September 22 is National Falls Prevention Awareness Day
September 2016
Don't Miss This!
September 22 is National Falls Prevention Awareness Day
Falls are the leading cause of injury-related hospitalizations and deaths among Ohioans aged 65 and older, costing an estimated $646 million each year. But falls are not a normal part of aging and falls are preventable.

But preventing falls, and their terrible physical, emotional and financial impact, is a community-wide effort.  Everyone - seniors, caregivers, family members, doctors, nurses, pharmacists - can play a role in preventing falls.

Use the links below to learn what you can do to prevent falls.
Take a Walk to Prevent Falls
This September, help Ohio take 10 Million Steps to prevent falls by joining a community walk or taking a one-mile walk by yourself or with family or friends. P ost a selfie  of your efforts to social media using the hashtags #PreventFalls and #10MStepsOH  to have your walk counted towards Ohio's goal. Learn more...  
Take the Falls Risk Self Assessment
Complete this simple online assessment yourself or with a loved one to determine if you should talk to your doctor about falling. 
Join Ohio's STEADY U Initiative
STEADY U Ohio is a statewide collaborative falls prevention initiative working to ensure that every county, every community and every Ohioan knows how they can prevent falls, one step at a time. STEADY U is  the  source in Ohio for falls prevention information, tools and other resources.
Check your home for fall hazards
Watch live on  Facebook , 1pm Sept. 22,  as National Council on Aging walks us through a house and demonstrates safety strategies and tips to prevent falls. Here's a checklist to help you fall-proof your own home.  
Council on Aging Updates
COA's Care Transitions team named as finalist for 2016 | Inspire Healthcare Awards
Council on Aging is among 22 finalists in four categories for the Health Collaborative’s 2016 Inspire | Healthcare Awards. The awards recognize individuals, teams and organizations working to improve health and healthcare in our community. 

COA was nominated for its transformative work developing our region’s Care Transitions innovation. In the five years since receiving one of the nation’s first federal contracts to create and implement this innovation, COA and its partners have delivered an outstanding success story that has achieved national recognition for reducing hospital readmissions among at-risk seniors.  Read more...
A COA Care Transitions coach reviews medications with a patient who was recently discharged from a hospital.
Kickoff event planned for Warren County Elderly Services levy
Supporters of the Warren County elderly services renewal levy are planning a campaign kick-off party for Tuesday, September 27 at the Warren County Administration Building. The event will include a presentation about the levy, a show of appreciation for volunteers who have completed dozens of community presentations, and the opportunity to take home campaign yard signs.  All are welcome.  Read more...
Clinton County Elderly Services renewal levy to be November ballot
A renewal of the Clinton County tax levy that provides services to help seniors stay in their homes will be on the ballot November 8. The levy provides 88 percent of the funding for Clinton County’s Elderly Services Program. The program serves nearly 450 seniors (age 65 and older) annually, providing basic, but critical services such as home-delivered meals, medical transportation, help with housekeeping and bathing, adult day services and more.  Read more...
Email confirmations and reference numbers are latest improvements to COA's online referral form
Professionals who make referrals to Council on Aging will now receive an email confirmation and reference number for each referral they submit via COA's  online referral form .  The email confirmation will arrive in addition to the  the thank you message that appears on screen after each referral. Read more... 
COA welcomes Panos, Curl to Board of Trustees
Council on Aging is overseen by a Board of Trustees and assisted by an Advisory Council. We are pleased to announce the newest members of the Board of Trustees. Read more...
COA currently hiring care managers

Council on Aging has an immediate need for Care Managers to work directly with older adults and people with disabilities to help enhance their lives. RNs, LSWs and other licensed professionals are encourage to apply. Click here for more information or to apply.  Click here for more exciting career opportunities with COA.
News You Can Use
Long-term Care Corner Guest Voice: Avoid scams during Medicare's open enrollment
Medicare open enrollment, Oct. 15 through Dec. 7 each year, is prime time for Medicare marketing scams.  In this guest article, Anne Fredrickson, Ohio Senior Medicare Patrol project manager at Pro Seniors, shares warning signs and tips to help you steer clear of these costly scams.

How to prepare for Medicare open enrollment

Medicare Open Enrollment starts Oct. 15. How can people with Medicare evaluate all the plans competing for their business, and choose the one that’s right for them?
Medicare changes are supposed to close loopholes that deny coverage

A new law and a lawsuit settlement are aimed at changing two controversial features of Medicare that have been very costly for seniors.  One issue involves the longstanding denial of coverage for patients who are determined to be “not improving.” The other involves the distinction between being admitted to the hospital vs. placed "under observation." Read more...
National Preparedness Month
The likelihood that you and your family will recover from an emergency tomorrow often depends on the planning and preparation done today. While each person’s abilities and needs are unique, there are commonsense measures older Americans can take to start preparing for emergencies before they happen. Learn more...
4 ways to fight elder financial exploitation
Financial exploitation robs millions of older people of their money and property every year. To prevent and respond to the crisis of elder financial exploitation, people are working together in hundreds of communities across our nation. Learn how you can help to protect older people in your community from financial exploitation. 
Aging & Disability Resource Network Updates
Coalition forms to address critical issues facing Ohio and its aging population
Ohio’s senior population and their families are coming together to form the  Ohio Aging Advocacy Coalition  to identify serious issues and help develop cost effective solutions to avoid a financial and health care crisis. The coalition is led by former Ohio Department of Aging director Barbara Riley and supported by the state’s leading organizations that provide a variety of services to Ohio’s aging community.   Read more...
Report recommends health care reforms to elevate the status of and support for family caregivers
A new report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine finds that al though family caregivers play an integral role in our long-term care system, they are often marginalized or ignored in the delivery of those services and supports.  The report calls on  the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and others to develop and execute a National Family Caregiver Strategy that elevates family-centered care alongside person-centered care to better account for the roles of family caregivers and support their involvement in the care delivery process.  Read more...
Funding available for award-winning Opening Minds through Art program
Grants are available to Ohio nursing homes with Medicaid certification that wish to offer the award-winning, evidence-based  Opening Minds through Art (OMA)  program. OMA is an inter-generational art-making program for people with dementia.  It is one of 12 programs approved by Ohio Department of Aging as a required Quality Improvement Project. Click here for information and to link to the online application.
Report highlights Ohio's success in transitioning people from institutional to home-based settings

Russell wanted a change in scenery and he wanted to be independent again, living in a home of his own. Then he heard about HOME Choice, a program that helps Medicaid beneficiaries move from nursing homes back into the community. Ohio is a leader in the program nationally. In 2015, Ohio transitioned 1,658 people from institutional settings to homes in the community, more than any other state. Since the program began in 2008, 8,652 Ohioans have gained newfound independence through HOME Choice.  A new report highlights Ohio's success. Read the rest of Russell's story.
Russell, right, with his Transition Coordinator, Bruce
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. 
New support group for people who use personal care assistance services
The Center for Independent Living Options, Inc. (CILO) is hosting a four week series to provide a safe environment where people can share their experiences regarding personal care assistance services. The workshop starts Sept. 28 and runs for four weeks, 11am-1pm at the main branch of the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County. Learn more...
Wilmington Library hosts Caring for Aging parents speaker series
The Wilmington Public Library in Clinton County kicks off its three-part How to Help Aging Parents workshop series Thursday, September 22 @ 6 pm. Topics for the series include elder law, Medicare, home health services, caregiving, nursing homes and more.  Learn more...
What Everyone with Hearing Loss Should Know About Hearing Aids and Hearing Loops
Otterbein Retirement Community, September 27, 2016

What Everyone with Hearing Loss Should Know About Hearing Aids and Hearing Loops
Northern Hills Synagogue, September 28, 2016

Hero Targets: Scamming our Veterans
September 30, 2016
Fifth Annual Music and Medicine Conference
October 7, 2016

Free Wills and Advance Planning Clinic
Legal Aid Society, October 8

Will I Be Next? An Alzheimer's Community Dinner and Physician Panel Discussion
October 26, 2016

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