about MyCare Ohio as part of CILO's regular Brown Bag Lunch Series for providers.  Service coordinators and others who work with the MyCare Ohio population are encouraged to attend to learn how they can help consumers understand the changes and get any additional help they need. Registration required. Learn more...
Healthy-U Chronic Disease Self Management Program
Feb. 18-March 25, 2014, 1-3:30pm | Union Township Civic Center, 4350 Aicholtz Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45245 | Registration required: (513) 947-7333 | Learn more 
Healthy-U Diabetes Self Management Program
Feb. 20-March 27, 2014, 1-3:30pm | Springdale Community Center, 11999 Lawnview Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45246 | This program focuses on Diabetes only. | Registration required: Call Jean at (513) 346-5727  | Learn more
Healthy-U Chronic Disease Self Management Program
Feb. 24-March 31, 2014, 11am-1:30pm | Winton Hills Recreation Center, 5170 Winneste Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45232 | Registration required: (513) 277-1225 Learn more
Healthy-U Chronic Disease Self Management Program
March 3-April 7, 2014, 10am-12:30pm | Triple Creek Retirement Community, 11230 Pippen Road, Cincinnati, OH 45231 | Registration required: Clippard YMCA (513) 923-4466 or email Learn more
Forum on Aging
March 4-5, 2014 | Sharonville Convention Center, 11355 Chester Road, Cincinnati. OH 45246 | Nationally respected keynote speakers and workshops. Professionals can earn up to 10 CEUs. | Registration required by Feb. 25. Click here for information and registration.
Healthy-U Chronic Disease Self Management Leadership Training
March 6, 7 and 10 for chronic disease training; March 11 for optional Diabetes cross training, 8:30am-4:30pm each day | Council on Aging, 175 Tri County Parkway, Cincinnati, OH 45246 | Space is limited, registration required: (513) 345-8652 | 
Healthy-U Chronic Disease Self Management Program
April 2-May 7, 2014, 1-3:30pm | RN and Associates, 245 Northland Blvd., Cincinnati, OH 45246 | Registration required: (513) 771-7862 | Learn more
Expo4Seniors
April 10, 2014, 10am - 2pm | Sharonville Convention Center, 11355 Chester Road
Cincinnati, OH 45246 
| Register in advance for a chance to win a gift card. | COA will have a booth at this free event for older adults and caregivers. | Learn more
Healthy-U Chronic Disease Self Management Program
April 14-May 19, 2014, 2-4:30pm | Partners in Prime, 140 Ross Ave., Hamilton, OH 45013 | Registration required: Call Julie (513) 867-1998 or e-mail  | Learn more
Aging and Disability Resource Directory Tip:
Help with Taxes
Many older and low-income taxpayers qualify for free assistance with preparing and filing their taxes. To find out if you qualify or to find a local provider, visit the Tax Preparation and Assistance section of our Resource Directory. Happy filing!
 
Also - Don't miss our blog about avoiding scams and tax credits for caregivers!
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175 Tri County Parkway Cincinnati OH 45246
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