Age-Friendly Athens County

08/30/2026

The Ohio Bereavement Collaborative offers a free Grief Support Group at the Hughes Grief and Healing Center in Athens. The group provides a safe and supportive space to connect with others, process grief, and participate in activities that support healing.

September meetings:

Tuesday, September 1
Tuesday, September 15
6:00–8:00 PM
Hughes Grief and Healing Center, 168 Morris Ave., Athens

Parking is available at the Red Cross. Please enter through the front door of the house at the corner of Morris and May.

For questions, contact Nancy Baur at [email protected].

08/28/2026

The Birth Circle is looking for Civic Care Hosts especially in smaller communities in Athens County. Interested or know someone who might be a good fit? Contact information is on the flyer.

08/26/2026

Save the date!

Senior Health Fair at the Athens Community Center on Wednesday, September 23, from 9 AM–12 PM.

Stop by for free health screenings, resources, information, and more!

Athens Community Center, 701 E. State St., Athens

08/22/2026

Join the Alzheimer’s Association for a one-mile walk to raise awareness and support Alzheimer’s care, support, and research.

Saturday, September 26
Athens Community Center, 701 E. State St.
Check-in and festivities begin at 8:30 AM
Ceremony and walk begin at 9:30 AM

Register, donate, or learn more: https://act.alz.org/site/TR?sid=23932&type=fr_informational&pg=informational&fr_id=19824

The Walk to End Alzheimer's is the world's largest event to fight Alzheimer's. Join now and help raise awareness and funds for care, support and research.

08/21/2026

Do you know which vaccines are recommended as you get older?

The National Council on Aging has a helpful new guide covering six vaccines older adults may need:

Flu
Shingles
Pneumococcal disease
RSV
COVID-19
Hepatitis B for eligible adults

The guide explains who should get each vaccine, when to get it, and if Medicare covers it: https://www.ncoa.org/article/vaccines-older-adults-need-what-to-get-when-to-get-it-and-why-it-matters/

Talk with your health care provider or pharmacist about what’s right for you.

Learn which vaccines older adults should get, when to get them, why they matter, and how Medicare covers recommended vaccines.

08/20/2026

A strong home care workforce is important for people who need support to continue living in their homes and communities.

Molina Healthcare is sponsoring free online Home Health Aide (HHA) training for people in Ohio and 25 other states as part of an initiative to create 15,000 HHA positions and strengthen the home care workforce.

The program includes:
• 59 hours of online training
• 100% tuition coverage
• Mobile-friendly training that can be completed at your own pace
• Training that meets federal HHA training requirements

The program is designed for people looking to begin a career in home health care, grow professionally in the field, or gain foundational training to better care for a loved one at home.
More info:https://www.molinahealthcare.com/-/media/Molina/PublicWebsite/PDF/Providers/oh/medicaid/comm/02-26-MHO-Free-Home-Health-Aide-Training-Provider-Bulletin-508.pdf
Apply: https://www.mycnajobs.com/scholarships/details/9

Molina is committed to strengthening the home care workforce and expanding access to quality care across all of our current and prospective service areas. As part of this mission, Molina is investing in the future of care by providing free Home Health Aide (HHA) training to 15,000 people that live a...

08/16/2026

OhioHealth HomeReach Hospice is offering a free Grief Book Club for community members interested in exploring grief, loss, and healing through shared reading and conversation. No registration is required.

Upcoming books and dates:

August 27: The Beauty of What Remains by Steve Leder

September 24: The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning by Margareta Magnusson

October 22: A Perfect Replica of a Figment of My Imagination by Elizabeth McCracken

November 24: I Keep Trying to Catch His Eye by Ivan Maisel

4:00–6:00 PM
17 Blue Line Dr., Athens, OH

Questions? Contact Kelsey Funk, MSW, LISW-S, at [email protected] or 740-517-4321.

08/14/2026

Following this week's severe storms, the Ohio Department of Aging is reminding Ohioans to be cautious of home repair scams.

After severe weather, contractors may go door-to-door offering immediate help with roof damage, fallen trees, and other repairs. While many contractors are legitimate, be cautious if someone pressures you to make a quick decision or hand over an insurance settlement check.

Before agreeing to work:
• Ask for written information about the company and its services
• Check that the company is properly licensed
• Talk with your insurance company
• Give yourself at least a day or two to consider the offer

You should never feel pressured to make an immediate decision at your door.

Learn more about avoiding scams from the Ohio Department of Aging: https://aging.ohio.gov/care-and-living/get-help/elder-justice/frauds-and-scams-1

Scammers are increasingly targeting older adults with scams to steal money or get personal information they can use to open accounts and access other benefits.

08/13/2026

The Golden Buckeye Center for Dementia Caregiving is offering twice monthly Dementia Friends sessions online via Zoom.

Dementia Friends is a global movement that is changing the way people think, act, and talk about dementia. This is a free, 60-minute training session offered online and led by Golden Buckeye Center staff trained as Dementia Friends Champions.

The sessions are open to the public and may benefit anyone including family, friends, and professionals. Participants will receive a Dementia Friends Ohio Certificate of Completion upon finishing the program.

During this informative and interactive session, you’ll learn:
• How dementia can affect individuals
• Tips for communicating and engaging with someone living with dementia
• Specific actions you can take to support people living with dementia.

This month’s sessions will be held:
• Tuesday, August 25, 2026, 10:00-11:00
• Friday, August 28, 2026, 2:00-3:00pm

Register here: https://osu.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_ePfIhPuKiii0PuS