Own Your Future:
Attend a workshop to learn how to plan for your - or a loved one's - long-term care needs .  
August 2016
Don't Miss This!

Medicaid spend-down eliminated through Ohio’s new disability determination system

As part of its Disability Determination Redesign plan, Ohio has changed the way people qualify for Medicaid and eliminated the Medicaid spend down program.  The changes went into effect August 1 and impact an estimated 400,000 Ohioans, including people who receive long-term care services and supports through Medicaid.  Click here to read more...
Workshop helps you understand and plan for long-term care needs

Since 2010, Council on Aging's  Own Your Future  workshop has helped people plan for long-term care, protect their assets, and understand what living options and services are available to them as they age.  Free workshops are scheduled for September in Green Township and Lebanon. Registration required, click here for details.
Council on Aging Updates
Thanks to Home Choice, Jack's life is no longer up in the air
At 61, Jack seems way too young to have been in a nursing home, but like many younger residents, he needed a place to recover from a serious illness and then additional circumstances in his life conspired to make it difficult to leave the facility. Jack was one of the lucky ones, though. Once he was identified as a candidate for Ohio’s Home Choice program, things quickly fell into place.  Read Jack's story...
Warren levy campaign kicks off

Supporters of the Warren County elderly services renewal levy are planning a campaign kick-off party for Tuesday September 27 at Warren County Community Services’ 741 Senior Center. Campaign volunteers have also begun speaking to community groups as well as meetings of township trustees and city councils. Read more...
COA currently hiring care managers and other positions

Are you looking for a career with an organization with a mission and values you can believe in and where your talents and experience can make a difference in the lives of older adults and people with disabilities? Council on Aging has an immediate need for RNs, LSWs and other licensed professionals who can serve in a number of roles. Click here to learn about current career opportunities. 
Struggling with a chronic illness? You're not alone and Healthy U can help.
When you are struggling with the day-to-day challenges of managing a chronic illness such as diabetes, it can be easy to get frustrated and feel like you are all alone.  Healthy U can help.  In this free workshop, you'll meet people just like you and learn effective, real world ways to manage your illness, feel better and get the most out of life.

But don't take our word for it. Click to hear from Cynthia, a local woman who participated in a Healthy U workshop after being diagnosed with diabetes. Cynthia was so impressed with the program that she decided to become a Healthy U leader.
Many people who complete the facilitator training are themselves Healthy U graduates. After Cynthia completed the workshop and saw the impact it had on her health and quality of life, she received training from Council on Aging to be a Healthy U facilitator.
News You Can Use
Older adults and people with certain health conditions can apply for help with summer cooling costs

For low-income older adults and people with chronic health conditions, staying cool and comfortable during the summer months can have a significant impact on their health and well-being. 

Help is available through Ohio's HEAP Summer Crisis Program.  HEAP - the Home Energy Assistance Program - is a federally funded program designed to assist eligible Ohio residents with their utility bills. The deadline to apply is August. 31. Click here to learn more...
Your Health: Recommended vaccines for people age 50+

Most older people know they should get a flu shot each year, but do you know what other vaccines are recommended, and how often you should get them?  See the recommended vaccines for people 50+.
Long-term Care Corner  Resource Spotlight: Family Caregiver Council

A new resource portal backed by leaders of national family caregiver organizations, innovative companies in the active aging space, and aging experts aims to help family caregivers connect to resources and advice to support them on their caregiving journey.  Visit the Family Caregiver Council's website.
Aging & Disability Resource Network Updates
Mark your calendars for National Fall Prevention Awareness Day
Falls among older Ohioans have reached epidemic proportions; one in three older adults will fall this year, and falls are the leading cause of emergency room visits, hospitalizations and deaths among our elders. A single fall can change the life not only of the person who falls, but also his or her family members who may have to become a caregiver for their loved one. The good news is that falls are not a normal part of aging, and most falls can be prevented.

Please mark your calendars for Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, as the Ohio Department of Aging hosts the second annual 10 Million Steps to Prevent Falls event on National Falls Prevention Awareness Day. Last year's event exceeded expectations with 57 organizations working together to walk 13.2 million steps - 5,300 miles.  Click here to learn how you can support this year's campaign and raise awareness about fall prevention. 
Thursday, September 22, 2016
National Fall Prevention Awareness Day
Loucka succeeds retiring Burman at Ohio Department of Aging
Bonnie K. Burman, who served as the director of the Ohio Department of Aging since 2011, retired on Aug. 1.  Ohio Governor John Kasich praised Burman for her work and named former Department of Aging senior leader and Department of Administrative Services’ Chief of Staff Stephanie Loucka to fill the position. Click here to read more about Loucka. 
Events & Learning Opportunities
Visit the Events page on our website for a complete, up-to-date list of events for adults, caregivers and professionals.  Unless otherwise noted, the events are NOT in any way affiliated with Council on Aging. Please use the links included with each event to get or request additional information. 
Living With Alzheimer's Disease: A Free Program Designed for Caregivers and Those They Love
August 27, 2016

Hospice of Cincinnati's Conversations of a Lifetime
Clermont County, September 6, 2016

Staying Safe - Aging in Place for Seniors
Evanston, September 20, 2016

Own Your Future Long-term Care Planning Workshop
Green Township September 20 & 27, Lebanon September 24, 2016

Free Wills and Advance Planning Clinic
Legal Aid Society, October 8
In other news...
A roundup of recent headlines, news and commentaries that may be of interest to our readers.
Council on Aging | (513) 721-1025 or (800) 252-0155 | www.help4seniors.org
About Council on Aging
Council on Aging is a state-designated Area Agency on Aging, serving a 21-county region.   Our mission: Enhance people's lives by assisting them to remain independent at home through a range of quality services. One call to COA links people to the wide variety of agencies, information and programs that serve older adults and people with disabilities.    Learn more about COA