Connect with Council on Aging to access programs, services and resources that help older adults remain independent at home
Established in 1963, Older Americans Month is celebrated every May. Led by the federal Administration for Community Living, Older Americans Month is a time to recognize older Americans’ contributions, highlight aging trends and reaffirm commitments to serving the older adults in our communities.
This year’s theme, “Powered by Connection,” focuses on the profound impact that meaningful connections have on the well-being and health of older adults. Council on Aging (COA) serves as the Area Agency on Aging for Butler, Clermont, Clinton, Hamilton and Warren counties in southwestern Ohio and is dedicated to helping area older adults and caregivers connect to important services and resources that promote independence, dignity and quality of life.
Council on Aging is the local connection to the wide range of services available to older adults and their caregivers. When we connect someone with a home health aide and home-delivered meals, or utility assistance and home repairs, or even a local health and wellness workshop, we’re helping to ensure that individual remains connected to their homes, as well as their friends, family and community.”
Council on Aging CEO, Suzanne Burke
Council on Aging offers many programs and services designed to help older adults remain both connected to their community and independent in their homes. Services are delivered to eligible older adults through contracts with a network of service providers.
- The Elderly Services Program: provides in-home care services including personal care, homemaking, transportation and meals to help eligible older adults remain independent in their homes. A care manager works with each client to connect them to appropriate services. Available in Butler, Clinton, Hamilton and Warren counties. Eligibility begins at age 60 (65 in Clinton County). Click here to learn more.
- Medicaid-funded Home and Community-based Care: Council on Aging administers several Medicaid-funded programs in its service area, including PASSPORT, MyCare Ohio, the Assisted Living Waiver, and the Specialized Recovery Services Program. The programs provide services and supports to Medicaid-eligible individuals who need help to remain independent at home or in the community.
- Utility Assistance and Home Modification Programs: Council on Aging administers various utility and home repair and safety modification assistance programs for older adults in southwestern Ohio. Click here to learn more.
- Free Health and Wellness Workshops: COA partners with a variety of organizations to offer free health and wellness workshops designed with older adults and caregivers in mind. Workshops focus on managing chronic health conditions such as diabetes or chronic pain, as well as fall prevention. Workshop offerings and schedules vary throughout the year. Watch Council on Aging’s website, www.help4seniors.org/workshops, for the latest workshop information.
- Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program: this popular program provides fresh, nutritious, locally grown fruits and vegetables through farmers’ markets and roadside stands. Eligible participants receive $50 to spend at participating markets during the growing season. Program enrollment for the 2024 season will begin soon. Watch Council on Aging’s website (www.help4seniors.org/farmersmarket) and Facebook page for details.
- home52 Transportation: developed by COA’s subsidiary, home52, home52 Transportation provides same-day and advanced scheduled transportation for riders who need specialized transportation services. Private pay rides are available in Hamilton County. Click here to learn more.
- Caregiver Support: this free program provides one-on-one support for family caregivers to help reduce caregiver stress, burden and injuries; increase caregiver confidence and knowledge; improve the quality of care; and help caregivers balance their lives and caregiving responsibilities. Click here to learn more about program eligibility.
- Overnight Respite Care: provides respite care (time off/away for the caregiver) in an appropriate, safe environment for caregivers of individuals who have a cognitive impairment (Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, for example). Click here for more information.
- Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC): operated by Council on Aging, ADRC serves as the front door to aging-related programs and services in southwestern Ohio. Individuals can speak with specialists about specific needs or to learn about resources in the community. Specialists are available by phone, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday, at (513) 721-1025 or (937) 584-7200 in Clinton County.
- Outreach Bureau: organizations or groups interested in learning more about Council on Aging’s programs and services may request a speaker or invite COA to participate in a local event. For assistance, contact Lisa Kruse at lkruse@help4seniors.org or (513) 345-2019.
For more information about these programs and services – and more – contact Council on Aging at (513) 721-1025 or, in Clinton County, at (937) 584-7200. And, follow Council on Aging on Facebook to learn about upcoming community events where you can meet with our staff in person.