APA News

As we all know, the segment of our population hit hardest by the recent pandemic – and one of the most vulnerable – is older adults. Even something as basic as getting a meal has become a challenge. With most seniors being told to stay home, it has become more and more difficult for them to receive proper nutrition. Fortunately, local organizations have stepped in to meet the increased demand.

Realizing the impact COVID-19 could have on older adults, our Area Agency on Aging – Council on Aging of Southwestern Ohio (COA) – and its service providers, began preparing in January.

“We learned from past emergency situations that food quickly becomes an urgent need for older adults,” said Council on Aging CEO, Suzanne Burke. “We didn’t want supply chain or staffing issues to interfere with our ability to provide meals to older adults, and we knew that they might be asked to shelter-in-place for quite a while.”

COA’s intuition was spot on. When Ohio Governor Mike DeWine issued the stay-at-home order in March, COA began hearing from older adults who were afraid to go out for groceries and other necessities. Others found themselves without their regular support network. Many who contacted COA had never before needed help.

Working with its provider network, including two local agencies, Cincinnati Area Senior Services (CASS) and Meals on Wheels of SWO & NKY (formerly Wesley Community Services), COA quickly adapted services.

CASS and Meals on Wheels have stepped up helped assemble and deliver 15,000 emergency food boxes to home-delivered meals recipients. And seniors who previously attended congregate meals began receiving “carry out” meals. Another 500 older adults began temporarily receiving home-delivered meals due to the pandemic.

Fortunately, throughout the pandemic, regular meal delivery has not been disrupted and seniors have been getting the meals and nutrition they need.

But the extra meal deliveries mean providers, their staff and volunteers have been working hard. In a typical month, CASS provides approximately 35,000 meals to older adults in Hamilton County. Meals on Wheels serves approximately 55,000 meals monthly in Hamilton County, as well as Clermont, Butler and Warren counties (and Northern Kentucky).

Once the pandemic hit, CASS saw the need for meals increase dramatically. In April, the agency delivered over 60,000 meals. Likewise, Meals on Wheels has dramatically increased deliveries, as they provided over 100,000 meals.

COA, CASS and Meals on Wheels have partnered in out-of-the-box ways throughout this pandemic to ensure the nutritional needs of older adults in this region are met.

For example, when a severe storm left several senior housing communities without power for more than 24 hours, COA and providers responded within hours to provide food and ice to residents in the buildings.

With additional funding through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (H.R. 748), also known as the CARES Act, COA was able to expand meal programs to serve more seniors in need during the pandemic.

“When the pandemic began to spread, COA understood the critical need for food to keep seniors health and safe,” said Randy Quisenberry, Manager of Procurement and Provider Services with COA and a board member of the Association for Professionals in Aging.  “COA put together alternative meal programs in case any disruptions in food delivery arose.  This included a 14-day emergency box with shelf stable food – of which 75,000 were delivered. Additionally, we wanted a back-up kitchen in case of a disruption of service like another outbreak or supply chain issues with inventory. We reached out to LaRosa’s, Taste of Belgium and Frisch’s, and all three agreed to help deliver over 10,000 restaurant meals to senior buildings in Greater Cincinnati.”

“While we’re focused on providing food, we also want to bring comfort to older adults and let them know they are not forgotten,” added Burke.  “We hope a special meal from Taste of Belgium, LaRosa’s or Frisch’s is a welcome change of pace for older adults who are experiencing the effects of social isolation.”

The meals have been a comfort. Almost immediately, COA, CASS and Meals on Wheels began receiving thank you notes and voicemails from older adults who’d felt forgotten and depressed by the monotony of the pandemic.

All this would not have been possible without the dedicated employees of CASS, Meals on Wheels of SWO & NKY and Council on Aging. As the Area Agency on Aging for Southwestern Ohio, COA administers the Title III meal program and works with providers such as CASS and Meals on Wheels of SWO & NKY to ensure older adults and people with disabilities receive the nutritional support they need in order to remain independent in our communities.

If you know of a senior who needs help during the COVID-19 pandemic have them contact Council on Aging at (513) 721-1025. COA has also created a coronavirus information hub on its website – www.help4seniors.org/coronavirus.

Thanks to Paula Smith from Council on Aging for providing much of the information for this article.

I am very excited that Cincinnati Museum Center (CMC) is a Platinum Sponsor for the Association for Professionals in Aging for 2020. The APA is a wonderful tool for meeting other professionals who share similar passions and maintain an interest in building new relationships and pursuing fresh ideas in the service of aging Americans.

My name is Stephen Leonard and after spending nearly 20 years in the senior living industry, I am excited to have the opportunity to help CMC implement a new initiative designed to engage the aging population in greater Cincinnati area through outreach and newly developing in-house programs. 

Cincinnati Museum Center has been known as an educational hub in the community but I believe it there is an opportunity for seniors and those who serve them. I believe CMC has the potential to provide exceptional programming created to bring real meaning to the lives of the aging population in Cincinnati. The museum is a place where history, education, inspiration, and technology converge on a singular path. I believe this path can lead us to the discovery of ways to not only honor history, but honor and serve those who created that history. 

I know that we find ourselves in difficult times and many of our wonderful plans have been forcibly placed on hold but I am confident that we will overcome these troubled waters with a renewed sense of passion for the senior community. I am excited to see what this year brings for all of us. Please stay safe and healthy. 

Meet Jennifer Roth LSW, CCM, one of the APA current board members and Events Committee Chair. 

Jennifer is a resident of Hamilton Ohio, but originally hails from DeSoto, Illinois. Jennifer moved to the Cincinnati area in 1994 after graduating with her Bachelors of Social Work degree from Southern Illinois University. Jennifer has more than 28 years of experience working with seniors, families and children. She is licensed by the state of Ohio Counselor, Social Worker and Marriage and Family Therapist Board. She is also a Certified Case Manager. 

Jennifer is the Director of Care Management with Trinity Aging Life Advisors. Trinity provides life care management for seniors and individuals with disabilities, serving Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky, Louisville and Lexington.

One of the things that Jennifer loves about her position with Trinity Aging Life Advisors is the ability to provide expert advice and guidance to clients and families who are trying to navigate current and future care needs.  Also to be an advocate for clients to create the best outcomes that honor their values and preferences, while helping to maintain independence, health and safety.  

A little more about Jennifer:

Q: What do you enjoy doing when you are not working? 

A: I LOVE being outdoors!  I love to kayak, camp, hike, bike and walk. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends as well. 

Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? 

A: Bali would be my first choice, but I would love to travel the world and the US.  There are so many beautiful places to see!  

Q: What do you like most about being a member of the APA? 

A: I feel so blessed to be a part of such an amazing organization. I have had the pleasure of meeting so many incredible people from all walks of life with the same goal....advocating for seniors!

It’s an honor to be a sponsor for the Association for Professionals in Aging, and I look forward to meeting and interacting with everyone. I am Joe Belluscio, the Group Account Representative with Mutual of America in Southern Ohio and Kentucky, a leading provider in retirement plan services since 1945. I want to offer my experience of over 8 years in the financial and investment industry, and my companies 75 years of successful retirement servicing, not only through the events that we plan on hosting this year, but in any setting.

In this current environment, with the ongoing crisis and shutdown from COVID-19, its impossible to overlook the financial damage and legislation updates that have taken place. So please contact me with any and all concerns, and if there is interest, I'd like to setup a webinar or some time to speak with those who have questions, to explain and discuss the provisions of the 2.2T CARES Act that will potentially impact all retirement plans, and individuals.

One of our current board members is Angela Cotteral. A current resident of Maineville, Ohio, but she originally hails from Youngstown, Ohio.  

Angela is Director of Sales & Marketing for Anthology of Blue Ash. 

One of the things that Angela loves about her position at Anthology of Blue Ash is the ability to help those looking for a new way of living! She can assist you or your family with Independent or Assisted Living and Memory Care. She is there to make the transition with moving from home into our brand new community as seamless as possible. 

Q: What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?
A: I love to spend time with my family, friends and my dog. I play sand volleyball and travel as much as possible.

Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
A: I would travel to Italy, France and Ireland.

Q: What do you like most about being involved in the APA?
A: I've been a board member of APA since 2017. I enjoy meeting new people and helping others gain insight on new outlooks on the senior population.

Q: What is the last book you read?
A: I am a huge Nicholas Sparks fan and just read his newest book, Every Breath.

Caregiving in the Workplace Survey
Council on Aging of Southwestern Ohio
Suzanne Burke, President and CEO

The Council on Aging of Southwestern Ohio launched the Caregiving (COA) in the Workplace Survey to help our region’s employers quantify the impact an aging population has on their employees. We believe this is the first time a survey like this has been undertaken in our region.

Messer Construction helped the COA pilot the survey early in 2019 and since over a dozen employers participate with nearly 1,000 employee survey respondents. The data collected through the survey mirrors what is happening on a national level. The current impact on Greater Cincinnati businesses is staggering.

The 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.

Edna Burns, RN, BSN
RN Director of Case Management, Home Care and Adult Protective Services
Clermont Senior Services

Edna grew up in small town America to a large family. Her parents instilled the lesson of service to others, which lead her to becoming a nurse. Edna worked 20 years at Christ Hospital. Edna ended her career as a hospital nurse because she needed something with flexible scheduling looking at the future of having an aging parent needing more assistance in the home. Edna made a decision to become a visiting nurse. This led her to a small home health agency where she worked her way up to become the Administrator/Director of Nursing. Edna is a “senior working for seniors.” She started work at Clermont Senior Services as Director of Home Care and Case Management. She also Supervises Adult Protective Services for Clermont County. Edna says it is a rewarding yet sometimes stressful position but she loves every minute of it.

Edna is on the Steering Committee for the Ohio Human Services Training System which provides education and training for Adult Protective Services for Ohio. She is a current Member of Ohio Coalition for Adult Protective Services. Edna volunteers as Guardian Ad Litem for CASA for Children in Clermont County. She supports Developmentally Delayed Adults by being a nurse advisor for a group residential home in Clermont County.

Bev Ross
Executive Director
Creative Aging Cincinnati

Bev’s compassion for the senior population was instilled as a child witnessing family members care for her grandmother. Her passion for working with the senior population began while attending Northern Kentucky University. She chose to work at an adult day program for the required practicum hours needed for her degree in Mental Health and Human Services.

Following her graduation in 1999, Bev worked as an Activity Director at Eldermount Adult Day Care, now Bayley Adult Day, for 10 years. Here, she took great pride in scheduling activities, events and trips for the seniors in her care. During this time, she also acquired the Activity Director’s Certification. Continuing her education at what is now the University of Mount St. Joseph, Bev then received her Recreation Therapy Certification. In 2007, she resigned from Bayley to be home with her first child. At that time, she was offered and accepted a new role as the Executive Director of Creative Aging. Considered the best of both worlds, this part time position with a home office enables her to be with her three children while working to make a positive impact in the lives of seniors throughout Greater Cincinnati.

One of our retiring board members is Ruth Anne Van Loon. Ruth Anne has been on the APA board since 2014 and retires from her board position at the end of 2019.  Most recently, Ruth Anne has been the chair of the Scholarship Committee. She has been impressed and gratified to see the commitment of young professionals in training to careers working with older adults. She has also been grateful to be part of this organization that supports students through scholarships.

Originally from Chicago, Ruth Anne moved to Cincinnati more than 25 years ago. She is a professor and Director of the School of Social Work at the University of Cincinnati. 

Thank you for your time and dedication to the APA, Ruth Anne!

A few more tidbits about Ruth Anne:

Q: What do you most enjoy about your job? 

A: I am always gratified when young, aspiring professionals share their enthusiasm for what they are learning, along with their excitement about doing important work.

Q: What do you enjoy doing when you're not working?

A: Knitting socks and staying out of political discussions. (haha!)

Randy Quisenberry is a member of the Association for Professionals in Aging, a board member, and chair of Membership and Sponsorship Committee.

Randy chose a career serving the public.  After spending 10 years with Butler County Government where he worked with many departments and agencies including Job and Family Services, Children Services, Butler Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, Randy moved to the Council on Aging of Southwestern Ohio (COA). He is the Manager of Procurement and Provider Services.

The COA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing quality of life for older adults, people with disabilities, their families and caregivers. The organization promotes choice, independence, dignity and well-being of seniors through a range of services that help people remain in their homes for as long as possible.

Founded in 1971, the COA is part of the national aging services network and is a state-designated Area Agency on Aging, serving individuals across a multi-county region that includes Butler, Clermont, Clinton, Hamilton and Warren counties, with limited programming in Greene and Montgomery counties. One call to COA links people to the wide variety of agencies, information and programs that serve older adults, people with disabilities and their caregivers.

Randy took time to participate in our member Q&A.

Q: What do you enjoy most about your work?

I find it extremely rewarding to contribute to services that have a high impact on vulnerable populations. I monitor Service Providers to ensure senior citizens are getting the highest quality care at the lowest cost to serve as many seniors as possible.

Q: What do you enjoy most about being involved in the APA?

A: My membership provided me with the opportunity to network with people, companies, and agencies that share the same commitment in serving seniors.

Q: What do you like to do when you're not at work?

A: I like to garden, golf, and walk - especially on the bike trail.

Q: If you had one superpower, what would it be?

A: Flight

Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?

A: Australia

Q: What is your favorite band? A: Steely Dan

Q: What is your favorite local place to go?

A: The Loveland Bike Trail

Q: What is the last book you read?

A: Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis by J. D. Vance