COVID-19 Update

Despite the fact that many of our traditional July 4th celebrations were cancelled or modified this year, we hope you were still able to find a creative and safe way to celebrate our nation's independence. Unfortunately, COVID-19 didn't take time off for the holiday. We continue to see increases in daily reported cases in the majority of US states , including Ohio.

COA's free remote wellness workshops beginning soon! Beginning this month, COA will offer our full Healthy U Program online, or by phone. This free program includes a variety of workshops to help you stay active and manage diabetes or any chronic condition. View the flyer for details, or call Brittaney at (513) 519-8637 for more information. Other upcoming free education opportunities: Join Catholic Charities on July 15 for a virtual discussion about COVID-19's impact on caregiving in our region. Click here for more information. People Working Cooperatively is offering free fall prevention classes beginning in mid-July. Choose from in-person or virtual formats. Get details here.

Celebrate 30 years of the ADA with local activities This July marks the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), one of the most important and wide-reaching pieces of civil rights legislation in U.S. history. There are plenty of ways for you to participate in Cincinnati's Disability Pride celebration, of which COA is a sponsor. Visit the event website for a full schedule and ideas on how you can participate. Council on Aging is hosting a Honk and Wave event on July 23 from 12-12:30 p.m. in the Tri-County area (exact location to be announced). Stay tuned for more details!

Ohio implements new county-based public health advisory system A new advisory system just released by the state of Ohio will provide local health departments and community leaders data and information to combat COVID-19 flare-ups as they occur in different parts of the state. The system consists of four levels that provide Ohioans with guidance as to the severity of the problem in the counties in which they live.   Current Ohio county levels map Advisory system overview

Stay cool this summer with HEAP Ohio's already feeling the summer heat. Know a low-income senior who could use financial help to stay cool this summer? The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) Summer Crisis Program is now accepting applications, and may be able to help. Get program details, application directions and learn what's new this year for PIPP enrollees.

COA helps educate senior apartment building residents about COVID-19 safety COA Vice President of Program Operations, Ken Wilson, co-chairs a regional committee focused on reducing COVID-19 cases in settings such as senior apartment buildings and assisted living communities. As part of this effort, COA and other committee members developed educational kits that were distributed to more than 170 senior apartment buildings in COA's five-county area. The kits included COVID-19 education information and a reusable mask for every resident in each building and special materials for management staff. After receiving an education kit, one building manager said, "COA’s presence has made such an impact on our residents. We are so grateful and appreciative that COA stepped up during this difficult time. We are here and you didn’t forget us.”  Read the full story . In addition, COA has created a Coronavirus resource page on our website for building managers.

The pandemic's affect on caregiving Millions of Americans take care of a friend or family member with a serious health condition. Being a caregiver can be a labor of love, but it can also be stressful. Read below about our learnings on caregiving during the Coronavirus: Forecasts for family caregivers in a post-pandemic world COVID-19 reveals caregiving mystique How health care professionals can support family caregivers

Senior farmers' market program continuing to accept applications The response to the first-ever rollout of the FDA's Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program in our region has been excellent so far, and we are still accepting applications. Get details, apply online, or download an application on our website .

Fraud still an issue as pandemic stretches on While most of us are tiring of the realities of the pandemic, the time is ripe for scammers to play on the fear and uncertainty that abound right now. Be aware of the following Coronavirus-related scams: COVID-19 mask exemption cards are not from the government Help COVID-19 contact tracers, not scammers  Fake emails about fake money from a fake COVID-19 fund  Scams in online sales: when orders don't arrive

2020 Census soon to enter new phase Even during a pandemic, it is vital for all of us to respond to the 2020 Census. The national response rate currently is 61.8%, so the Census Bureau plans to begin household visits across the country on August 11. In the near future in the Greater Cincinnati area, look for pop-up locations in traditionally hard-to-count neighborhoods where you can receive assistance to complete your Census via an electronic device (with COVID-19 precautions in place). It is also still an option to complete the Census online or by phone or mail. Go to 2020census.gov or call (844) 330-2020 for more information.

And now for some good news... See how people are finding creative ways to stay connected and help others right now. Teacher visits her students while singing Amid Coronavirus, good news is happening How celebs are helping out during the Coronavirus pandemic

Economic reopening updates

Here are the latest updates on economic reopening and staying safe as COVID-19 cases rise in Ohio and elsewhere in the country. Cincinnati City Council votes 7-2 for mask mandate Ohio COVID-19 cases again move upward as more cities consider face covering requirements. Outdoor Ohio nursing-home visits can resume on July 20, Gov. Mike DeWine says CDC guidance for when you decide to go out The dentist will see you now, but should you go? New rules for golf, tennis and pickleball during Coronavirus

Coronavirus science, tools and stats

Below are COVID-19 stats and science from trusted sources. Nearly 240 experts urge WHO, CDC to acknowledge airborne transmission of COVID-19 An understanding of how Coronavirus is spreading through the air  Green, yellow, orange or red? This new tool shows COVID-19 risk in your county  Up to 150,000 Coronavirus deaths possible by July 18, CDC says  The fullest look yet at the racial inequity of Coronavirus National COVID-19 stats from the Washington Post Ohio Department of Health COVID-19 dashboard

Coronavirus, long-term care and senior housing

Coronavirus has been particularly hard on those living and working in nursing homes and other congregate-style living situations. Here's what we know now, and what the future could bring.  43% of U.S. Coronavirus deaths are linked to nursing homes  63 percent of long-term care providers wait up to 4 days for COVID-19 test results  Coronavirus is renewing a call to abolish nursing homes  It's time to rethink the institutional model for elder care. Is that even possible?  House launches probe into CMS, operator response to COVID-19 in nursing homes  Investing in home and community-based care during the Coronavirus pandemic and future disasters  Seniors In low-income housing live in fear of COVID infection

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.

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