Council on Aging is hiring RNs and LSWs.  If you would like to make a difference in the lives of older adults and people with disabilities, click here to for information about career opportunities. 
Spring 2017
Don't Miss This!
COA releases 2016 annual reports
Council on Aging’s 2016 Annual Report includes data, photos and personal stories that highlight our mission to enhance people's lives by assisting them to remain independent at home through a range of quality services.  Click here for more information and to read the reports. 
Council on Aging Updates
2017 Forum on Aging a success!
Despite an east coast snow storm that prevented a keynote speaker from presenting in-person at this year's conference, more than 600 professionals enjoyed two days of learning, networking and inspiration at the 2017 Forum on Aging, presented by Global Meals . Forum on Aging offers professionals in our region's aging and disability network the opportunity to earn up to 12 continuing education units. A big Thank You to this year’s sponsors, attendees, speakers, and planning committee for another successful conference. Read more...

Randy Quisenberry joins COA as Manager of Provider and Procurement Services

Council on Aging is pleased to welcome Randy Quisenberry as Manager of Provider and Procurement Services. At COA, Randy will provide leadership to the Provider and Procurement Services team in their efforts to help providers meet program standards and develop best practices to improve the quality of care received by our clients.  Read more...

COA staff nominated for area business and alumni awards

Two members of Council on Aging's senior leadership team have been nominated for area business awards. Danielle Amrine, VP - Operations for Medicaid Services at COA, is a finalist for the Clermont Chamber of Commerce's Young Professional of Year award.  COA's VP of Human Resources, Training and Organizational Development, Jacqueline Hutsell, is a 2017 C-Suite Award honoree.  Eric Young, Communications Specialist at COA, is the recipient of Mount St. Joseph University’s Future Five Award. Read more about Danielle, Jacqueline, Eric and their respective awards.  Congratulations to all!
COA welcomes new board members
Council on Aging is overseen by a board of trustees and assisted by an advisory council. Additionally, members are appointed by county commissioners to serve on advisory councils for the Elderly Services Program.  We are pleased to announce the newest members of the board and advisory councils.   Read more...

COA hiring RNs and LSWs
Are you an RN or LSW with a passion for serving older adults and people with disabilities? Do you want to work for an organization whose mission and values you believe in, and where you are respected and valued as an employee? If you answered “yes” to these questions, consider a challenging and rewarding career with Council on Aging. Click here to view our exciting opportunities.
News You Can Use
For Your Health: 
May is Mental Health Month
One in 5 Americans will be affected by a mental health condition in their lifetime and every American is affected or impacted through their friends and family.

This May, we support the National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) in their efforts to fight stigma, provide support, educate the public, and advocate for equal care for people with a mental condition. Learn more...

Long-term Care Corner:
Be alert for Social Security scam

The Social Security Administration (SSA) is warning citizens about a nationwide telephone “imposter phishing” scheme. The SSA and its Office of the Inspector General (OIG) have received reports about persons receiving phone calls from individuals posing as OIG investigators. The caller indicates an issue exists pertaining to the person’s Social Security account or Social Security number (SSN) and directs the person call a non-SSA telephone number to address the issue and have their account "unlocked."  Read more about the scam and how to make a report if you receive the call

Turning 65 this year? Plan to attend a local Welcome to Medicare event

Ohioans newly eligible for Medicare are encouraged to attend a free “Welcome to Medicare” event sponsored by the Ohio Department of Insurance. The statewide events (local dates) are intended to help more than 100,000 soon-to-be Medicare recipients understand their health insurance coverage options, including Medicare Part A and B benefits, Part D prescription drug coverage, Medicare Supplement plans, Medicare Advantage plans, financial assistance and key deadlines. Live Facebook events and webinars are also planned.  Read more...

Rule requires hospitals to notify patients about observation status and implications for Medicare coverage and costs

If you are a Medicare beneficiary and you go to the hospital, it is important to know whether you have been admitted to the hospital as an inpatient, or are receiving observation as an outpatient. In the past, it has been difficult for patients and families to know the difference because the patient may spend more than 24 hours in the hospital without actually being admitted.  This distinction can have a serious impact on Medicare-covered services and out of pocket costs. A rule that went into effect on March 8, 2017, requires hospitals and certain other facilities to provide patients with written and oral notification of their status. This is done through the MOON - Medicare Outpatient Observation Notice.  MOON is a standardized notice to inform Medicare beneficiaries that they are outpatients receiving observation services and are not inpatients of a hospital or critical access hospital (CAH). Learn more about MOON 
Aging & Disability Resource Network Updates
May is Older Americans Month
May marks the annual celebration of Older Americans Month. The 2017 theme, Age Out Loud, gives a new voice to aging – one that reflects what today’s older adults have to say about it. This theme shines a light on many important trends. More than ever before, older Americans are working longer, trying new things, and engaging in their communities. They’re taking charge, striving for wellness, focusing on independence, and advocating for themselves and others.  More information
Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs)
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has established 2017 income eligibility guidelines for MSPs. Click here for an easy to read chart with eligibility guidelines, produced by National Council on Aging.

To find out if you or someone you know is eligible for an MSP and/or other cost saving programs, take the BenefitsCheckUp assessment now.
A Profile of Older Americans: 2016
The Administration for Community Living released its  Profile of Older Americans: 2016, an annual summary of the latest statistics on the older adult population. The profile covers 15 topical areas including population, income and poverty, living arrangements, education, health and caregiving. Data used for the profile comes from the U.S. Census Bureau, the National Center for Health Statistics, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Read the profile...
Funding available for projects that promote artistic expression throughout the lifespan

The Ohio Arts Council, via its Creative Aging Ohio Initiative, seeks to create new opportunities for elders to thrive through arts. The council is seeking partners to implement programs that support healthy aging through the arts, help caregivers and add to the growing field of research about the arts and aging. Grant funding is available.  The deadline to apply is May. 1. Click here for more information. 

CDC issues data brief on emergency department (ED) visits by older adults

According to a new report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), hospital EDs receive an annual average of 5.2 million visits for injury by adults aged 65+. Older Americans comprised 15.9% of total ED visits, and their ED visits increased with age. Among seniors, ED visits for injury were more common among women than men.  View the report

SSI vs. SSDI: What are these benefits and how do they differ?

Several benefits programs provide financial assistance to seniors and persons living with disabilities. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) are two of the most common federal programs from the Social Security Administration. Their acronyms are similar, so what's the difference? Learn more in this informative NCOA blog. 

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. 
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is June 15 
Each year, an estimated 5 million older persons are abused, neglected, and exploited. In addition, elders throughout the United States lose an estimated $2.6 billion or more annually due to elder financial abuse and exploitation. World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) was launched by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization at the United Nations. The purpose of WEAAD is to provide an opportunity for communities around the world to promote a better understanding of abuse and neglect of older persons by raising awareness of the cultural, social, economic and demographic processes affecting elder abuse and neglect. Access WEAAD information and materials  online via the University of South Carolina's Center on Elder Mistreatment.
Ohio Senior Olympics set for June 

The Ohio Senior Olympics 2017 Games will be in Central Ohio this June. Ohio Senior Olympics is a yearly event promoting a healthy lifestyle for men and women over the age of 50. Competitions in Pickle Ball, table tennis, volleyball and 16 other sports will be contested at locations around the Central Ohio area. Regional competitions are being held around the state this May. Visit Cincinnati Recreation Commission for information on local competitions. For more information on the state games visit www.ohioseniorolympics.org.
Financial Exploitation: Its Effect on Medicaid Eligibility, Medicaid Estate Recovery & Medicare Nursing Facility Coverage
April 26, 8:45 am - Noon
CNE/CEUs available, $30 fee
Webinar: Providing Safe and Effective Nutrition for People with Dementia
May 16, 1:00 - 2 pm
Information and registration
    Webinar Healthcare Advocacy: Fundamentals of Ethical Caregiving
    May 18, 3:00 - 4:00 pm

    Butler County Transportation Summit
    May 25, 8:30 - 10:30 am
    Webinar: Caring for a Loved One with Alzheimer's
    June 7, 1:00 - 2:00 pm
    Opening Minds through Art Facilitator Training
    Online-portion June 1-30, AND one-day in-person practicum August 16 or 18
    Information and registration
    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