October/November 2026

Catch up with COA at an event in Butler County

Council on Aging representatives are active in our service area year-round. Visit with us on October 10 at Walk to End Alzheimer's - Butler and Warren Counties at Corwin Nixon Park.

In August, we enjoyed meeting community members at the Butler County Social Services Resource Expo at Compassion City Center at Berachah in Middletown (in photo).

2027 Forum on Aging: celebrating 40 years!

The 40th annual Forum on Aging is set for March 16-17, 2027, at the Sharonville Convention Center. Professionals in the field of aging, certified care managers, social workers, nurses, nursing home administrators and activity professionals earn up to 12 CEUs at this popular conference. Registration opens in late December.

Learn more about Forum on Aging.

Showcase your brand at 2027 Forum on Aging

Looking to expand your reach within the aging and disability services community? The 2027 Forum on Aging offers an exceptional opportunity to promote your products and services to more than 500 professionals from across the network. As a sponsor, your organization will gain valuable visibility before, during and after the event. Reserve your sponsorship today!

Explore our wide variety of sponsorship options.

Nominate a home care worker for COA award

Do you know a home health aide or an AddnAide/consumer-directed care caregiver who goes above and beyond in providing exceptional care to older adults in our region? Please consider nominating them for a COA Home Health Aide Hero award. Each winner receives an award and $250. Nomination deadline is Jan. 15, 2027.

Learn more about the award and make a nomination.

PROGRAM & SERVICE UPDATES

Mental health support for Butler County's older adults

There are many life experiences that can lead to us feeling down or anxious. Loss of a loved one and isolation are two that are common to older adults. There is free, confidential help available to Butler County residents age 55 and older who are experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression. Uplift, a partnership between Best Point Education & Behavioral Health, the Butler County Mental Health and Addiction Recovery Services Board and Council on Aging, provides mental health support at home.

Learn more and make an Uplift referral for you or someone else.

Support for those leaving a hospital or nursing home

Did you know the Butler County Senior Services Levy funds a program for county residents age 60 and older returning home from a hospital or nursing home? FastTrack Home provides no-cost, in-home support for up to 60 days to support a successful recovery at home, which can be a challenging period for older adults and can result in unnecessary and expensive hospital readmissions.

Learn about FastTrack Home. 


Read how FastTrack Home helped Trenton resident Bill.

Apply for money-saving benefits with COA's help

Identifying and applying for benefits can be a daunting process. But through its Benefits Enrollment Center (BEC), COA makes it easier by assisting limited-income older adults and those with disabilities in determining eligibility and applying for certain money-saving benefits.

Learn how the BEC may help you or someone you know. 

HAPPENING AT COUNCIL ON AGING

Wilson named finalist for Cincinnati Business Courier C-Suite Award

Council on Aging Chief Operating and Programs Officer Ken Wilson has been named a finalist for the Cincinnati Business Courier's 2026 C-Suite Awards. The recognition highlights his decades of leadership, innovation and commitment to improving the lives of older adults across southwestern Ohio.

Read more about Ken's accomplishments and this prestigious honor. 

Board member profile: Sally Buchanan

Meet COA board member Sally Buchanan, a retired nurse with 45 years of experience in a variety of health care settings and leadership roles, including assisted living, in-home care, case management and quality.

COMMUNITY & AGING SERVICES UPDATES

Health and wellness workshop options to grow; COA seeking host sites and 2027 schedule

• COA is adding Tai Chi for Diabetes to its available evidenced-based programs. It is an eight-week workshop that meets twice a week for one hour. More information will be available soon!
  
• COA is scheduling workshops for program year 2027 (Oct. 1, 2026–Sept. 30, 2027). Existing host site sponsors should contact COA to have their workshop requests added to its master wellness program calendar.
  
• Organizations interested in becoming a host site sponsor should contact Judy Eschmann.

Prepare for Medicare Open Enrollment

Medicare Open Enrollment begins Oct. 15 and ends Dec. 7. Whether you're qualifying for the program this year, or have been on it for many years, there's a lot of information to master to ensure you're choosing the best options for your situation. Ohio's Senior Health Insurance Information Program (OSHIIP) offers valuable advice and assistance related to open enrollment. In 2025, OSHIIP saved beneficiaries more than $77 million!

 Visit the OSHIIP website for webinar and meeting options.

• Oxford Seniors is holding a free Medicare Checkup Event, October 27, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Call (513) 523-8100 to reserve your time!