October/November 2026

Senior services in action: Meet Ned

As Clinton County voters prepare to consider the senior services levy on the November ballot, many residents are interested in learning more about the services it supports. In this story, longtime Martinsville resident Ned shares his experience with programs that help older adults remain independent and engaged in their communities.

Read Ned's story.

Partnership brings local produce within reach for Clinton County older adults

Fresh, locally grown food became more accessible for Clinton County older adults through FreshConnect, a pilot collaboration involving Council on Aging, the Clinton County Foundation, Energize Clinton County and the Clinton County Farmers’ Market. Together, the partners distributed $1,000 in farmers’ market vouchers while gaining valuable insight into local food-access needs.

Read about the partnership.

Tune in: Answers on Aging debuts on Real Roots Radio

Council on Aging has launched a new monthly program on Real Roots Radio to help Clinton County residents learn about services, resources and issues affecting older adults. The next edition, airing Oct. 6, features Clinton County resident and COA Board member Sally Buchanan discussing the Senior Services Levy and its impact on local aging services.

Sabina Village Council receives ESP update

In September, Clinton County ESP Advisory Council Chair Nicole Myers presented an update on Clinton County ESP to the Sabina Village Council. ESP helps older adults remain safe and independent at home and provides peace of mind to their caregivers. In 2025, ESP provided in-home, supportive services to 643 Clinton County residents. The program is funded by the Clinton County Senior Services Levy which will be on the ballot for renewal in November.

Learn more about Clinton County ESP in its 2025 annual report.

HAPPENING AT COUNCIL ON AGING

2027 Forum on Aging: celebrating 40 years!

The 2027 Forum on Aging is set for March 16-17 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.

PROGRAM & SERVICE UPDATES

Health and wellness workshop options to grow; COA seeking host sites and 2027 schedules

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 Clinton County Senior Services Levy funds a program for county residents age 65 and older returning home from a 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.

COMMUNITY & AGING SERVICES NEWS

Catch up with COA at an event in Clinton County

Council on Aging representatives are active in our service area year-round. Visit with us on October 6 at the Highland Senior Expo at Southern State Community College.

In September, we enjoyed meeting community members at the Clinton Regional Hospital Collation Fair (in photo) and in August at Clinton County Farmers' Market Community Resource Day.

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 offers valuable advice and assistance related to open enrollment.

Visit the OSHIIP website for webinar and meeting options.