During the last few weeks, Coronavirus news has taken a back seat to news about the nationwide protests over the killing of George Floyd by members of the Minneapolis Police Department ... save for expressions of concern by experts about spikes in infections from a lack of social distancing at the protests. But there are still plenty of COVID-19-related developments to share. After all, we are unfortunately still in the middle of a global pandemic.
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COA accepting applications for senior farmers' market program
In our last newsletter, we announced our plan to launch the USDA's Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program for the first time ever in our service area.
We are now accepting applications for the program.
All the details about how the program works, along with access to online and printable applications, are
on our website
. We encourage you to share this information wherever possible!
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COA to distribute thousands of PPE items to area service providers
COA has received a shipment of thousands of pieces of personal protective equipment from the Ohio Department of Aging. COA will distribute the items, including 11,000 masks, hundreds of bottles of hand sanitizer, face shields and more, to service providers that deliver critical in-home care services to more than 26,000 older adults in southwestern Ohio.
Get the full story.
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COA seeking volunteers to make calls to seniors
We are seeking friendly volunteers to make weekly wellness phone calls to older adults in our community. Training and scripts are provided. Volunteers must be able to send feedback to COA via email.
Click here
for more information and to register as a volunteer. Thanks for helping us keep our local seniors safe!
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ProSeniors fraud forum available in new format
Normally an in-person event, the annual ProSeniors/WMKV Consumer Protection/Fraud Forum is still available, but in an "ears-only" format. You can catch it on WMKV radio (89.3 and 89.9 FM) and streaming on the
WMKV website
on Thursday, June 11, from 2-4 pm and Sunday, June 14, from 3-5 pm. A
two-part podcast
will be posted on June 11 as well.
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World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is June 15
Elder abuse is widespread during normal times, with an estimated prevalence of approximately 10%, including physical abuse, psychological or verbal abuse, sexual abuse, financial exploitation, and neglect. Social isolation is one of the greatest risk factors for elder abuse. During the pandemic, seniors are experiencing social isolation more than ever. The National Center on Elder Abuse has some
excellent information and resources
that explain how to spot abuse and what to do if you suspect abuse.
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Grandparents anxious to spend time with grandchildren again
Wisely, many older adults who are grandparents have kept their physical distance from their grandchildren during the pandemic (have you ever heard of kids referred to as "germ factories?"). But it's getting old for many.
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Celebrate Pride Month from home
June is National Pride Month, and
SAGE
- the country’s largest and oldest organization dedicated to improving the lives of LGBT older people - is offering pandemic-safe virtual ways to celebrate through its PrideInPlace activities, scheduled throughout the month.
See the entire schedule.
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State and national COVID-19 news
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Here's what's happening at the state and national level.
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Nutrition and food insecurity during COVID-19
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The pandemic has amplified the issue of food insecurity across Ohio and the nation. In older adults, fear of exposure to the virus, closure of congregate meal sites and senior centers and lack of other support have contributed to this. In our service area, COA has worked hard to ensure no seniors are without food by:
- Enrolling more than 500 seniors who aren't already part of a COA program in home-delivered meal (HDM) services.
- Preparing and delivering 15,000 shelf-stable emergency food boxes for those already receiving HDMs as part of a COA program in case of pandemic-related disruptions in food supply or delivery.
- Partnering with LaRosa's and Taste of Belgium restaurants to provide nearly 10,000 meals to low-income seniors in senior apartment buildings - many of whom are isolated due to the pandemic.
Here's some more information about food insecurity and nutrition during these difficult times:
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Virtual education and support opportunities
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Almost all education has gone virtual recently, so there are many ways to learn something new or get support from the comfort of your home right now.
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And now for some good news...
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Here's a little break from all the heavy news.
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COVID-19 resources from COA
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Resources for seniors during the COVID-19 pandemic
Our website has updated information and resources for those who need help during this difficult time:
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Council on Aging of Southwestern Ohio (COA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing quality of life for older adults, people with disabilities, their families and caregivers. We promote choice, independence, dignity and well-being through a range of services that help people remain in their homes for as long as possible.
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