GC Council on Aging - February 2021 INsights Newsletter

We continue to do our best with this new ‘virtual’ world we are living in. It is impacting almost every component of our lives, but that does not mean it has been easy for or appreciated by everyone. 
In talking with some of the wonderful seniors of Greene County, we have heard stories about getting the hang of texting with family and friends, looking forward to Skyping or FaceTiming with children and grandchildren, and checking out videos and instructional classes through YouTube, Zoom, and other online platforms.

We have heard success stories related to ordering groceries online to then pick up or have a family member or friend pick up and deliver. Similarly, we have heard from seniors who regularly place online orders with local eateries, download books, movies and music from the library, and use telemedicine for some of their doctor appointments.

Not all of the conversations and stories are full of enthusiasm and success, for many reasons. The most obvious reason is limited or no access to the internet. For some, this is due to not having a smartphone. Yes, there are still many people who either don’t have a mobile phone or if they do, it is a ‘flip phone’ which is used only for calls and possibly

texting. Slow internet or the cost of internet service also impacts our ability to incorporate virtual activities into our daily lives. 

There are many who are not interested in or possibly don’t have the capacity to embrace and use virtual resources. And while we need to continue to explore and offer services, education and support through our virtual world, we also need to make sure we have and maintain meaningful non-virtual options for our seniors and caregivers.

The increased availability and need to use online resources, have pushed us into doing many things differently. The key in moving forward, however, is to use a blend of methods for reaching out and presenting programs and offering services. We are hopeful that in-person activities will soon make a cautious return, providing some much needed socialization and connection. 

For those of us who don’t easily pick-up on how to use these devices and access online resources, Your Council will be offering some hands-on assistance. We don’t want seniors and caregivers to turn away from the virtual world, becoming more isolated, due to frustration and feeling inadequate.

The Ohio Attorney General Office is launching a new initiative to increase awareness of Covid-19 scams, fraud, and identity theft and how you can protect yourself.

The Attorney General’s website now has a series of animated videos covering the topics of identity theft, gift card fraud, and how to spot the red flags of a scam. Click on the links below to view them:

Full Video
Identity Theft
Gift Card Scams
Red Flags of a Scam
Ohio Attorney General website

If you shop at Kroger, and have a rewards card, you can help the Council every time you shop, at no cost to you. The Kroger Community Rewards contributes to your designated organization whenever you swipe your rewards card.

First, if you do not already have one, get a rewards card from the Customer Service desk at your Kroger. Then go to www.kroger.com and create an account. Go to the Community Rewards section, and select the organization you want to support. You can search for Greene County Council on Aging or use our number: MD036.

Then every time you swipe your Rewards card, some money will be given to your Council to advance our mission to assist Greene County seniors and their caregivers. Thank You!

Healthy U Diabetes
Self-Management Workshop

Our next Healthy U Diabetes Self-Management workshop, presented in partnership with the Area Agency on Aging, starts Wednesday, March 3rd. This is an online, six-week course (March 3 through April 7) with the sessions going from 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm.

GCCOA team members will present this workshop which includes topics such as setting and achieving personal health goals; using good nutrition to improve health and to control symptoms; strategies to deal with stress, fatigue, pain and depression; and using medications safely and appropriately.

This online workshop is free and open to those 18 and over who have or are caring for someone with Type 2 Diabetes. Participant must have internet access with camera and microphone. If you are new to video conferencing, an orientation session is available in advance. It is not possible to attend via smart phone.

All materials for the workshop will be mailed or delivered to participants' homes. To learn more or to register, please call the council at 937-376-5486, extension 119, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The Council has several care managers available to provide phone support & consultations to family members in need of guidance in the daily interactions with and care of their loved ones with dementia.  

Your Council has several videos on our YouTube Channel. For example, "Creating a Safe Environment for a Loved One with Dementia" can help anyone living with a person who has dementia. Dementia increases the risk for an injury or accident to take place within the home. Learn some important actions for keeping your loved one safe at home.

Click here to visit our YouTube channel.

Please join us in thanking these generous donors who shared gifts since the last newsletter. 

In Memory Of: 
Patsy Campbell
Shirley Dill
Ed Dressler
Francis & Mary Heeb
Delmber & Vera Johnson
Bob Roach
Janet Shoemaker
Barbara J. Taylor

Donors:
Mary C. Graves
Kathryne & Gary Heeb
Judith Hudson
Wayne Zwart
Neeld Funeral Home

Volunteers:
Cathy Brown
Jerri DeVoe
Betty Gibson
Beth Massie
Tracey Rickey
Barbara Werth

Additional Online programming is being added to the 2021 calendar. To ensure you receive information and alerts, sign up for our Special Events and Education newsletters, or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
◊ Weekly Programming with our Partners at Real Roots Radio, WBZI FM 100.3:
Boomers and Beyond on Wednesdays around 12:05pm
Partners in Caregiving on Thursdays soon after 6:00pm

◊ Online Caregiver & Kinship Support Groups ~ This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information
◊ Questions or to request grab bars, masks or other services ~ 937-376-5486 or yThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
◊ Drive-By Shredding Event ~ Saturday, April 10th, 9am-12pm, 1265 W Second St, Xenia
◊ Regular Updates and Information Posts on the Council’s Facebook Page and website

Please continue to be on alert regarding the various COVID-19 scams. 
For more COVID-19 information, please go to www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/ 
or coronavirus.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/covid-19/home