COVID-19 Update

It's back-to-school season in the time of Coronavirus. Many children will start the school year online, but many will also attend classes in person. It is estimated that 100,000 grandparents in Ohio are raising grandchildren and many other older adults live in multi-generational households. How are seniors in these situations planning to avoid becoming infected by something brought home by a child? One great-grandmother shares her concerns about the coming school year in this article. And, this article tells how others are weighing the risks. The bottom line is there are no easy answers.

Own Your Future helps you plan for long-term care... a gift to yourself and your loved ones Registration is now open for Council on Aging’s annual Own Your Future long-term care planning workshop series. This year’s event will be held online starting September 16 for three consecutive Wednesdays, 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.

Virtual Aging Mastery Program available from COA In response to COVID-19, the National Council on Aging has developed videos for its 10-part Aging Mastery Program (AMP) to replace its previously live sessions. The videos, along with a "starter kit," encourage adults to take steps to support happiness and longevity. COA is offering AMP for free to sites in southwestern Ohio that may be interested in hosting it. Contact Amy Leonhardt for additional information at (513) 345-3367. Ideal sites for the video classes include assisted living and continuing care retirement communities.

New Pro Seniors program helps seniors identify and apply for benefits Seniors in Hamilton County who are struggling to afford food, healthcare or prescription medications may now get help from Pro Seniors to understand if they are eligible for certain government programs, and help with applying for benefits. Get program qualifications and information here.

Butler County EMA warns about PPE scams As the supply chain continues to stabilize from the pandemic, the shortages in personal protective equipment (PPE) and sanitizing agents have encouraged some unscrupulous groups to scam agencies making PPE purchases. If you are in a position where you procure PPE, you'll want to get all the details on these scams, here. In addition: Ohio Attorney General information about COVID scams Getting unordered seeds and stuff in the mail?

Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program updates Still accepting applications! Low-income seniors in our service area may still apply for this program, which provides access to farm-fresh produce, through September 18. Those who qualify receive $50 worth of coupons to spend in participating farmers' markets through October 31, 2020. All the details and an online application are available here. Urgent need for new Warren County market! Our participating market in Warren County has just let us know they are closing at the end of August, so we are in urgent need of a new market in Warren County to join the program. If you know of any options, please email Jennifer at farmersmarket@help4seniors.org.

Certain healthcare providers can now apply for CARES Act relief funds Through the CARES Act, home- and community-based, and other healthcare providers, may be eligible to receive up to 2 percent of their patient revenue due to increased expenses or lost revenues attributable to COVID-19. Click here for more information and application instructions. Applications must be completed by August 28, 2020.

Local, state and national pandemic-related headlines Ohio joins compact with five other states to form testing strategy Hamilton County awards $18 million contract to test more residents for COVID-19 Ohio National Guard will continue helping food banks as orders extended Final Ohio Minority Health Strike Force report and blueprint released Nursing home residents have suffered most from Ohio's COVID-19 tragedy

Online events and educational programming

Long-term care virtual panel COA is part of a panel of experts discussing important information about long-term care, tomorrow, August 19 at 2 pm. Greater Cincinnati Care Partners is sponsoring the event, which will highlight ways to make long-term care policies, financial assets and VA benefits work for you. It will also address the legal documents you need to support this. To register, call Eldercare Connections at (513) 685-8998 and reference the virtual panel event. Pro Seniors invites you to virtual Seniors Who Rock event On Wednesday, August 26, Pro Seniors holds its 6th annual “Seniors Who Rock” event, honoring three seniors who are continuing to contribute to the vibrancy of the community in a significant way. Find out who this year's honorees are, and register here. Those who register will receive a link to join at 5 pm for a pre-event happy half-hour, followed at 5:30 pm by the program.   OSHIIP free Medicare Checkup webinars The Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program (OSHIIP) is offering free Medicare Checkup webinars that will review Medicare Parts A, B, D, Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage Plans, focusing on the upcoming Medicare Open Enrollment Period and the 2021 changes and updates. Sessions are available September 14 through October 14, 9 am and 2 pm each day, with an additional 6 pm session on Wednesdays. To sign up for a webinar, visit OSHIIP’s Medicare Check-Up Days registration page. SAGECents online platform for LGBT elders SAGE - a national advocacy and services organization for LGBT elders - is now offering SAGECents, a digital wellness platform made specifically for LGBT elders to increase financial stability as they navigate the unprecedented economic environment resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. Click here for details and to sign up.

COVID-19 prevention and treatment updates

Your favorite store or restaurant is open. How do you know if it's OK to go in? Fearing a 'twindemic,' health experts push urgently for flu shots Scientists see signs of lasting immunity to COVID-19, even after mild infections How should I cover my face? A deeper look into neck gaiters and face shields A third of Americans unwilling to get COVID-19 vaccine CDC information about wearing masks 14 states make contact tracing data public. Here's what they're learning.

COVID-19 and senior health and wellness

The pandemic continues to create health- and well-being challenges for older adults.   Looking for love during COVID-19: Despite the pandemic, older singles are still hoping for connection  When will it be safe to see my grandchildren again? Hospices struggle with respite care during pandemic What seniors can expect as their new normal in a post-vaccine world  What to expect as nursing homes ease COVID-19 visitor restrictions Reeling from the losses of the silent generation

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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