Answers on Aging & Independence
February 2015 Updates
What help is available for seniors and people with disabilities in our community?
This is a question we get dozens of times a day, thousands of times a year.  If you work with, for, or on behalf of older adults, people with disabilities, or their caregivers, you've probably wondered this same thing yourself.  Where do you turn when your patients, clients or community members need help - especially if they need care but want to stay in their own home? 

Join COA staff on March 4 for a free workshop to get the answers to these and other important questions. The workshop will help you understand what programs and resources are available, eligibility requirements, and how to make a referral.

CEUs will be available for several professions - including attorneys. Click here for more information and registration details.


Register today for Forum on Aging

Registration is now open for Council on Aging's 2015 Forum on Aging, presented by Interim HealthCare of Cincinnati, Inc., March 3-4 at the Sharonville Convention Center.  Social Workers, Nursing Home Administrators, Nurses and Activity Professionals can earn 10+ CEUs at the conference. The event features nationally respected keynote speakers and educational workshops with today's professionals in mind. Click here for more information.

Register for COA Annual Meeting and Awards Luncheon
Please join us March 4 for Council on Aging's 44th Annual Meeting and Awards Luncheon. The event will include a buffet lunch, a brief overview of COA's 2014 Annual Report, an awards ceremony, and a special keynote presentation from nationally respected motivational speaker, Kay Frances.  Registration required. Read more
Council on Aging Updates
Kim Hotel (right) and
Sandy McCable
COA's Team Educator Program wins national recognition

An innovative COA program designed to train and mentor staff through complex and rapid change has won a national award.

COA's Team Educator Program is a Top Ten Finalist in the Leadership 500 Excellence Awards Program.  

 

The program will be recognized at the LEAD2015 event in March. LEAD2015 is a two-day leadership forum featuring stories from 22 world thought leaders, including keynote speaker President Bill Clinton.

 

The program was devised and is led by Kim Hotel and Sandy McCabe, Talent Development Specialists for COA's Human Resources and Training department. It grew out of a need to change the workforce culture in order to better position COA in its increasingly competitive market. Read more




Managing the Hamilton County ESP waiting list

As is sometimes the case with programs funded by tax levies, the Hamilton County Elderly Services Program is not able to serve all those who need help. Currently, there is a waiting list of about 1,060 people. However, COA staff are working to enroll people who are in critical or emergency need and to limit the time that others must wait. Read more

Successful Care Transitions Program receives contract extension

COA's health coaching program received a one-year contract extension from the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The vote of confidence follows a successful 2014 in which the program completed more than 6,000 home visits by health coaches, among other accomplishments. Read more

Openings available in Clinton County ESP for eligible seniors
Clinton County seniors who are eligible for the Elderly Services Program no longer have to go onto a waiting list. Seniors who inquire about the program are able to be assessed and, if eligible, may be quickly enrolled in the program. Read more
Aging and Disability Resource Network Updates



People enrolled in Transitions Carve Out Waiver moving to PASSORT

Beginning this month, the Ohio Department of Medicaid is phasing out the Transitions Carve Out Waiver and the program will end on June 30. Statewide, more than 1,300 people will move from Transitions Carve Out to PASSPORT. Read more

Mark your calendars for ADA 25th Anniversary Celebration
The Silver Anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act will be celebrated on Fountain Square, July 27. Council on Aging is a sponsor. Sponsorship is just one of the many ways you can participate in the celebration. Read more

 

MyCare Ohio monthly conference call
If you are enrolled in MyCare Ohio and would like to share information about your experience to help improve the program, you can participate in a monthly conference call hosted by the Ohio Consumer Voice for Integrated Care. The next conference call for our region is Feb. 27 at 3pm. Read more
News You Can Use

Regular exercise may be the 'key' to safe driving record in older adults 

We all know the value exercise plays in helping to keep us healthy as we age. Studies have shown that aerobic exercise alone can improve overall brain function (particularly memory) and can even increase brain volume in older adults. The effects of heart disease, asthma, diabetes, and a host of other conditions can certainly be mitigated by regular physical activity. 

 

Sometimes though we tend to overlook the positive role exercise plays in helping to keep seniors safe behind the wheel as they progress through the natural aging process.  Read more...




February is Heart Health Month
February is American Heart Month and Saturday is Valentine's Day. What better time to encourage the women in your life to take care of their hearts - and their health. Read more
Worried about winter heating bills?
Help is available through Ohio's Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP).  Council on Aging and our community partners can help you apply for this benefit.  Read more

Social Security expanding office hours nationwide
Starting March 16, 2015, Social Security Administration field offices around the country will stay open for an extra hour every weekday except Wednesday. Read more or find your local field office.



Tax time is prime time for scammers
It is fitting that March 1-7 is National Consumer Protection Week. This time of year it's hard to avoid the fliers, yard signs, emails, and other advertisements offering tax preparation assistance and promising bigger, faster refunds. The fact is, tax time is prime time for scammers. Read more

Born between 1945 and 1965?  This test is recommended.

If you were born between 1945 and 1965, it is recommended that you be tested for Hepatitis C, a contagious liver disease which is spread primarily through contact with the blood of an infected person. Millions of Americans have Hepatitis C, but most don't know it. Read more

Valentine, let's go steady
Caregiving is the ultimate expression of love and devotion, so for this Valentine's Day, ask your loved one to "Go STEADY!" One in three older adults will fall this year - don't let someone you care about become part of that statistic. 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.
LIVable Cincinnati Luncheon
Part of the ReelAbilities Film Festival lineup in Cincinnati, featuring a screening of The Commute, a short film which explores one man's journey in a wheelchair navigating the New York subway. We will discuss our own physical environment and look at innovative ways to adapt, featuring design solutions by the University of Cincinnati's DAAP program. Lunch provided.

Tuesday, March 3, 12pm to 1:30pm 
Great American Ball Park's Champion's Club.  The luncheon is free but tickets are required.

Avoid Fraud! Ask the Experts
2015 Consumer Protection Forum
Visit information booths and attend a panel discussion featuring experts on fraud prevention from the Ohio Attorney General's office, FBI, Ohio Department of Insurance, and the Social Security Administration.

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

4:00 - 6:30 pm (5pm panel)

Maple Knoll Village Auditorium

Click here for more information.

Healthy U Leadership Training

Have you learned to manage a chronic illness? Do you want to help others improve their quality of life? Healthy U needs people like you! Free Healthy U leadership training will be held February 17, 18, 24, and 25 at 155 Tri County Parkway, Springdale, OH 45246 (next door to Council on Aging's offices). Click here for more information.

Other Events
Help your clients with Medicare to stay healthy

Free webinar: Help Your Clients with Medicare to Stay Healthy: Understand what preventive services Medicare covers. Feb. 26 @ 2 p.m. ET  Learn more

Expo4Seniors at the Sharonville Convention Center

Baby Boomers, seniors, their caregivers and family members can compare active adult retirement communities, home health care services, home care agencies, funeral homes, financial planners and much more.  April 2 @ the Sharonville Convention Center. COA will have an information booth at this free event. Learn more

Healthy-U Chronic Disease Self Management Workshops
February 19 @Springdale Community Center (Diabetes focus)
March 6 @ Sycamore Senior Center
March 6 @ Countryside YMCA
March 11 @ Avondale Community Council (Diabetes focus)
March 19 @ Hyde Park Senior Center
April 14 @ Madeira Municipal Building
April 14 @ Oxford Senior Center (Diabetes focus)
April 24 @ Countryside YMCA (Diabetes focus)

Aging and Disability Resource Directory Tip
Help with Income Taxes

It's tax time! There are many resources available that help seniors and low- to moderate-income taxpayers by assisting with tax services and ensuring they receive applicable tax credits and deductions. A list of many of these local resources can be found in our Resource Directory.

Connect with us
175 Tri County Parkway Cincinnati OH 45246
513.721.1025 � 800.252.0155 � help4seniors.org