Council on Aging News for Hamilton County | |
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Assistance available for utility bills and HVAC repairs
Hamilton County older adults may be eligible for assistance with their Duke Energy bills and with repairs or replacements needed for home HVAC systems. Council on Aging can help individuals apply for these assistance programs, which can help older adults save money and improve their ability to remain independent in their homes. Click here to learn more about these programs and to apply, or call (513) 721-1025.
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Council on Aging Board of Trustees Member Profile: Dr. Karen Bankston
Dr. Karen Bankston joined COA's Board of Trustees in 2020 representing Hamilton County and currently serves as the board's vice chair. In addition to being a Professor Emerita, a leadership consultant, a retired hospital executive and former University of Cincinnati faculty, Dr. Bankston was recently honored by the Urban League with the Glorifying the Lions award. Read more about Dr. Bankston here.
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Local leaders, businesses and home health aides recognized at 2024 Annual Meeting and Awards
Council on Aging's 53rd Annual Meeting and Awards celebration was held on March 6. At the meeting, many individuals were recognized for their hard work which improves life for older adults and people with disabilities throughout our region. Click here to read more.
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Council on Aging releases 2023 ESP Annual Report
As the Administrator of the Elderly Services Program in Hamilton County, COA annually prepares a releases an annual report, detailing the impact the program has on county residents and the community at large. In 2023, ESP served 8,988 county residents with services that helped them remain safe and independent in their homes. Click here to read more and access the report.
COA also released its 2023 Impact Report. Click here for more information.
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COA’s Marshay Watson recognized for work on Hamilton County’s 513Relief Bus
COA Aging and Disability Resource Specialist Marshay Watson was presented with the 513Relief Bus Exceptional Employee award at the 513Relief Awards Breakfast, May 13 at Memorial Hall. Travina M. Adams, the county’s 513Relief program manager, had this to say about Marshay’s work on the bus: “Marshay's dedication and partnership aboard the 513Relief Bus has been truly exemplary. Her commitment to representing Council on Aging with distinction has exceeded expectations, contributing significantly to the success of the bus and the community it serves. Marshay embodies grace, passion and a calming presence in her service to the community.”
Click here to read more about COA’s work on Hamilton County’s 513Relief Bus.
Related: COA marches with 513Relief Bus in Opening Day parade (photo above)
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Save the date for the 513Relief Bus Healthy Aging Hamilton County Day
Council on Aging and the 513Relief Bus are partnering to present Healthy Aging Hamilton County Day. The event will take place 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., September 24 at Word of Deliverance Church, 693 Fresno Road, 45240 (Forest Park). September is Healthy Aging Month and this event aims to bring together resources, programs and services that can help Hamilton County older adults and caregivers meet a variety of needs and enhance their quality of life. Stay tuned for more information about this event.
Organizations interested in participating in this event can contact Amy Leonhardt.
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New program will help Hamilton County older adults coordinate health care and long-term care under one roof
The Southwestern Ohio PACE Community Coalition (SOPCC) was selected by the Ohio Department of Aging via a competitive review process to develop a PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) center in Hamilton County, Ohio. SOPCC includes TriHealth, Council on Aging and Edenbridge Health. SOPCC aims to begin serving eligible Hamilton County residents in November 2025 through the yet-to-named program. Click here to read more.
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County resident receives 2023 Home Health Aide Hero award
“Lauren is calm, organized and always makes her clients feel important.” That’s how North College Hill resident Lauren Bryan was described when she was nominated for a 2023 Home Health Aide Hero award. Home health aides play a critical role in helping older adults live with dignity and independence in their homes. Annually, Council on Aging recognizes home health aides, like Bryan, whose outstanding service has made an impact on their clients’ lives. Click here to read more.
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Blanche looks for a home helper, finds a new friend
Thursday isn’t just the day of the week when Blanche’s Kennedy Heights home gets a solid sprucing up. It’s also when she gets to spend time with her trusted new friend, Bonita. The two connected via AddnAide, an app created by Council on Aging to help ESP clients who need help with laundry, meal prep and more match with people to provide that care. Click here to read more.
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Strong partnerships win the day following major provider termination
When COA was forced to cancel its contract with a major service provider, three other providers — including Meals on Wheels Southwest Ohio & NKY — stepped in to meet the needs of 1,300 clients in two counties. “Asking a service provider to take on new clients with very little notice is no small task,” said Jennifer Lake, provider service supervisor at Council on Aging. “These providers demonstrated what true partnership is about — stepping in without hesitation to meet the needs of impacted older adults.” Click here to read more.
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Get the news you need: Click the "Update Profile" link in the footer of this email to update your contact details and choose the county for which you would like to receive news and updates. For general COA news and updates, select the "COA General News" option. | |
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Council on Aging celebrates Older Americans month
Established in 1963, Older Americans Month is celebrated every May. Led by the federal Administration for Community Living, Older Americans Month is a time to recognize older Americans' contributions, highlight aging trends and reaffirm commitments to serving older adults in our communities. This year's theme is Powered by Connection.
Council on Aging is your local connection to services available to older adults and their caregivers. Read more here.
Speaking of connection, be sure to scroll down to read more about social isolation and how COA can help you remain connected to your community.
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Be a paid caregiver through Participant Directed Care
Are you a compassionate individual seeking a rewarding, flexible, high-demand career? Are you already caring for a loved one or are you aiming to kickstart your healthcare career while pursuing further education? Medicaid waiver clients need assistance from individual providers to help them remain independent at home. COA can help you get certified as a paid, in-home caregiver and connected with clients who need in-home care services. Click here for more information.
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COA graduates first class of Emerging Professionals
Council on Aging’s innovative Emerging Professionals Program immerses recent college graduates in a wide range of functions at Council on Aging, providing valuable, real-world training and experience working within a care management organization. The first class of Emerging Professionals joined COA in 2023 and included students from Miami University, Xavier University, The Ohio State University, the University of Cincinnati and Thomas Moore University. Click here to read more. A celebration was held May 7 to mark the first classes’ graduation. Click here to read more.
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Accounting manager rewarded by 'servant leadership' aspect of working for COA
The list of reasons to join the team at Council on Aging is long, but it starts with our mission to help individuals remain independent in their homes. COA staff member Janice enjoys mastering project and fund accounting for COA programs. Recently, she was named to the Urban League's African American Leadership Development Program (AALDP.)
Click here to read Janice's story.
Click here to see a video about working at COA.
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COA hiring LSWs and RNs
Looking for flexible hours, generous benefits and opportunities to progress your career while working within a hybrid workforce? COA is seeking LSWs and RNs for a Clinical Supervisor and multiple Care Manager positions. Licensed candidates are eligible for a $1,000 signing bonus! See all open positions and apply today by clicking here.
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Celebrating a successful 2024 Forum on Aging
At Council on Aging's 2024 Forum on Aging, presented by Global Meals, more than 350 aging services professionals gathered to network, learn and be inspired. The two-day conference, held March 5-6, offered attendees the opportunity to earn up to 12 continuing education credits. Many parties helped make the event successful, including event sponsors and the conference planning committee. Click here for more information about our conference partners.
The 2025 Forum on Aging will be held March 4-5, 2025 at the Sharonville Convention Center.
If you are interested in helping to plan the 2025 conference, please submit your resume and a brief statement of interest to Amy Leonhardt.
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COA team helps clients navigate complex Medicaid journey
The road a typical Medicaid waiver client travels from their first contact with Council on Aging to the program where they will remain for the long term is often long and complex. Fortunately, COA has many experts to guide applicants through this process. Click here to read more.
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home52 is a wholly owned, non-profit subsidiary of Council on Aging. Leveraging 50+ years of experience, Council on Aging and home52 are experts at helping individuals, families and caregivers manage complex medical and long-term care needs.
Created in 2017, home52 is Council on Aging’s innovation hub. It provides a flexible environment where COA can develop innovative services and products to meet the needs of a variety of stakeholders and partners.
Addressing the unique transportation needs of older adults and individuals with disabilities is one challenge home52 set out to meet. The result? home52 Transportation. home52 Transportation provides the right type of vehicle, at the right time, with the right support to meet riders' unique transportation needs. Click here to learn more, including how to become a home52 provider or rider.
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home52 Transportation selected for national transportation innovation showcase
home 52 Transportation was selected for inclusion in the 2023 National Aging and Disability Transportation Center's Innovations Showcase, a publication highlighting 14 transportation programs selected through a nationwide competition that showcases creative thinking and effective resource utilization in the transportation sector serving older adults, people with disabilities and caregivers. Read more here.
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home52 Transportation success driven by partnerships with provider network
After nearly three full years of operations, home52 Transportation continues to grow and receive high marks from riders who rely on the service to meet their transportation needs. A major driving force behind the program’s success is the partnerships home52 has developed with its transportation provider network. This network includes many small and family-owned businesses, like Timmons Tender Care of Mt. Healthy. Click here to read more.
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COA in the Community
COA's Outreach Bureau is a service available to area businesses and organizations to provide education through speaking engagements and information tables at events. The Outreach Bureau shares information about COA programs and services for older adults, people with disabilities and their caregivers. Click here to learn more.
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Council on Aging representatives were part of the May 18 Social Services Day, presented by Cincinnati Councilwoman Meeka Owens, at the Westwood Townhall. The event is held twice a year at different locations and aims to "connect people to services and services to people." At the event, COA staff had the opportunity to talk with Councilwoman Owens (right), as well as Councilwoman Anna Albi (left). | |
COA staff recently celebrated Cincinnati's rich baseball history by walking in the 2024 Opening Day Parade with the Hamilton County 513Relief Bus. | | |
At COA's April Aging Connections event, held at the Walnut Hills Branch Library, Matt Broo with the Hamilton County Prosecutor's Office shared helpful information about avoiding frauds and scams. | | |
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Connect with Council on Aging at these upcoming events in Hamilton County
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Cincinnati Pride Parade and Festival: June 22 at Sawyer Point
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Hamilton County Veterans Appreciation Day: 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., July 20 at Great American Ballpark
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Hamilton County Healthy Aging Day with the 513Relief Bus: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., September 24 at Word of Deliverance Church, 693 Fresno Road, 45240 (Forest Park)
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COA supports City Council priorities for older adults
Council on Aging continuously advocates for the needs of older adults as part of our mission. At an April Cincinnati City Council meeting, COA's Government Relations Director encouraged City Council and City administration to include the needs of older neighbors in city budget priorities.
Thank you to Councilman Reggie Harris who values priorities such as increased funding to support affordable housing.
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National Council on Aging needs your support
The National Council on Aging is asking for your support in their advocacy efforts for the needs of older adults. They are currently advocating for expanded Medicare Part D coverage; enhanced senior center and workforce development support; Medicare affordability; and investments in community-level aging services. You can learn more and take action from home by clicking here.
To read about COA's commitment to advocating for the needs of older adults, click here.
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Community-based partnerships bring health and wellness programs to older adults and caregivers
Approximately 80% of older adults have at least one chronic disease which may impact their ability to perform everyday activities and limit their independence. Council on Aging offers a variety of free health and wellness programs designed with older adults and caregivers in mind. Workshops are offered at community-based locations (host sites) across its five-county service area.
Trinity Lutheran Church in Mt. Healthy began hosting workshops in 2018. “We have been blessed with the support of the COA team providing technical support, supplies and encouragement; not to mention the attention to training and updates. We have been able to provide life-changing information and support to our congregation and beyond,” said Norah Bertschy, parish nurse. Click here to read more.
Click here to learn about COA’s health and wellness workshops and to find a list a list of workshops currently enrolling participants.
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Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program transitions to electronic system for 2024 season
The Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) will be available again this summer for eligible participants who will receive a $50 voucher to use at participating farmers' markets and roadside stands to purchase locally grown fruits, vegetables, honey, and herbs. This year the program will use an e-solution called “Homegrown Benefits” to redeem the vouchers in collaboration with the Ohio Department of Aging. All past participants must re-apply yearly. The application process will open soon. Visit our website to learn more.
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Tips to stay cool in upcoming warm weather
Spring is officially here, which means summer's warm temperatures are coming soon. Perhaps more than any other group, older adults should pay special attention to heat waves and heat emergency warnings. To find out why and to learn strategies for staying cool, click here.
Click the links below for more tips:
Ohio Department of Aging
National Institute on Aging
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Experiencing social isolation? Here are two things to consider.
Social isolation is a risk factor for cognitive decline and dementia. The National Institute on Aging conducted a study revealing regular online conversations show potential cognitive benefit for socially isolated older adults. Read more here.
Participation in COA's free Health and Wellness workshops is a fun way to connect with others. Read more about COA's workshops here.
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Council on Aging programs and staff were featured in these local news stories:
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Council on Aging of Southwestern Ohio (COA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing quality of life for older adults, people with disabilities, their families and caregivers. We promote choice, independence, dignity and well-being through a range of services that help people remain in their homes for as long as possible. | | | | |
