The registration deadline for Council on Aging's 2017 Forum on Aging
and Annual Meeting and Awards, presented by Global Meals, is March 7. 
February 2017
Don't Miss This!
March is National Social Work Month

Council on Aging employs more than 100 licensed social workers (LSWs) and licensed independent social workers (LISWs) who are vital to our mission of helping older adults and people with disabilities remain independent in their homes.

In preparation for National Social Work Month, March, we spoke with one of our own social workers, Cassie Grubb, about how she came to the profession and what she finds rewarding about the work she does here at COA.  Read more...
"Just taking a caring and honest approach can go a long way." Cassie Grubb, LSW, Council on Aging Care Coordinator and Team Educator
Council on Aging Updates
Registration deadline for Forum on Aging is March 7

Online registration for Council on Aging's 2017 Forum on Aging presented by Global Meals will close March 7. Walk-in registrations will be accepted on the day of the conference, but fees will be higher and some workshops may be full.

Still thinking about becoming a sponsor?  Just 10  sponsorship tables remain! Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with leaders and decision-makers in the field of aging and disability services. Sign up today!

March 14-15 at the Sharonville Convention Center, Forum on Aging is our region’s premiere conference for professionals who work with older adults and people with disabilities. Up to 12 CEUs are available for professionals licensed in Ohio and Kentucky.  Available this year are workshops geared toward long-term care facilities, including Post-acute Quality Care and New Regulatory Requirements and Staff Perceptions of Providing Preference- based Person-centered Care.

Register today for two days of networking, learning and inspiration!  Learn more.
Care Transitions celebrates five years of success
Council on Aging’s five-year contract with the federal government to reduce hospital readmission rates among frail older adults has come to a close. But, a modified version of COA’s successful Care Transitions program will continue in four area hospitals.  Read more about how the program has reduced costs for Medicare and readmission rates for area hospitals. 
Council on Aging annual report preview
At 78, Shirley has an independent streak a mile wide.  She's had it most of her adult life. But, health problems mean she needs help if she wants to continue to live independently. Shirley is one of several COA clients who are featured in our 2016 Annual Report, which will be released at  our annual meeting, March 15 In the meantime, read more about Shirley and get a preview of what's covered in the report. 
Healthy U helps adults manage chronic health conditions; new classes begin in March
Have you or someone you know recently been diagnosed with diabetes, heart disease or arthritis? What lifestyle changes will you need to make to manage your symptoms?  A local workshop, Healthy U, is here to help. It offers peer support and practical tips that help people manage their symptoms, save on health care costs and improve their quality of life. Learn more...
News You Can Use
For Your Health: March is Nutrition Month

Did you know that your daily calorie intake should equal the number of calories you burn during day? Our guest columnist, Mona Glover from the Clermont County office of The Ohio State University Extension, reminds us that healthy eating and exercise can go a long way toward aging with perfection. Read Mona's tips for what to eat, how much to each, and which foods have the potential to boost brain power and memory.  Learn about National Nutrition Month

Long-term Care Corner:
Webinars for Medicare newbies 

Welcome to Medicare online webinars are available for Ohioans newly eligible for Medicare in 2017.  The webinars are sponsored by the Ohio Department of Insurance and are designed to help new Medicare recipients learn more about their coverage options.

Medicare experts will cover topics including Medicare Part A and B benefits, the Part D prescription drug benefit, Medicare Supplement plans, Medicare Advantage plans, financial assistance and key deadlines. Attendees will be able to use their computer to enter questions for the moderators to answer. 

The webinars begin Feb. 16 and will continue monthly through the end of 2017. Click here to register for a Welcome to Medicare webinar.

Tax help and advice for older adults
Tax time can generate a whole host of questions and concerns for older adults: Is Social Security counted as income? Can I deduct my Medicare expenses?  Do I even need to file a tax return this year?  The answers are rarely straight forward, but there are plenty of resources and programs to help you get the answers you need, and even prepare and file your return.  Read more...

Protect your $$, be an educated consumer
Considering a reverse mortgage? Wondering about the claims of a particular health procedure or product? Do your homework and understand your options before you put your money on the line. National Consumer Protection Week, March 5-11, is an awareness campaign led by the Federal Trade Commission to help older adults and consumers of all ages understand their rights and make smart decisions about how to spend their money.   Learn more...
Get help with winter heating bills
Do you know an older adult who has to choose between buying food and staying warm? Tell them about Ohio's Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP).  HEAP helps low-income older adults meet the high costs of home heating. Council on Aging provides information and application assistance.  Learn more... 
Aging & Disability Resource Network Updates
2017 Federal Poverty Guidelines released
T he U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released new guidelines on Jan. 27. The federal poverty level is now set at $12,060 for an individual, and $16,240 for a couple in the contiguous 48 states, effective Jan. 31. The poverty guidelines are used for determining financial eligibility for many federal and state programs. Get the guidelines
Miami gerontology professor named OAGE Educator of the Year
Kate de Medeiros, associate professor of  sociology and gerontolog y at Miami University's Scripps Gerontology Center, has been named Educator of the Year by the  Ohio Association of Gerontology and Education . The a ward recognizes individuals in Ohio’s educational institutions and/or from Ohio’s aging network that have either used educational programs to improve services to older adults in Ohio or advanced gerontological education and training for students and practitioners.  Read more...
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. 
Consumer Protection Forum 
Concerned about fraud, identity theft and scams?  Looking for way to protect yourself?  Plan to attend the  Consumer Protection Forum , 4:00 - 6:30 pm, March 30, at Maple Knoll Village. The forum is intended to educate Medicare beneficiaries, the community, caregivers, professionals and others about consumer protection, and fraud in the health insurance programs of Medicare and Medicaid.  Learn more...
ASA offers online courses in elder mistreatment
The American Society on Aging is offering two new online courses on elder mistreatment. Offered in partnership with USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, both courses are taught by USC faculty and experts in the field. Courses are flexible and can be taken days, nights or weekends. Successful participants will earn a certificate of completion from USC, and CEUs are offered from select accreditation providers. Learn more...
Free Wills and Advanced Planning Clinic
Volunteer Lawyers Project,  Feb. 25
Information and registration
    2017 Empowering Families Symposium
    Xavier University Cintas Center
    March 3, 9 am - 3pm
    Butler County Social Services: An overview for new employees
    March 3 and 6, 8 am-4:30 pm
    Fact vs. Fiction: Audiology services at the Cincinnati VA
    March 6, 6:30 - 8:00 pm
    Opening Minds through Art Facilitator Training
    May 22-25 or June 5-8
    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