Marion County Coalition on Aging

10/19/2026

Join us Saturday!!

10/19/2026

This SMP Sunday: Did you know you can go online and check if there have been any claims made against your Medicare number that shouldn't be there? Here is how you can check for suspicious durable medical equipment claims.

1. Log in or create an account at Medicare.gov.
2. From the Home screen, click on “Check my claims.”
3. Change the Date Range to “Last 36 months,” and click ""Apply.""
4. Change the Claim Type to “Durable medical equipment claims,” and click ""Apply.""
5. Review claims for anything not received or not requested.

If you find something concerning, report it to the SMP at smpresource.org/reportfraud.

10/19/2026

MCPHD and some community partners are hosting a Be A Good Neighbor event from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 23 at the Brookside Campus of the Northview Church on Indianapolis’ near-northeast side. The event will include information tables, neighborhood outreach, and the picking up of litter.

10/19/2026

10/19/2026

🎄🎁 MCCOA Holiday Gift Bags – Sign-Ups & Donations Are NOW OPEN! 🎁🎄

It's that wonderful time of year again! 🌟

Marion County Council on Aging (MCCOA) is spreading holiday cheer through our Holiday Gift Bag again this year!!

We are now accepting sign-ups and donations to help make this holiday season extra special for seniors in our community. 🎅✨

❤️ Every donation, big or small, can make a difference!

🎁 Want to participate or help spread some holiday joy?

👉 Check out our Link:https://m.signupgenius.com/ #!/showSignUp/20F0D4BABA92CA6FDCF8-65847094-winter?useFullSite=false

Let's come together as a community and remind our seniors that they are loved, appreciated, and never forgotten this holiday season! ❤️

10/19/2026

"Helping Your Parents Through What Comes Next. Nobody gives you a handbook for this. One day you realize the people who cared for you may need help themselves. Suddenly it's, is mom or dad still safe at home? Do they need more care? Is it time to downsize? Here's what I want families to know. You don't have to figure it out alone. That's why I created The Senior Plug—to connect seniors and families with trusted resources and support. Sometimes the answer isn't selling a house. It's making sure your loved ones are safe, comfortable, and respected. Our parents helped us navigate life. Now it's our turn to help them navigate what's next. You don't need all the answers. You just need to know who to call."

10/19/2026

Comfort, Dignity, and Independence: What Graceful Home Care Stands For

Growing older shouldn't mean losing the comfort of home, the freedom to make choices, or the dignity of being treated with respect.

For many older adults, home is where they've built memories, raised families, and developed routines that make life feel familiar. That's why home care is about more than helping with daily tasks. It's about supporting the person behind those needs.

At Graceful Home Care, comfort, dignity, and independence are important values when supporting older adults and their families.

1. Comfort means feeling safe and at ease.

Everyday activities like getting dressed, preparing meals, or moving around the home can become more challenging with age. The right support can make these routines easier while allowing seniors to remain in familiar surroundings.

Comfort also means respecting personal preferences, whether that's enjoying conversation, having quiet time, or maintaining a familiar daily routine.

2. Dignity means respecting every person's choices.

Needing help doesn't mean losing the right to make decisions. Whenever possible, seniors should be included in conversations about their care and daily routines.

Simple actions—offering clothing choices, respecting privacy, asking permission, and listening to preferences—send an important message: Your voice matters, and your choices still count.

3. Independence means supporting abilities, not taking over.

Good care doesn't mean doing everything for someone. It means recognizing what they can still do and helping where they need assistance.

For example, a senior who enjoys preparing breakfast may only need help reaching items safely. Supporting the task without taking over helps preserve their confidence and involvement in daily life.

4. Families deserve support, too.

Caring for an aging loved one can be rewarding, but balancing caregiving with work and other responsibilities can be challenging.

Depending on the care plan and available services, home care may provide assistance with daily activities and companionship. Clear communication about needs, schedules, and expectations helps families understand what support they can rely on.

At Graceful Home Care, we recognize that every individual and family has different needs. Care should begin with listening, respecting preferences, and finding support that fits each person's circumstances.

Because meaningful care isn't just about helping someone get through the day. It's about helping them feel respected, comfortable, and involved in their own life.

If your family is exploring home care options for a loved one, we're here to help you learn more.

📞 (317) 366-8595
🌐 www.gracefulcares4u.com

What does comfort, dignity, and independence mean to you when caring for someone you love? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

10/19/2026

Don’t miss out on two great IHCA/INCAL in-person workshops happening soon!

➡️ Life Safety Code/Emergency Preparedness Workshop: Oct. 20-21

➡️ Nursing Leadership Workshop: Oct. 27-28

📍Where: Renaissance Indianapolis North Hotel in Carmel

🎓12 CEUs

Register today by scanning the QR codes or visiting our online calendar at https://www.ihca.org/education-events/calendar/