Council on Aging News for Hamilton County | | |
Help older adults age with dignity
Older adults in our community often face urgent needs - like a ride to the doctor, a warm meal or help keeping the lights on. Many live alone, on fixed incomes and without the support they need to age with dignity. With your support, COA can help.
Your donation to COA helps provide home-delivered meals, caregiver support and other essential services that empower older adults and their caregivers. Together, we can make aging better for everyone. You could help people like Marvel.
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Options to donate and make a lasting impact:
Council on Aging of Southwestern Ohio
ATTN: Accounting Department
4601 Malsbary Road
Blue Ash, OH 45242
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Council on Aging seeks community input
In less than 10 years, older adults will outnumber children for the first time in U.S. history. To better understand and plan for the needs of older adults and caregivers in our region, Council on Aging is seeking YOUR input.
Click here to learn more about our community needs assessment survey and how your feedback can help shape the future of services in our region.
You could win a $50 Kroger gift card for participating!
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COA innovation featured in national journal
Council on Aging’s innovative app, AddnAide, is featured in this month’s issue of Generations, the online journal of the American Society of Aging. AddnAide was developed by COA’s innovation hub, home52, in response to the national shortage of home health workers.
AddnAide is a platform that connects people who need care with individuals in the community who are able to provide it. It expands opportunities for people to participate in self-directed care programs.
Click here to read AddnAide: Lessons from the National Home-Care Workforce Shortage
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FastTrack Home supports older adults' recovery at home
Did you know Hamilton County’s Senior Services Levy funds a program for older adults who are discharging from the hospital or a nursing home and need in-home support for a successful recovery?
Through FastTrack Home, those 60+ receive no-cost coaching from a care manager and services such as home-delivered meals and medical transportation for up to 60 days.
Learn more.
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home52 transportation provides specialized transportation
Do you have unique transportation needs - perhaps to attend a social event or for a quick pharmacy trip? home52 Transportation can help.
We operate as a coordination center focused on scheduling and organizing transportation for adults and individuals with disabilities, offering free and private pay rides for eligible adults.
- Our door-through-door services utilize specialized vehicles and trained providers to ensure safe rides for adults with diverse needs.
- Through customized transportation solutions, home52 Transportation aims to enhance quality of life and assist older adults and individuals with disabilities with remaining connected and engaged with their communities.
Thanks to generous grant support, home52 Transportation can provide free rides for eligible adults in Hamilton and Clermont counties.
For more information, including eligibility guidelines and a ride application, click here.
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Next Generation MyCare launched Jan. 1
The Ohio Department of Medicaid implemented the Next Generation MyCare program on Jan. 1, 2026, to provide enhanced healthcare benefits to Ohioans who have both Medicaid and Medicare. COA encourages program members and their caregivers to ensure they understand the impact on their care.
Click here to learn more and for contacts for questions or concerns. At the same link, providers will find information that is pertinent to them.
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HEAP accepting applications
The Home Energy Assistance Program will accept applications through May 31, 2026 to help qualifying low-income Ohioans with energy costs. COA can help older adults with the application process.
Learn more.
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Council on Aging board member profile: Linda Holmes
Council on Aging Board of Trustees member Linda Holmes will leave the board this month after 10 years of service. Reflecting on her time on COA’s board, Holmes shared, “I am proud of COA’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. COA recognized early the impact the pandemic could have on older adults and also the provider network that serves them. Their preemptive planning and response helped manage a very difficult situation.”
Click here to read Holmes’ complete profile.
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Make a difference. Join our team!
We are currently seeking compassionate professionals - both licensed and non-licensed - for ESP Care Coordinator positions in Hamilton and Clinton counties. Review job details and apply today under "Assessment & Care Coordinators" position.
To receive career-specific email alerts, click here.
| | Council on Aging Celebrates 55 Years | | |
In 2026, Council on Aging will celebrate 55 years of service to older adults, individuals with disabilities and caregivers in southwestern Ohio. To celebrate our impact and look to the future, we are planning a special celebration.
What: 2026 Annual Meeting and Awards Celebration
presented by TriHealth–
Empowering Generations: 55 Years of Impact
When: May 15, 2026, 8:00 a.m.
Where: Cooper Creek Event Center, Blue Ash
Become a Sponsor: Our work touches every part of our community and relies on strong partnerships and shared support. By becoming a sponsor of our 2026 Annual Meeting and Awards Celebration, presented by TriHealth, you’ll elevate your organization’s visibility among key stakeholders and community members while showing your dedication to fostering a compassionate and inclusive community.
To learn more about the event, as well as sponsorship opportunities, click here.
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COA is now accepting nominations for 2026 Home Health Aide Hero awards
Do you know a home health aide or an AddnAide/CDC caregiver who goes above and beyond in providing exceptional care to older adults in our region? If so, please consider nominating them for a Home Health Aide Hero award.
Award recipients will be recognized at Council on Aging’s 2026 Annual Meeting and Awards Celebration on May 15, 2026, at Cooper Creek Event Center. Each winner will receive an award and a $250 check.
Details about the nomination process and eligibility criteria are available on our website. Click here to learn more and nominate.
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Forum on Aging registration deadline is February 20
Register by Friday, February 20, to attend Council on Aging’s 2026 Forum on Aging, held March 3–4 at the Sharonville Convention Center. The conference offers up to 12 Continuing Education Units for professionals in the aging services field, making it one of the region’s premier events for certified care managers, social workers, nurses, nursing home administrators, and activity professionals.
Scheduled 2026 keynote presenters: Therese Gopaul Robinson, Author, Consultant and
Kim Vesey, Author, Hospice Nurse. Learn more.
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Promote your business at the 2026 Forum on Aging
There is still time to highlight your company's products and services to more than 500 professionals in the aging and disability networks by becoming a sponsor for the Forum on Aging! We still have a few sponsorship levels available that will showcase your company name and brand to a wide audience of industry professionals.
Click here to explore all available sponsorship opportunities.
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Free tax help is available for eligible taxpayers
The IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly programs offer free tax help for eligible taxpayers, including people who made $67K or less in 2025, people with disabilities and limited English-speaking taxpayers.
Learn more and find a VITA location near you by clicking here.
| | 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. | | In November, more than 350 attendees learned of COA programs and services at the OwnCincy Homeownership Fair held at the Cintas Center. | | COA joined Seasons residents and social workers to share information at their December Winter Wonderland. | | COA shared information at January's Wyoming Wellness Fair held at Wyoming's Civic Center. | | |
If you'd like to receive this newsletter directly, sign up on our website by clicking here.
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If you know of a business or organization that would benefit from having COA brochures for display, please contact Communications by clicking here.
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Respite care: an opportunity for caregivers to have time for themselves
We just can't do it all, even though we may want to. The high demands of caring for another can be both rewarding and challenging. One support many caregivers find useful is respite care, or time off.
Learn about respite care options and how COA may help by clicking here.
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Holiday visits with older loved ones often lead to searching for help
If you notice any changes in your older loved ones during recent holiday gatherings, you're not alone. Holiday visits are not only a time for reunions, but also an opportunity to look for changes in older loved ones.
To learn more about how COA can help, click here.
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Caring for an older adult often requires teamwork with family. Those family members may have varying ideas of what the care looks like. Here, we've gathered some resources for caregivers to explore.
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Center for Memory Support and Inclusion provides support throughout dementia journey
Living with memory challenges doesn’t have to lead to a lack of meaningful social connections. In fact, creating supportive environments for those living with dementia is the entire focus of the Center for Memory Support and Inclusion (CMSI).
Learn more by clicking here.
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Wellness tip: Eat nuts.
Despite being high in fat, nuts are incredibly nutritious and have many benefits. Read more from Healthline here.
To learn about how COA supports health and wellness, click 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. | | | | |
