October/November 2026

Charla’s story: a unique perspective on senior services

As Warren County voters prepare to consider the senior services levy renewal in November, we're sharing the story of Charla, whose experience with senior services spans both her professional and personal life. As a longtime nurse and patient advocate, she helped connect patients and families with support services. Later, when her own family needed help caring for a loved one, she turned to those same services herself. Her story offers a firsthand look at how senior services can support older adults and caregivers navigating the challenges of aging.



Read Charla's story.

Free Warren County event connects families with local resources

COA is proud to sponsor the 2026 Warren County Resource Rally at the Warren County Fairgrounds, Oct. 15. This free community event features a fun harvest flair, and the opportunity to meet community partners and access resources for the whole family. The Warren County Resource Rally was created in 2023 to help non-profits and social service organizations in the county connect with each other – and the community – to better meet the needs of Warren County residents.

Click here to learn more.

HAPPENING AT COUNCIL ON AGING

2027 Forum on Aging: celebrating 40 years!

The 40th annual Forum on Aging is set for March 16-17, 2027, at the Sharonville Convention Center. Professionals in the field of aging, certified care managers, social workers, nurses, nursing home administrators and activity professionals earn up to 12 CEUs at this popular conference. Registration opens in late December.

Learn more about Forum on Aging.

Showcase your brand at 2027 Forum on Aging

Looking to expand your reach within the aging and disability services community? The 2027 Forum on Aging offers an exceptional opportunity to promote your products and services to more than 500 professionals from across the network. As a sponsor, your organization will gain valuable visibility before, during and after the event. Reserve your sponsorship today!

Explore our wide variety of sponsorship options.

Nominate a home care worker for COA award

Do you know a home health aide or an AddnAide/consumer-directed care caregiver who goes above and beyond in providing exceptional care to older adults in our region? Please consider nominating them for a COA Home Health Aide Hero award. Each winner receives an award and $250 and is recognized during Forum on Aging. Nomination deadline is Jan. 15, 2027.

Learn more about the award and make a nomination.

Wilson named finalist for Cincinnati Business Courier C-Suite Award

Council on Aging Chief Operating and Programs Officer Ken Wilson has been named a finalist for the Cincinnati Business Courier's 2026 C-Suite Awards. The recognition highlights his decades of leadership, innovation and commitment to improving the lives of older adults across southwestern Ohio.

Read more about Ken's accomplishments and this prestigious honor. 

COA board member profile: Sally Buchanan

Meet COA board member Sally Buchanan, a retired nurse with 45 years of experience in a variety of health care settings and leadership roles, including assisted living, in-home care, case management and quality.

PROGRAM & SERVICE UPDATES

Health and wellness workshop updates

• Recent Tai Chi for Balance workshops in Warren County were a hit with participants. Read more.
  
• COA is adding Tai Chi for Diabetes to its available evidenced-based programs. It is an eight-week workshop that meets twice a week for one hour. More information will be available soon!
  
• COA is scheduling workshops for program year 2027 (Oct. 1, 2026 – Sept. 30, 2027). Existing host site sponsors should contact COA to have their workshop requests added to its master wellness program calendar.
  
• Organizations interested in becoming a host site sponsor should contact Judy Eschmann.

Apply for money-saving benefits with COA's help

Identifying and applying for benefits can be a daunting process. But through its Benefits Enrollment Center (BEC), COA makes it easier by assisting limited-income older adults and those with disabilities in determining eligibility and applying for certain money-saving benefits.

Learn how the BEC may help you or someone you know. 

Support for those leaving a hospital or nursing home

Did you know the Warren County Senior Services Levy funds a program for county residents age 60 and older returning home from the hospital or nursing home? FastTrack Home provides no-cost, in-home support for up to 60 days to support a successful recovery at home, which can be a challenging period for older adults and can result in unnecessary and expensive hospital readmissions.

Learn about FastTrack Home.



Read Warren County residents' Suzy and Lyrica's FastTrack Home story.

COMMUNITY & AGING SERVICES NEWS

Catch up with COA at an event in Warren County

Council on Aging representatives are active in our service area year-round. Visit with us here, soon:

In September, we enjoyed meeting FC Cincinnati mascot Gary (who even took a turn working at our table) and many others at the health fair at Mercy's Kings Mills Hospital in Mason.

Prepare for Medicare Open Enrollment

Medicare Open Enrollment begins Oct. 15 and ends Dec. 7. Whether you're qualifying for the program this year, or have been on it for many years, there's a lot of information to master to ensure you're choosing the best options for your situation. Ohio's Senior Health Insurance Information Program (OSHIIP) offers valuable advice and assistance related to open enrollment.

Visit the OSHIIP website for webinar and meeting options.