COVID-19 Update

Many of us feel there is such a thing as "Coronavirus time," where some days feel like they are actually a week, and weeks feels like months, and... you get the idea. Take Ohio's statewide mandate on face coverings for instance. Even though it's barely been in effect for two weeks, it feels like it's been much longer than that. But at least it has been long enough for Gov. DeWine to declare last Thursday that Ohio's urban counties are actually seeing new COVID-19 cases level off (great news!), which he attributed to widespread mask wearing in public.

Own Your Future moves to virtual format; registration is open Our annual Own Your Future long-term care planning workshop series will be held online this year, but will still feature the same helpful content and expert speakers as always. September 16 will be the first of three consecutive Wednesdays for the workshops, from 5-7:30 pm each night. We recommend the program for anyone who is: thinking about retirement or retired; expecting to provide help to aging parents or spouse; or already is a caregiver for older or disabled loved ones. Get details and register.

COA expands comfort meal program to include local minority-owned businesses Since April, we've partnered with local restaurants to provide comfort meals to area older adults living in low-income senior apartment buildings. In July, we brought some minority-owned businesses into the fold: C&M BBQ Grille, owned by Cecil and Mary Soloman, and Certified Personal Chef Anthony Jordan. Read more about these partners and the program here.

Caregiving research study seeks families Do you provide help to an older family member? Or, are you an older adult who needs some help from family members? If so, you’re part of a caregiving family. Providing and accepting help can be tough in the best of times, but it’s even more challenging now. Scripps Gerontology Center at Miami University is looking for caregiving families to help test an online communication and care coordination resource designed to help families talk and make decisions about caregiving. For more information about the study, visit this page. To participate in the study contact Abby Helsinger at ofow@MiamiOH.edu or 513-529-3880.

Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program news It's National Farmers Market Week. What better time to apply for the 2020 Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program! We will continue to accept applications until September 30, 2020 and all coupons ($50 worth) are valid through October 31, 2020. Any questions? Email farmersmarket@help4seniors.org or visit our website, where you can apply online or download an application. Remember: each person in a household who is 60 or older and meets the income guidelines (i.e., spouses, family members, friends) may apply to receive their own $50 in coupons. If you applied by July 27 (and were eligible), your coupons were mailed last week. We will mail coupons next week for those who applied after July 27. Any farmer or market interested in learning more about the program or in participating should email farmersmarket@help4seniors.org.

Help us understand how seniors use technology At COA, we think technology can provide better programs and services throughout our area and we use technology to serve our clients in the most efficient and cost-effective way possible. So, it is important for us to understand how comfortable older adults in our area are with using certain technologies. You can help us by completing a short survey at the link below. We want to hear from older adults AND those who provide help to older adults (adult children, relatives, caregivers, etc.). Take the survey!

Register for a free health and wellness workshop today! Could you or an older adult you know use help managing the effects and impact of diabetes or another chronic disease or of chronic pain? Then consider signing up for one of our FREE online or phone-based health and wellness workshops. Many workshops are starting soon, so reserve your spot today!

Coronavirus and minority communities Once a skeptic, now she urges Black people in Cincinnati to wear masks  Minorities are disproportionately affected by COVID-19. This is how it varies by state. The color of COVID: Will vaccine trials reflect America’s diversity? NIH project homes in on COVID racial disparities  COVID-19 minority health testing in Ohio

Local, state and national COVID news

Cincinnati ramping up efforts to enhance contact tracing, mayor says  Governor DeWine issues statewide mask order, travel warning Ohio alcohol sales restricted as COVID-19 cases remain high As long waits for results render COVID tests ‘useless,’ states seek workarounds  Two coronavirus vaccines begin the last phase of testing: 30,000-person trials  FDA's list of hand sanitizers to avoid grows again with more than 100 identified that may contain methanol Birx warns US is 'in a new phase' of Coronavirus pandemic with more widespread cases

COVID-19's effect on senior health & wellness

From social isolation to lopsided numbers of deaths in nursing homes, the older adult experience during the pandemic has not been an easy one.   Demand surges for see-through face masks as pandemic swells Another problem on the health horizon: Medicare is running out of money  Rising cases in long-term care facilities are cause for concern What share of people who have died of COVID-19 are 65 and older – and how does it vary by state?  Don't let social isolation keep you from being active Carefully forming a ‘quarantine bubble’ can fight loneliness Young people are infecting older family members in shared homes CMS releases data showing COVID-19's impact on the Medicare population After COVID-19, a healthcare forecast for older Americans Why it's good to be old, even in a pandemic Technology divide between senior 'haves' and 'have-nots' roils pandemic response What senior housing may look like after COVID-19 The effects of visitor restrictions on older patients and families

COVID-19 resources from COA

Resources for seniors during the COVID-19 pandemic Our website has updated information and resources for those who need help during this difficult time: Food pantry list Instructions for online grocery ordering and links to grocers List of stores with dedicated shopping hours for seniors and others at risk Ideas for staying busy and engaged while at home Caring for someone with COVID-19 at home Mental health resources Avoiding Coronavirus scams Explaining Coronavirus to your children or grandchildren Clinton County COVID-19 Information Guide Resources for congregate settings

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.

Council on Aging of Southwestern Ohio | Visit us today!

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