Answers on Aging & Independence
October 2014 Updates
COA accepting nominations for annual awards program.  Awards recognize those who work to make life better for older adults and people with disabilities
Mayme Gillaspy of Clermont County received the Outstanding Caregiver Award at COA's 2014 Annual Meeting and Awards Program
At age 86, one might think that Mayme should be receiving care, when in fact she is a caregiver.  Mayme has cared for her son Michael, 64, and has helped him overcome his obstacles by focusing not on his disabilities, but on his abilities. In March 2014, Mayme was nominated for and received Council on Aging's Outstanding Caregiver Award.  

Council on Aging's Awards Program recognizes caregivers, volunteers and professionals in the field of aging who work to make life better for older adults and people with disabilities. If you know someone like Mayme - someone who gives of themselves, professionally or personally, to make life better for older adults and people with disabilities - nominate them for COA's 2015 Awards Program. Nominations will be accepted through January 15, 2015.  Winners will be announced and honored at COA's Annual Meeting and Award Luncheon, March 4, 2015.  Click here for more information and a nomination form.
Council on Aging Updates
COA program helps patients understand meds and take them correctly
When COA health coaches visit newly discharged hospital patients in their homes, they are often presented with a basket of medications to help sort out. Patients are often confused when, after a stay in a hospital or nursing home, they have new prescriptions plus old prescriptions. Lack of compliance with medical instructions - including medication mix-ups - is one of the main reasons people return to the hospital within days or weeks of being discharged. Care Transitions is designed to stop this expensive and preventable revolving door in and out of the hospital.  Learn more.
Sponsorships now available for 2015 Forum on Aging

COA's 2015 Forum on Aging is March 3 - 4 and sponsorship opportunities are now available. The conference offers nationally recognized keynote speakers, specialized workshops, unlimited networking opportunities and draws more than 500 professionals from the field of aging. Learn more.

 

 

"I'm not a baby. I can stay here by myself."
When his wife passed away, Herbert's daughter and son-in-law assumed they would all move in together, but Herbert, 87, had other plans. "He let us know, 'I'm not a baby. I can stay here by myself.' He nicely gave us the boot." Herbert is deaf and has health problems but is able to live independently at home thanks to the Clinton County Elderly Services Program. Read more.
COA is hiring
We are seeking qualified candidates for a number of positions, including Vice President of Program Operations (Medicaid Programs).  Visit the Careers section of our website to learn more about our culture, benefits, expectations and current career opportunities.
Learn more.



Record crowd gives top marks to COA's long-term care planning workshop

On October 11, COA's fifth Own Your Future workshop drew the largest crowd yet with 100 people registered to attend. Ninety-five percent of attendees said the workshop was excellent or very good at broadening their understanding of long-term care planning. 

Learn more.

Advisory Council for Butler County ESP welcomes 5 new members

Community leaders in the areas of gerontology, health care, and social services have joined the advisory council for the Butler County program that provides in-home care services for eligible seniors. Learn more.

 


Panel presents study on Community Paramedicine
COA recently participated in a panel discussion at the University of Cincinnati to explain a collaboration exploring local Community Paramedicine opportunities. Community Paramedicine creates partnerships between social service agencies (like COA) and local fire/EMS departments to supplement traditional EMS services with the aim of minimizing costly overuse of the 911 system. Learn more.
Aging and Disability Resource Network Updates
Let's Talk Transit - 5 regional stakeholder meetings planned in October
The Ohio Department of Transportation is hosting five regional stakeholder meetings October 21 - 31 to help shape a long-term strategy for public transportation in Ohio. This is a great opportunity for the aging and disability networks to be heard regarding transportation issues.  Learn more.


October brings next phase of MyCare Ohio

Earlier this month, the Ohio Department of Medicaid sent another round of MyCare Ohio letters to consumers. There were two different letters - one for new enrollees and one for for current members who need to decide if they will extend their current MyCare Ohio coverage to include their Medicare benefits. Learn more.

Conference calls help MyCare Ohio consumers share their experiences

The Ohio Consumer Voice for Integrated Care is convening monthly statewide conference calls to hear from consumers and family caregivers about what is working or not working for them under MyCare Ohio. The next call (for the southwest Ohio region) is Friday, Oct. 31 from 3-4 p.m. Learn more.

News to Use
Resources for Older Drivers and Families
Do you wonder if the older driver in your family may be experiencing diminishing driving skills as a result of the natural aging process? Are you prepared to have that conversation with the older driver in your life?  There are resources available that can help you and the driver evaluate their driving skills, and if necessary, find alternative transportation options to help them maintain their independent lifestyle. Learn more.
Worried about winter heating bills? HEAP can help

For people with low or modest incomes - including many older adults and people with disabilities - high energy prices are a frightening prospect as we head towards cold weather. But help is available through the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP).  Learn more.

 

Also: If you heat with propane, the Ohio Public Utilities Commission is urging Ohioans to prepare now for the winter heating season.  Learn more.

Medicare open enrollment has begun!
Medicare's open enrollment period began October 15.  Open enrollment is a good time to review your coverage because drug formularies, provider networks and plan benefits change from year to year. For accurate, unbiased information about Medicare and the Medicare Part D prescription drug benefit, plan to attend a local Medicare Check-up event. 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 Event

Jewish Family Services presents: Aging Happens: Embracing Life After 50

with Michael Gurian

With an optimistic outlook on life, Michael Gurian, author of The Wonders of Aging, uses a lighthearted approach to share how life can get better and richer with age. Free and open to the community.

 

November 13, 2014, 7-8:30pm | Cooper Creek Event Center, Blue Ash | Registration required

Caregiving with Spirit: A day for Family Caregivers  

Saturday, Oct. 18, 2014, 9am-4pm | Schott Pavilion at the Jesuit Spiritual Center, 5361 S. Milford Road, Milford 45150 | Registration required: (513) 929-4483 or [email protected] | Registration fee applies. Click here to view the event flier.  

Healthy-U Chronic Disease Self Management Program
October 21 - November 25, 2014, 9:00 - 11:30 am | Harrison Senior Center, 300 George Street, Harrison, OH 45030 | Registration required: (513) 367-0649 | Learn more 
Healthy-U Chronic Disease Self Management Program
October 21 - November 25, 2014, 1:30 - 4:00 pm | Oxford Senior Center, 922 Tollgate Drive, Oxford, OH 45056 | Registration required: (513) 523-8100 |  Learn more 

Medicare Check-up Event - Hamilton County

October 22, 2014, 10 am | Sycamore Senior Center, 4455 Carver Woods Drive

Cincinnati 45242 | Counseling only, by appointment: call 513-984-1234 | Learn more

Medicare Check-up Event - Warren County

October 28, 2014, 10 am | Warren Co. Community Services, 570 N. State Route 741
Lebanon, OH 45036 | 
By appointment only: call 513-695-2288 or email | Learn more

Medicare Check-up Event - Clermont County

October 28, 2014, 10 am | Clermont Senior Services, 4350 Aicholtz Road, Cincinnati 45245 | Presentation only | Learn more

Webinar: Using SNAP Benefits and Recertification

Join the Center for Benefits Access on Oct. 29 to learn how to help seniors use and keep their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) food benefits. Discover strategies to educate older adults on using their SNAP Electronic Benefits Transfer card and avoiding losing their benefit. Register | Get your state's SNAP application

Medicare Check-up Event - Clinton County

October 31, 2014, Noon | Clinton County Senior Center, 717 N. Nelson Ave., Wilmington 45177 | Presentation only | Learn more

Let's Talk Transit - Regional Transportation Stakeholder Meeting
October 31, 2014, 10am - Noon | OhioMeansJobs Building, 300 East Silver Street
Lebanon, OH 45036 | Open to the public.  |  Learn more 
Healthy-U Chronic Disease Self Management Program
November 3 - December 8, 2014, 1 - 3:30 pm | Mayerson JCC, 8485 Ridge Rd. 
Cincinnati, Ohio 45236 | Registration required: (513) 792-5654  |  Learn more 
What help is available for seniors and people with disabilities in our community? A presentation about Council on Aging's programs and services
November 5, 2014, 11am - Noon | Woodlawn Recreation Center, 10050 Woodlawn Blvd., Cincinnati, OH 45215 | Open to the public. (513) 345-3315 for information
Healthy-U Chronic Disease Self Management Program
November 5 - December 11, 2014, 9 - 11:30 am | Middletown Senior Center 
3907 Central Avenue, Middletown, Ohio 45044 | Register: 513-423-1734 x115 |  Learn more 

Medicare Check-up Event - Butler County

November 7, 2014, 9 am | Partners in Prime, 140 Ross Ave., Hamilton 45013 | By appointment only. Call 513-867-1998 | Learn more

2014 Alzheimer's Association Professional Symposium
November 7, 2014, 7:15 am - 4:15 pm | Mets Center, Northern Kentucky | CEUs available. | Registration brochure 
Healthy-U Chronic Disease Self Management Program
November 10 - December 15, 2014, 10 am - 12:30 pm | Triple Creek Retirement, 11230 Pippen Road, Cincinnati, OH 45231 | Register: Nora Dashley (513) 923-4466 [email protected]  |  Learn more 
Cincinnati Volunteer Lawyers Project: Free Wills and Advanced Planning Clinic
November 15, 2014 and other dates | Cincinnati Legal Aid Society, 215 East Ninth Street, Suite 200 Cincinnati, OH 45202 | Eligibility requirements apply: (513) 361-8832 | No walk-ins. Registration required

Medicare Check-up Event - Hamilton County

December 3, 2014, 10 am | Sycamore Senior Center, 4455 Carver Woods Drive

Cincinnati 45242 | Counseling only, by appointment: call 513-984-1234 | Learn more

Aging and Disability Resource Directory Tip
Transportation Resources
For homebound seniors and people with disabilities, access to reliable, affordable transportation services is essential to remaining an independent, connected member of society. In 2013, COA provided nearly 300,000 trips for for eligible clients at a cost of over $5 million. Many people contact Council on Aging looking for transportation services and providers in our service area.  Our Resource Directory includes a list of area transportation providers that contract with COA to provide services for eligible clients, as well as a comprehensive list of public transport options in Butler, Clermont, Clinton, Hamilton and Warren counties.  Click here to access the transportation section of our Resource Directory.
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