We are excited to report that more than 550 professionals from across southwestern Ohio and northern Kentucky attended Council on Aging’s 2018 Forum on Aging presented by Global Meals.
Area social workers, nurses, nursing home administrators, and other professionals gathered at the Sharonville Convention Center to learn from and be inspired by nationally respected keynote speakers, workshop leaders and panelists. Attendees were able to earn up to 12 continuing education credit hours at the two-day conference, now in it’s 32nd year. And thanks to the event’s sponsors, the conference continues to be an excellent value for participants.
Workshops featured topics relevant to professionals who work with older adults and people with disabilities, including:
- Professional Ethics for Social Workers
- Fair Housing and Accessibility for People with Disabilities
- Developmental Disabilities and Aging Collaborative
- Illegal Drug Trends in Southwest Ohio
- Caregiving challenges
- Self-empowerment
Council on Aging’s Annual Meeting
COA’s 47th Annual Meeting and Awards celebration was held on March 14, during the second day of Forum on Aging. During the meeting, Council on Aging President and CEO Suzanne Burke presented highlights from COA’s 2017 annual report, and Cynthia Wright, Chair of COA’s Board of Trustees, welcomed new board member Cathy Crain and announced the board’s new officers: Cynthia Wright, Chairman; Jane Gegner, Vice-Chairman; Robert McLaughlin, Treasurer; and Sarah Boehle, Secretary.
In addition, Wright presented awards to caregivers and professionals who work to make life better for older adults and people with disabilities.
William Hambley, Attorney for Pro Seniors, received the Outstanding Professional in Aging award. Click here to read more about Mr. Hambley and the award.
Judy Vincent, Bereavement and Volunteer Coordinator for Hospice Care of Middletown, received the Outstanding Service Provider award. Click here to read more about Ms. Vincent and the award.
Rachelle Smith received the Outstanding Caregiver Award for her extraordinary efforts in caring for her mother, who has advanced Alzheimer’s. Click here to read more about Ms. Smith and the award.
State Representative Bill Seitz received Council on Aging’s Board of Trustees President’s Award. Click here to read more about Representative Seitz and the President’s Award.
Sponsors Support Forum
Council on Aging and members of the Forum on Aging Planning Committee would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the sponsors of this year’s conference. With their support, the conference is able to attract nationally-respected keynote speakers and develop informative workshops for attendees while still offering one of the best bargains around for professionals who need to earn continuing education units and to network. Thank you sponsors!
Presenting Sponsor: Global Meals
Corporate Sponsor: Guardian Medical Monitoring
Lunch Sponsor: Homecare by Blackstone
Conference Sponsors: Aetna Better Health of Ohio, Barnes Dennig, Helping Hands, Interim Homecare, Molina Healthcare of Ohio, RG McGraw Insurance Agency – Fifth Third, Superior Home Care, Inc.
Display Table Sponsors: Beckett Springs Hospital, Critical Signal Technologies, Derringer Company, Graydon, Home Products Healthcare, Huntington Bank, Independent You, KBC Design/Build Remodeling Contractor, Mom’s Meals Nourish Care, Mullaney’s Pharmacy & Medical Supply, Personal Senior Care Homes of West Chester, Queen City Skilled Care, R&B Health Care Systems, Right Now Mobility, Simply EZ of Columbus, Stateline Medical Equipment, VRI Medical Alert Monitoring, Wellness 1 Pharmacy
Non-profit Table Sponsors: Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Cincinnati, Bayley, Cincinnati Area Senior Services, Hospice of Cincinnati, LifeSpan, OSHIIP, People Working Cooperatively, Pro Seniors, Inc., UC Geriatric Medicine Program, Xavier University
Thank you Planning Committee
The Forum on Aging Planning Committee develops and recommends keynote presenters and workshop topics. Their input in planning for Forum is essential and appreciated. Thank you to the members of the Planning Committee for their support in planning the 2018 Forum on Aging:
- Katherine Abbott, Miami University
- Ann Sutton Burke, Jewish Family Services
- Anne Fredrickson, Pro Seniors
- Katie Furniss, LifeSpan
- Jill Gorley, Alzheimer’s Association
- Candy Hart, Good Samaritan/TriHealth Adult Life Services
- John Hoenemeyer, Capital Senior Living
- Tracy Johnson-Croom, Scarlet Oaks Retirement Community
- Sandy McCabe, Council on Aging of Southwestern Ohio
- Margo McMurray, Council on Aging of Southwestern Ohio
- Irene Moore, Professor Emeritus, UC College of Medicine
- Judy Webb, Warren County Community Services, Inc.
- Christina Whittaker, Council on Aging of Southwestern Ohio
Planning Committee members play an important role in shaping the format and content of the conference. If you would like to help plan the 2019 Forum on Aging, please submit your resume and a brief statement of interest to Amy Leonhardt at aleonhardt@help4seniors.org. The planning committee will meet four to five times from June-October, 2018. Meetings typically last about two hours and are held at Council on Aging’s offices in Springdale.
Save the Date
Next year’s Forum on Aging Conference will be March 12-13, 2019 at the Sharonville Convention Center. Ideas and topic suggestions can be sent to Amy Leonhardt at aleonhardt@help4seniors.org.