COVID-19 Update

Have you noticed the shift in the intensity of the news cycle lately? We've gone from months of fast-and-furious reporting on almost-hourly developments about COVID-19, to a less-frenetic pace as we shift to reopening our economy. With this slowing of the news, we will shift from a weekly update to sending one every two weeks . Rest assured, if there is big news to share in between, we will keep you informed with an email. We also want to remind everyone that the CDC and Ohio Department of Health continue to recommend that seniors and those with certain health conditions continue to stay at home as much as possible.

Older Americans Month May is Older Americans Month, when we typically celebrate the many positive contributions of older adults to our society. But with the pandemic disproportionately threatening our seniors, things are a bit different this year. COA is focused, first and foremost, on the health and well-being of older adults in our area. But we are also sharing tips via our social media channels for enriching at-home activities for seniors. Check out and follow our Facebook and Twitter accounts!

Area seniors to get a Taste of Belgium After delivering about 4,200 LaRosa's meals to seniors in our service area the last few weeks, we began yesterday to deliver meals to them from Cincinnati-based Taste of Belgium. This is not only a welcome treat to our isolated seniors, but helps the restaurant chain bring back some workers who had been laid off. Read more here .

Free COVID-19 and aging-related webinars The Ohio Department of Aging has compiled a list of some excellent, upcoming free webinars that cover COVID-19 as it relates to aging. Subjects range from Supporting Older Adults in Emergencies to Social Isolation and Loneliness Among Older Americans During COVID-19. Download the list here.

COA continues successes during the pandemic We have been working tirelessly to make sure our older neighbors are well taken care of. Here, you can read a few examples of how we have touched the community.

Urban League passing out masks and sanitizer T he Urban League is passing out masks and hand sanitizer to underserved communities in Cincinnati. Text "mask" to 797979 to find out what areas they will visit next. Read more.

COVID-19 testing and vaccine news Health officials agree that our success in returning to "normal" in the United States will very much depend on the ability to test for the disease, and to be able to vaccinate our population against it. The Washington Post shares some related updates.  FDA issues emergency approval of new antigen test that is cheaper, faster, simpler Pharmaceutical giant Pfizer begins testing Coronavirus vaccine in people

Enjoy the Cincinnati Museum Center from the comfort of home The Museum Center is offering online experiences that are perfect for seniors. Here are a few: Recorded presentations about Cincinnati's history, culture and architecture Conversation with a Curator, Tuesdays at 10 am and Thursdays at 1 pm on Facebook Live

Have extra PPE? We are accepting donations of medical gloves and masks to give to our home care providers who are running low or are out of these supplies. Email covid19volunteers@help4seniors.org if you have supplies to donate.

Caregiving during COVID-19

Caregiving can be challenging during the best of times, but there many new considerations during a health pandemic. The good news is there are resources to help caregivers. May 14, 2 pm, Facebook Live event: National Council on Aging's "Young Adult Caregivers and COVID-19" Alzheimer's Association's "Questions from Families Facing Alzheimer's During the Pandemic" Alzheimer's Association's "COVID-19, Alzheimer's and Dementia: What You Need to Know" Invisible Front Lines: Family Caregivers and Fighting COVID-19  COA fact sheet: Caring for someone with COVID-19 at home

Working seniors and COVID-19

Not all seniors are retired. Many are still in the workforce, and are dealing with job loss, decisions about continuing to work amid a pandemic, and more. The pandemic's threat to older workers Unemployment rate for older workers jumps to 13.6 percent For older adults vulnerable to the Coronavirus, work from home not always an option

COA in the news

Thanks to the media, our hard work hasn't gone unnoticed. Check out the links below that highlight COA. 300 Clinton County senior citizens get spaghetti meals - Wilmington News Journal Fair Housing Podcast with COA Communications Manager Paula Smith LaRosa's partnership delivers thousands of meals to low-income seniors - FOX 19 Warren County Community Services Feelin' Good program with Paula Smith

And now for some good news...

Some happy and heartwarming stories to brighten your day.

15-year-old karate expert teaches moves to seniors These 7 siblings are camped outside their mother's window as she fights COVID-19 California will start paying restaurants to deliver food to seniors in need Older coders answer the call to help The leader we wish we all had: A look at the style of Dr. Amy Acton, who has earned praise for her daily briefings on the pandemic

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

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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