Answers on Aging & Independence

August 2014 Updates

Council on Aging workshop helps you plan for long-term care and connect to community resources

Attorney Dennison Keller at

Own Your Future 2013

Since 2010, Council on Aging's Own Your Future Workshop has been taking the mystery and fear out of planning for long-term care, giving participants the information and tools they need get started on their own plan.

Our workshop is a sales free environment where expert speakers cover topics including estate planning, legal issues, financial planning and long-term care choices. Join us 9am-2pm, October 11, at the Sycamore Senior Center in Blue Ash for our next workshop. Seating is limited - registration required. Click here for information about speakers and how to register.

MyCare Ohio Update

Our region is now nearly three months into implementation of MyCare Ohio, the state's integrated care delivery system for dual-eligible Ohioans. With the care of more than 100,000 individuals with complex medical, long-term care, and behavioral health needs on the line, everyone is working hard to make the demonstration project a success.

Council on Aging has a new role in MyCare Ohio. We have contracts with our region's MyCare health plans to provide care management and/or waiver service coordinator services for MyCare Ohio consumers who are enrolled in a waiver program.

Though our role has changed, we are doing our best to share information with the rest of the provider network as we receive it. Read more...

Council on Aging Updates

Council on Aging welcomes PACE clients

This September, Council on Aging will welcome approximately 350 new clients as our region's PACE program comes to a close. Around 400 adults ages 55 and over are affected by the closing, with nearly 350 opting to transition into COA programs. Read more about the transition process.

Client Spotlight - Ruth

Ruth still sees him standing silent and still. He was a patient in the brain damage ward at the hospital where she was a music therapist. In eight years, the WWI veteran had not responded to a single sound. Now he was saluting and standing at attention after only one song - The Star Spangled Banner. Read about Ruth's appreciation for the power of music and how this former social worker benefits from one of Butler County's most important social service programs - the Elderly Services Program.

News to Use

Award-winning documentary shows impact of music on dementia patients

ALIVE INSIDE, winner of the 2014 Sundance Film Festival's US Documentary Audience award, chronicles the experiences of nursing home residents suffering from dementia who have been revived by listening to personalized music playlists. The film brings to life the discovery of Dan Cohen's Music & Memory program that music, not medicine, can improve the condition of withdrawn and isolated residents. Learn about the film's Ohio premiere and watch the trailer below. (Have a box of tissues handy.)

ALIVE INSIDE Official Trailer (2014) HD


Charitable Pharmacy simplifies access to free prescription medication The cost of prescription medication can be a significant burden. Even people with coverage through Medicare Part D, the Affordable Care Act, or private insurance often have to make challenging but necessary sacrifices to be able to afford copays. Changes to a local resource are making it easier for the underinsured to receive vital medications. Learn more	Did you know: counseling required before reverse mortgage If you know older adults who are considering a reverse mortgage, they must get counseling from a government-approved agency to see if it's the best option for them. National Council on Aging's Reverse Mortgage Counseling Services Network is one of nine national counseling groups approved by the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD). Learn more	Toolkit helps seniors make the most of time spent with their doctors A new toolkit from the National Institute on Aging aims to help seniors make the most of their medical appointments and prevent unnecessary ER trips and hospital admissions. Designed for professionals or lay-people who want to talk to seniors about this important topic, the kit includes a presentation, script and notes, handouts, and tips for preparing for the presentation. No experience required! Learn more

Advocacy

Disabilities council seeks members

The Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council (ODDC) is searching for people with disabilities and parents/guardians of people with disabilities to consider becoming a member of the council.

Learn more

Voter engagement for people with disabilities

Disability Rights Ohio and the Center for Independent Living Options invite you to a briefing and planning session on reaching out to people with disabilities regarding their voting rights. Learn 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 Events


Fall Prevention Webinar Join the Falls Free� Initiative on Aug. 21 for a free webinar on how you can participate in this year's national event on Sept. 23. The 2014 theme is Strong Today, Falls Free� Tomorrow. Discover how to spread the message, launch a comprehensive approach to falls prevention programming in your community, and reach new audiences of older adults. Learn more	Disaster Preparedness Fair Having a preparedness kit and an evacuation plan for your home are simple ways to ensure your family's safety during a disaster. But for many, the question is, How do I get started? or What should I put in my kit? Get answers at the Disaster Preparedness Fair, 10am - 2pm, Saturday, Aug. 23, Cincinnati Red Cross.