Council on Aging News for Hamilton County | | |
NEW Program! PACE of Cincinnati offers all-inclusive care for Hamilton County older adults
PACE of Cincinnati is proud to open its doors as a new option for eligible Hamilton County older adults who need supportive medical and social services to help them live their best lives at home. PACE of Cincinnati is part of the state of Ohio's expansion of the PACE model of care.
A grand opening and ribbon-cutting celebration was held Aug. 27 at the brand new PACE of Cincinnati day health center located in Norwood. PACE, or Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, is a “one-stop shop” for older adults who want to remain independent in their homes but need support to do so. And, PACE can be a lifeline for family caregivers struggling to fit elder caregiving into their busy lives. Click here to learn more about PACE, including tours and eligibility requirements.
| | Help older adults age with dignity | | | | |
Right now, thousands of older adults in southwestern Ohio are struggling to stay safe, nourished and independent. Many live alone, on fixed incomes and without the support they need to age with dignity.
But there is hope.
Your donation to COA helps provide home-delivered meals, caregiver support and other essential services that empower older adults and their caregivers.
Scan the code or click here to donate and make a lasting impact. Together, we can make aging better for everyone.
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Save the date for the Hamilton County 513Relief Bus Healthy Aging Remix, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Sept. 17 at Word of Deliverance Church in Forest Park. COA is proud to partner with the 513Relief Bus to offer this free, informative and fun event to Hamilton County older adults and caregivers during Healthy Aging Month.
Click here for more information.
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HVAC Repair and Replacement Program
Hamilton County is pleased to announce the availability of limited funding for its HVAC Repair and Replacement Program. This initiative assists qualified individuals residing in Hamilton County with the repair or replacement of HVAC units. Please note: program excludes residents from: City of Cincinnati, Indian Hill, Blue Ash, Terrace Park and Evendale. To learn more, click here.
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Council on Aging launches new website
Council on Aging’s website at www.help4seniors.org has received a major update, the first in eight years.
The new site features a branded and inclusive design, with navigation and content organization informed by the results of research with older adults, caregivers and providers. Learn more.
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AddnAide named finalist for McKnight's Excellence in Technology Awards
Council on Aging and home52 are honored that AddnAide has been named a finalist in the Homegrown category of the McKnight’s Excellence in Technology Awards. McKnight's long-running awards program honors providers and marketplace players that convey how technology has improved care and operations.
AddnAide is helping Hamilton County ESP clients connect with community-based caregivers to help them remain independent in their homes.
To learn more about AddnAide, click here.
To learn more about McKnight's Tech Awards, click here.
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State legislators experience COA and visit with Hamilton County residents
Recently, two Ohio state legislators representing Hamilton County visited with county residents to hear and experience first-hand the impact of Council on Aging programs.
| | State Representative Rachel Baker recently visited constituent and COA client Gary in his assisted living facility. She shared, "Visits like this are so helpful because they help me keep things in perspective when I'm looking at a 5,000 page budget document. They help me put a face to the numbers and see firsthand the impact of home and community-based services on people here in our communities." | | When House Minority Leader Dani Isaacsohn visited with COA client Miranda in her home, he demonstrated his interest in the concerns of older adults and how COA programs and services help them remain independent at home as long as possible. | | |
COA is hiring for PRN Care Manager and Assessor positions
COA’s PRN Assessor and Care Manager roles allow licensed social workers and registered nurses to connect with paid, purposeful work – without shift work, nights or ongoing client loads.
If you’re seeking extra income that fits in with your other commitments, this might be for you! For details and to apply, click here.
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Grant funding allows home52 Transportation to provide free rides to eligible riders
home52 Transportation has been awarded grant funding to provide free, limited transportation services for low-to-moderate-income adults who meet eligibility criteria.
Our door-through-door services utilize specialized vehicles to ensure safe rides for adults with varying needs. To view eligibility criteria and learn more, click here.
| | COA's Strength: Its people | | |
Council on Aging salutes Seniors Who Rock
COA was proud to support Bill Thornton, Dr. Karen Bankston and others as they were recognized by Pro Seniors as 2025 Seniors Who Rock. The award celebration was held Aug. 20 at the 21st Century Theatre in Oakley.
Dr. Bankston and Mr. Thornton serve as distinguished members of Council on Aging’s Board of Trustees and Advisory Council, representing Hamilton County and Warren County, respectively. We salute their commitment to improving quality of life for older adults in our region. Their dedication to our mission, combined with a passion for advocating for the needs of older adults and caregivers, has made our region a better place to live – for people of all ages!
To read more about Mr. Thornton, Dr. Bankston all the honorees, click here.
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COA welcomes new senior leadership team member
COA is pleased to announce that Jeremy Welch has joined the agency in the newly created role of Chief Compliance and Integration Officer.
Welch brings to COA decades of experience in project management, process improvement and operational efficiency developed in leadership roles in the manufacturing, engineering and healthcare industries. Read more.
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COA's Chief Financial Officer receives honors
Ronnie Spears, COA's chief financial officer, was recently acknowledged by Movers & Makers for his contributions serving older adults.
Movers & Makers spotlights notable professionals whose work shapes the future of the Greater Cincinnati community. In its August issue, the magazine highlighted notables in the aging services network. To read about Ronnie and other notables in our network, click here.
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COA welcomes third Emerging Professionals Program cohort
In July, four recent college graduates joined Council on Aging in its Emerging Professionals Program. The program provides participants with real-world case management experience in a holistic, supportive learning environment.
Meet the program’s third cohort here.
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Council on Aging staff members receive honors
Kudos go to two Council on Aging staff who recently received COA honors. Haley Allgood, an ESP Care Manager, received COA's Care Manager of the Quarter award, and human resources team member, Sharon Weis, received the Values Champion of the Quarter award.
Read more here.
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You still have time to redeem your benefits for the 2025 Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program
November 30 is the last day to redeem your benefits for the 2025 Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP). Participants receive fresh, nutritious, unprepared locally grown fruits, vegetables, fresh cut herbs and honey through farmers’ markets and roadside stands in Ohio.
Already joined and need help?
For support with your SFMNP account, please call the Ohio Homegrown Benefits Support Line at (614) 412-1729, which is available Mon.-Fri.,10 a.m.-7 p.m., or weekends, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Need help finding an authorized farmers' market near you?
To locate a participating market, click here.
Interested in applying?
Applications close on September 30. To learn more, click here.
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Planning is underway for the 2026 Forum on Aging
Mark your calendars for March 3-4, 2026 at the Sharonville Convention Center. Providing up to 12 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for professionals in the field of aging, it is a highly sought-after event for certified care managers, social workers, nurses, nursing home administrators, and activity professionals in our area. Learn more.
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Protect yourself from Cryptocurrency scams
The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) and the Ohio Department of Aging (AGE) are urging Ohioans—especially older adults and their families—to be on high alert for financial scams involving cryptocurrency such as Bitcoin.
Scammers typically contact individuals by phone, text message, or email. They often claim the person needs to pay a fine or fix a banking error using Bitcoin, gift cards, or other virtual currency. To learn more, click here.
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Social Security Administration to hold free webinars
The Social Security Administration is holding educational webinars in an effort to provide helpful information to as many people as possible. For more detail, click on the appropriate link below:
Public Webinars
Professional Webinars
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COA to co-sponsor informative session: Addressing and Preventing Ageism
COA Learning and Development Coordinator, Sarah Gentry, will be a featured speaker at the upcoming Problem Gambling CE Day.
Friday, September 5; 8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., held via ZOOM
Professionals can earn up to three (3) free CEUs. Co-sponsored by: Problem Gambling Prevention and Treatment Coalition of SW Ohio, Council on Aging, Mental Health Board Warren and Clinton Counties, Strategic Ohio Council for Higher Education (SOCHE) and University of Cincinnati School of Social Work.
The event is open to the public. To register, click here.
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Ohio Department of Aging wants your input
The Ohio Department of Aging (AGE) is asking all Ohioans to complete a Statewide Needs Assessment Survey. This is an effort to better understand what matters most to older Ohioans, adults with disabilities and their caregivers as AGE develops Ohio's 2027-2030 State Plan on Aging.
Take the survey by clicking here.
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2025 general election resources for voters
Looking for details on early voting or have other questions about this November’s election?
We have compiled a list of resources, including the early voting schedule and information about absentee voting. To learn how you can participate in this year's election, click here.
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COA in the community
COA serves five counties in southwestern Ohio. COA staff, board and advisory council volunteers share information and provide education about COA through a variety of community-based activities. Click here to learn more.
| | Connect with COA at these upcoming events in Hamilton County: | | |
COA tees it up in support of Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly
Council on Aging was a sponsor of Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly’s (LBFE) 28th Annual Tom Wess Memorial Golf Outing. The event is a key fundraiser for the organization, which serves hundreds of older adults across Clermont and Hamilton counties each year through outreach programs, all designed to relieve isolation and loneliness and to assist them in living quality lives.
Representing COA were:
· Ronnie Spears, COA's Chief Financial Officer
· Lee Miller, Chair of COA's Advisory Council; Clermont County resident
· David Hurt, COA Learning and Development Coordinator
· Dylan Rarrick, COA Help Desk Specialist 3
| | COA shared information with attendees at the Local 12 Health and Retirement Expo. | | COA was proud to share information with Veterans at Military and Veterans Appreciation Day, sponsored by the Hamilton County Veterans Service Commission. | | COA representatives shared COA Benefits Enrollment Center information at the Anderson Township Senior Center June birthday party and summer celebration. | | |
HEAP Summer Crisis Program accepting applications
The Ohio Department of Development (ODD) and COA are once again offering assistance to help Ohio’s families stay cool during the hot summer months.
From July 1 through Sept. 30, income-eligible Ohioans can receive assistance in paying their electric bill, purchasing an air conditioner or fan, or making repairs to their central air conditioning unit through the ODD’s Home Energy Assistance Summer Crisis Program (HEAP). To learn more, click here.
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Local Organization Creates Connection During Dementia Journey
What began in 2016 as a small fundraiser, has grown into a vital local nonprofit: the Giving Voice Foundation. Focused on improving older adult health across the Tri-state area, the Foundation builds programs centered on advocacy, education, engagement and storytelling.
Kristin Cooley, Program Director, shares about one of their popular programs, Creative Connections. Read more.
To view a Creative Connections video, click here.
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Tips for a safe transition from summer to fall
With shorter days, cooler temperatures and falling debris (like wet leaves) fall brings an increased risk of accidents, including falls. Seasonal changes make it important to update both your home and habits to stay safe and independent.
Shane Owens, TriHealth EMS Coordinator, shares tips here.
| | 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. | | | | |
