Generations Michigan
Spring 2005
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Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Also in This Issue: ■ Ask the Expert About Parkinson’s Disease ■ A Look at Area Agencies Around Our State
Published quarterly by Michigan’s Area Agencies on Aging
Welcome to Michigan Generations Michigan is divided into 16 AAAs, each serving a different part of the state.
AAAs— Gateways to Community Resources
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Whether you are an older adult yourself, a caregiver or a friend concerned about the well-being of an older adult, Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) are ready to help. AAAs in communities across the country serve as gateways to local resources, planning efforts, and services that help older adults remain independent. AAAs were established under the Older Americans Act in 1973 to respond to the needs of Americans aged 60 and over in every community. The services available through AAA agencies fall into five general categories: information and consultation, services available in the community, services in the home, housing, and elder rights. A wide range of programs is available within each category.
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4 Region IV Area Agency on Aging 5 Valley Area Agency on Aging 6 Tri-County Office on Aging 7 Region VII Area Agency on Aging 8 Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan 9 NEMCSA Region 9 Area Agency on Aging 10 Area Agency on Aging of Northwest Michigan 11 Upper Peninsula Area Agency on Aging 14 Senior Resources of West Michigan Visit the AAA’s state website at www.mi-seniors.net
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The services offered by Michigan’s 16 AAAs cover a broad spectrum of needs, such as information and referral, case management, in-home services, home-delivered meals, senior centers, transportation, and special outreach. To read more about each of Michigan’s AAAs and the services available, turn to page 10 of this issue. MI
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Michigan
Generations SPRING 2005 Published quarterly
through a cooperative effort of Michigan’s Area Agencies on Aging. For information contact: Jenny Jarvis 248-262-9202 jjarvis@aaa1b.com
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Editorial Project Development: JAM Communications, Atlanta, GA Design and Production: Wells-Smith Partners, Lilburn, GA Cover and feature photography by Green Frog Photography, Grand Rapids, MI.
On the Cover: Cherrie Druckenbrodt faces the challenges and embraces the joys of raising her granddaughter, Arica Druckenbrodt. To read more about grandparents raising grandchildren, turn to the story on page 4
Spring 2005, Volume 2, #4 © 2005 by the Michigan Area Agencies on Aging. The information contained herein has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable. However, the Michigan Area Agencies on Aging and JAM Communications make no warranty to the accuracy or reliability of this information. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission. All rights reserved.
Michigan Generations
MAP PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY TRAVEL MICHIGAN
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They are:
1A Detroit Area Agency on Aging 1B Area Agency on Aging 1-B 1C The Senior Alliance 2 Region 2 Area Agency on Aging 3A Kalamazoo Cty.Human Services Dept.Region 3A 3B Burnham-Brook Region IIIB Area Agency on Aging 3C Branch-St.Joseph Area Agency on Aging IIIC
CAREGIVINGNews&Notes Test Your Driving Skills
Boosting Your Brainpower Good mental fitness is as important to your overall quality of life as physical health. Try out the following memory exercises. Once you find one that works well for you, follow it regularly. ■ Repeat it. Say what you want to learn silently to yourself several times. ■ Link it. When trying to remember a list, come up with a visual link from the first item to the second item and so forth. ■ Connect it. Connect what you need to learn to something you already know. ■ Rhyme it. Be creative and make up a poem incorporating whatever you need to remember. ■ Take a snapshot. Use your visual memory to form a picture of what you need to recall. ■ Categorize it. Group items together under mental “labels” that will help you remember the items in each group. Edited from Total Memory Workout by Cynthia Green
Surfing the Net Each issue of Michigan Generations offers several websites of interest to older adults and their caregivers … right at your fingertips. www.healthfinder.gov is a service of the National Health Information Center.The site offers health news and resources, clinical trials updates and a library of information listed from A to Z, with topics organized by gender, race, age and ethnicity. www.gu.org highlights the mission of Generations United, which works to improve the lives of both children and older adults through intergenerational collaboration, public policies and strategies. Look for more helpful websites in the next issue of Michigan Generations. CORRECTION: Two medications cited in “Dementia: With Help Comes Hope” (Michigan Generations, Winter 2005, page 19) were misspelled. The first medication was referred to as “Arasapt,” but the correct spelling is “Aricept.” The second medication, “Amenda,” should have read “Namenda.” The writer regrets the error. Spring 2005
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eniors over 65 are the fastest-growing population in the country and, as a group, show no sign of giving up their automobiles. In fact, by 2020 there will be more than 40 million licensed drivers aged 65 and older in the U.S. If you — or someone you care for — worry about declining driving skills as you get older, an in-home screening program may be what you need. Roadwise Review, offered by the American Automobile Assn., allows you to test several key functional areas that could affect driving. These include leg strength and mobility, head and neck flexibility, low visual acuity and working memory. The program gives you answers that help identify corrective actions. Roadwise Review comes on a CD, so you will need a personal computer to run the screening test. Check out www.aaa.com for details.
Spring Cleaning for Estate Planning N ow that tax season is behind us, financial advisors recommend you turn your attention to the state of your estate. That includes your home, bank accounts, car, furniture, investments and insurance policies. This is a good time to update your will and make sure you have a plan that directs where all your property will go. If you are a caregiver, sit down with your loved one and tactfully guide them through the process.
Here are a few of the most common mistakes that seniors or caregivers make: • Making decisions in secret — that is, not talking to children or other responsible relatives • Keeping poor records of bank accounts, insurance policies and investments • Failing to update beneficiary forms — especially for IRAs or other retirement accounts
Spotlight on
Older Americans
“Celebrate Long-Term Living” is the theme for this year’s Older
Americans Month, which is celebrated every May. The designation originated with a presidential proclamation in May 1963 and has been proclaimed by the President every year since then. Last year, President Bush stated, “Our seniors have cared for their families and communities, enhanced our economic prosperity, defended our nation and preserved and protected the Founders’ vision. Their commitment to our future sets an inspiring example for all.” This May, look for new ways to honor the seniors in your life. For information, check out www.AoA.gov. 3
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren In Michigan, 143,000 children live in grandparent-headed households. Here's a look at the challenges these grandparents face and the help that's available for them. By Martha Nolan McKenzie
Ramona Knight and grandson, LaJuan Bramlett.
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ichelle Barnes was ready to take it easy. She and her exhusband had raised their four children and fostered 13 more, one of whom they adopted. She had just finished paying off the college loans she took out for her children, and she had moved into a little apartment with three cats. Although she was still working as a nurse educator in an Ann Arbor school district, she was looking forward to a relaxed retirement. It didn’t work out that way. Today, Barnes, 63, is back on the front lines of parenting, raising her six-year-old grandson, Terik. She has moved into a larger house and adopted two puppies. Instead of gardening or taking trips with friends, she spends her time dealing with earaches, homework and temper tantrums. “I certainly never thought this is what I’d be doing at my age,” says Barnes. Her son, Terik’s father, was in and out of jail when Terik was an infant. Terik’s mother was unemployed and on drugs. When Terik was two, his mother got a job and began leaving him with inappropriate people, according to Barnes. Samantha Cribbs and “I took him whenever I could,” she says. “Then one day granddaughter, Amanda Hines. I took him back home and his mother wasn’t there. Instead, there were two drunk men in the living room, and they
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Michigan Generations
told me Terik’s mother said I should leave the boy with them. I said ‘no’ and went to the court and got custody of him.” Barnes doesn’t regret her decision. “Nobody made me take Terik in,” says Barnes. “I’m doing it because I love him. I want him to grow into a whole person filled with grace, and I think I can help him do that.” Still, she finds her new role difficult. For one thing, Terik has emotional and behavioral problems that stem from his rough beginnings. And Barnes now finds herself cut off from her former peers. “I was the only one who appeared at my 40th high school reunion with a toddler,” she says. Though Barnes often feels as if she’s alone, she is actually in very good company. Across the U.S., 4.5 million children — more than six percent of all children under 18 — live in households headed by a grandparent. In Michigan, 143,000 children live in grandparent-headed households. And this trend, which cuts across all socioeconomic, racial and ethnic boundaries, is growing. “In the last decade, Michigan has seen a 25 percent increase in the number of grandparents who are raising their grandchildren,” says Jim McGuire, director of planning and advocacy for the Area Agency on Aging 1-B in Southfield. “But our senior population has grown just five percent over the same period. So our population of grandparents raising grandchildren is growing five times faster than our older adult population.” The reasons behind this troubling trend are myriad. Incarceration, AIDS, mental disorders, poverty, teen pregnancy and, recently, military deployment leave many parents unable to care for their children, compelling grandparents to step in. But the biggest driving force, according to experts in the field, is substance abuse. “It really started in the ’80s with the crack cocaine epidemic,” says Virginia Boyce, the Grandparents as Parents (GAP) program coordinator for Catholic Social Services of Washtenaw County in Ann Arbor. “You can’t hold a family together when you’re on crack cocaine.” However they came to this place, grandparents who find themselves in this role are pulled by strong and opposing forces. On one hand, these grandparents are motivated by love, and they reap the emotional and spiritual benefits of doing the right thing and of being supremely needed and useful. On the other, they must navigate a difficult and often confusing road blocked with legal, financial, housing and emotional issues.
Legal issues Grandchildren often arrive in a grandparent’s home abruptly, many times as the result of a crisis, and the arrangement is completely informal and believed to be short-term. However, as days stretch into weeks and weeks into months, grandparents are forced to confront the dilemma of their legal relationship with the grandchild. Should they try to obtain guardianship? Should they adopt the child? Amy Goyer, coordinator of the AARP Grandparent Information Center in Washington, D.C., says, “In most cases, without legal status, the grandparent cannot enroll a child in school, get medical treatment or obtain financial assistance.” However, many grandparents are reluctant to take steps toward formalizing their legal status. Fear of losing their two Spring 2005
Facilitator David Krajewski, CSW, leads a support group in Jackson on the importance of asking for help.
grandsons has kept Irene and Roger Gunnink of Three Rivers from pushing for legal guardianship, even though their lack of legal status has made it difficult to find child care and medical care for the boys. Though they think the boys’ mother, their daughter, would consent, they fear her husband would retaliate. “Our daughter is bipolar and has problems with drugs and alcohol,” says Irene, 52. “Her husband has problems with drugs and alcohol. They cannot provide a good home for those boys. We’ve brought up the issue of guardianship, but we’re afraid to push it because we’re scared of what their father would do.” For grandparents who do pursue a degree of legal status, there are various options available: • POWER OF ATTORNEY. A quick, easily obtained and inexpensive legal arrangement, a power of attorney gives grandparents specific rights to make decisions in the interest of the grandchild. A power of attorney lasts for six months, and the parent retains his parental rights. • LIMITED GUARDIANSHIP. Parents and grandparents work together to craft a temporary legal arrangement for the child. With the parents’ consent, the grandparent is entitled to assume parental rights during the specified time period. • FULL OR PERMANENT GUARDIANSHIP. A grandparent can be awarded full guardianship if he or she has informally raised the grandchild for a period of time or if the parents can no longer care for the child. If the parent opposes guardianship, the grandparent must file a petition in court. As a legal guardian, the grandparent can act as the child’s parent, although parental rights are not terminated, and the parents can go back to court to have the guardianship revoked. • CUSTODY. Legal custody is like guardianship, but it has different rules. A grandparent can gain custody of their grandchild when the parents sign a contract consenting to the arrangement or a court gives the grandparent custody during a court hearing. 5
• KINSHIP FOSTER CARE. A child enters the foster care system when a court removes him from his parents’ home as a result of abuse or neglect. The grandparent can apply to become a licensed foster care parent for the child. The good news is the grandparent will receive aid from the state — up to $400 a month. The bad news is the court retains legal custody of the child and the grandparent is subject to a lot of oversight. • ADOPTION. Adoption severs all of the parents’ rights and responsibilities and bestows them on the grandparent. Before a grandparent can adopt her grandchild, the parents must have given their consent or a court must have terminated their parental rights. Grandparents do not need to go through an adoption agency or retain an adoption attorney.“There are rights and protections that adoption affords,” says Elly Falit, recruitment specialist with the Photo above: Ramona Knight (left) and Judy Adoption/GAP Flannery with Ms. Knight’s grandchildren, LaJuan Collaboration and Syndia Bramlett, attend a Grandparents and program for Other Relatives as Parents Program in Jackson. Catholic Social Photo right: Bill Flannery with granddaughters, Services in Ann Amber and Kayla Flannery. Arbor. “The parents can’t come back sometime in the future and get the child back. And the grandparent can decide who will care for the child if he or she dies. And after the grandparents’ death, the child can receive SSI benefits.”
Financial issues Taking on additional mouths to feed and bodies to clothe presents a financial challenge, particularly for grandparents who may be living on a fixed income. One source of assistance is the federal cash benefit program, known as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, or TANF. Grandparents and other relatives can apply for TANF benefits in one of two ways — a child-only grant or a family grant. Eligible children can continue to receive monthly assistance until they reach age 18. “Many grandparents could qualify for this money, but many don’t know how or where to apply for it,” says Brent Elrod, manager of policy and programs for Generations United in Washington, D.C. “It’s not a huge amount of money — the amount varies from state to state — but for some it can make a real difference in keeping the family together.” A grandparent raising a grandchild may also be eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) if they are low income and 6
over age 65 or if any family member is blind or physically or mentally disabled. Low-income grandparents can also get help with food costs through the Women, Infant & Children (WIC) program, which is administered through local health departments. They may qualify for food stamps through their county Family Independence Agency or the school lunch program through the Michigan Department of Education Food and Nutrition Program. This assistance is a life boat for many. Dorothy Allen, 58, is raising four grandchildren, ages three to 14, on the $1,300 she receives each month from Social Security, SSI and a family grant. Though cash is always tight, Allen has been able to keep her family together, thanks to these funds and other assistance. “I do get food stamps, but those kids can eat up a mountain, so sometimes I get food from the churches,” says Allen, who lives in Detroit. “It’s just working out by the good grace of God, but it’s working out.”
Medical insurance About one-third of all children who live in grandparentheaded households do not have health insurance, according to the Children’s Defense Fund. If the grandparent is still working, their employer’s insurance generally will not cover a grandchild, unless that grandchild is adopted. Medicare won’t cover a grandchild even if he is adopted. Private insurance for the children is out of reach for most. Most children in this situation qualify for coverage through a state-funded program, but grandparents are often told — mistakenly — that they must have legal custody or guardianship in order to apply. Children living in low-income households may be eligible for Medicaid, even if the grandparent is not the Are you a grandparent raising legal guardian. In grandchildren? For more details Michigan, the Medicon some of the programs offered aid program that covby Michigan’s Area Agencies on ers children under age Aging, turn to pages 10-19 in this 19 is called Healthy issue of Michigan Generations. Kids. Any child who is receiving a child-only grant, a family grant or SSI benefits is also eligible for Healthy Kids. If the child does not qualify for Healthy Kids, he or she may be eligible for coverage under MIChild, a health insurance program for uninsured children of low-income working families. If they qualify, the family pays a monthly premium of $5, no Michigan Generations
matter how many children they have. There are no co-pays or deductibles. Another program — Children’s Special Health Care Services (CSHCS) — provides coverage and referrals to children with special needs. Getting the coverage they need can be a challenge for many grandparents. Mary Freemire and her husband, Jerry, have been raising their five-year-old grandson, Bradley, since his birth. Bradley was born three months premature, which led to a host of medical conditions, including seizure disorder, sensory motor dysfunction and learning delays. Mary, 56, was an adoption worker for the state, so she knew how to navigate the system and get the resources she needed. Even so, it took her a year and a half to get Bradley enrolled in Medicaid, CSHCS and on her private policy. “And I know what I’m doing,” says Mary, who lives in Portage. “For a grandparent who doesn’t really know the system, I don’t know how they’d do it.”
Housing issues
ents,” says GAP’s Boyce. “It can add a lot of meaning to their lives. They know they are doing good, and there is a lot of satisfaction in that.” They also have to opportunity to forge special bonds with their grandchildren. Kathy Jones (not her real name) has been raising her 16-year-old grandson, Scott, since he was five. “I’ve got nine grandchildren, but I’m particularly close to Scottie,” says Jones. “He was my first grandson, so we had a special relationship anyway. But since he’s lived with me, we’ve gotten even closer. And he’s very happy here with me.” On the flip side, however, some grandparents are plagued with guilt, feeling somehow responsible for their child’s inability to parent. They have to give up their cherished role of grandparent and assume the more difficult one of parent. And many grandparents find that task of parenting more complicated by the condition of their grandchildren. “The kids the grandparents get are often compromised,” says Boyce. “They might be compromised before birth by drugs. They might be compromised again in infancy by neglect. By the time the grandparent gets the child, there are often serious issues.” Lynette Battle found herself raising her two grandsons in her small Detroit home after it became clear they were suffering from neglect, and perhaps even abuse, in the care of her daughter and a string of her boyfriends. The oldest grandson, now seven, hated Battle, blaming her for the situation and lashing out with severe emotional and behavioral problems. The youngest, now four, cried constantly and scratched himself until he bled. “I was dumbfounded,” says Battle, 49. “I didn’t understand how these little bitty kids could have all these problems, and I didn’t know how to deal with them. All my friends have grown children, so they don’t understand what I’m going through. For the longest time, the only outings we ever had were to doctors’ appointments. I felt totally cut off.”
The house or apartment that was perfect for the emptynester may suddenly become too small when a grandchild or two moves in. And space isn’t the only problem. The grand-parent may be living in a senior housing facility that does not allow children. Or they may be in public housing where rules limit the number of occupants. In Boston, MA, two nonprofits developed GrandFamilies House, the nation’s first housing program specially designed for grandparent-headed families. In Michigan, the Church of the Messiah Housing Development Corp., a Detroit nonprofit group, plans to emulate GrandFamilies House with its own Champlain Village. Though it is still trying to secure the $9 million in funding needed, construction is slated to begin in September, with completion planned for next Spring. Of a total of 40 town homes, 10 will be designated for grandparents raising developmentally disabled grandchildren. “We will have a clubhouse, two play spaces and a community resource center for older kids,” says Fran Howze, executive Getting help Cherrie Druckenbrodt and director of the Church of the Messiah Help is available for grandparents granddaughter, Arica Druckenbrodt. Housing Development Corp. “We’re who are raising their grandchildren, but going to work with several communityfar too few know about it. “One of the based partners to offer extensive support services to the biggest problems is misinformation or lack of access to informaresidents, including intergenerational recreational activities, tion among grandparents,” says AARP’s Goyer. “For example, if computer classes, health education and group and individual their grandchild has special learning needs, they may be eligible counseling.” for an IEP (Individualized Education Program), but most don’t know about it because it wasn’t around or wasn’t needed when they were raising their own kids.” Emotional challenges In Michigan, the State Office of Services to the Aging, local For all the legal, medical and financial issues faced by grandAARP chapters and local Area Agencies on Aging provide inforparents-turned-parents, the emotional issues can be the greatest mation, referral and resources for grandparents raising grand— and the most conflicted. Undeniably, there are emotional continued on page 19 rewards. “Over time, it can be a wonderful thing for grandparSpring 2005
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GUESTClose-Up FOCAL POINTS FOR AGING with the public, the center keeps me in contact with friends and former colleagues I wouldn’t see otherwise.” Volunteerism offers opportunities, too, for everyone from youth to retired professionals. As one volunteer says, “It’s like working for fun instead of a paycheck.” Many find senior centers to be a “gold mine” of information, assistance and referrals. Still others consider the center as a sort of senior health club. By keeping older adults “functionally fit,” senior centers are uniquely positioned to provide a continuity of care when it comes to maintaining health and well-being. Programming can include fitness classes such as T’ai chi, strength training and walking clubs, while offering support groups and health education. Senior centers have also become a “stage” for cultural arts, including acting groups, bands, choirs, painting and foreign language classes. Senior centers are specially designed to meet the needs of the By Aaron P. Simonton individual communities they serve. Some are open as many as 85 hours a week, 365 days a year, while others offer limited hours he Older Americans Act of 1965 made funds available to based on need and availability of funding. assist the “operation of multipurpose senior centers” and to The Michigan Association of Senior Centers (MASC), estabcover the costs of “professional and technical personnel required lished as a dynamic netfor the operation of multipurwork committed to growth, pose senior centers.” Since this excellence and strategic act was established, the number partnerships, launched of senior centers has increased Project MOST (Mobilizing from 200 nationwide to over Our Senior Centers for the 15,000, and the role of these Twenty-first Century) with centers has “metamorphed” to Michigan’s Office of Seraccommodate new generations vices to the Aging in 1997. and new needs. The goal of the threeMany senior centers are now year statewide partnership “supermarkets” of services and was to see that all of activities, providing caregiver Michigan’s senior centers support, information, assistance, Older adults practice Tai Chi outside the Monroe Senior Center. develop as community socialization and recreation, “focal points” for aging in meals and referral services. Some the 21st century. provide adult day care, patient While we work together, we must remember our initial services, transportation, health and wellness programs, education resolve to be multipurpose, while planning ahead for the and everything from crafts to computers. needs of future generations who are accustomed to choices. Michigan’s senior centers are often the “front lines” of the This will be key to the vitality of our aging network. In many cases, like first responders in the senior centers and will retain our role emergency field, senior centers are the first place seniors and as the community “fountainhead” of their caregivers call when a concern or crisis exists. Today’s services for seniors. 50-something generation may not actively seek senior services for themselves, but may still need help for older family members AARON P. SIMONTON is president or neighbors. of the Michigan Association of Senior For some, the senior center is a “home away from home” to Centers (MASC) and has been execumeet with former neighbors, and for others it serves as an “oasis” tive director of the Monroe Senior whenever they’re in the neighborhood. Participants say they come Center for 30 years. MI to the center for many different reasons: “It’s somewhere to go and something I look forward to”… “After 42 years of working
Metaphors:
The Metamorphosis of Senior Centers
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Michigan Generations
ASKtheExpert
Brad Evans, M.D.
Parkinson’s Disease
Latest Treatments
What are the typical symptoms of Parkinson’s? TREMORS ARE COMMON, USUALLY IN ONE
or both hands. The tremors are most noticeable when the hand is not being used. Handwriting might be sloppy, small and illegible. Buttoning clothes, particularly sleeves, can be a problem. A person might slow down, and tasks might take twice as long to do. The movement of an arm or a leg might slow down so much that it seems to be paralyzed, or it might be so stiff that it aches like arthritis. Walking can be affected. Early on, a person might stoop and shuffle the feet; later there may be imbalance and falls.
sensitive to these medicines, then the person may experience Parkinson’s symptoms that can last for weeks after stopping the medicine. Finally, there are rare Parkinson’s-like diseases in which symptoms usually don’t respond as well to Parkinson’s medicines, and health can deteriorate quicker than in Parkinson’s disease. The clues that a person might have one of these rare Parkinson’s-like conditions are that symptoms are symmetric, there are few or no tremors, and other, unusual symptoms such as poor memory, choking or fainting are prominent from the outset.
What causes Parkinson’s? N O O N E K N O W S W H AT C A U S E S
How is Parkinson’s diagnosed? THE DIAGNOSIS IS BASED ON HISTORY
and examination, usually by a physician. When examined, a person might have impaired finger dexterity, tremors, stiff muscle tone, stooped posture, abnormal walking or poor balance.
Is the diagnosis ever wrong?
Parkinson’s. It is more common in older people, but it can rarely occur in teenagers and young adults. Typically, the disease is not inherited. Given the pattern of the disease in the community, it looks like it is slightly more common in people who grew up on a farm, drank well water, arc-welded and didn’t smoke. What these clues mean is not known.
A DEPRESSED PERSON MIGHT LOOK LIKE
he has Parkinson’s, and vice versa. Also, if a person is taking the anti-nausea medicines phenergan, compazine or reglan, or anti-psychotic medications, and is extra-
Do you have a caregiving question?
Are there other clues? AT AUTOPSY, THE BRAIN OF A PERSON
with Parkinson’s has loss of pigment in a normally pigmented area called the substantia nigra. This lack of pigment is the result of a loss of nerve cells. When viewed by microscope, sick neurons contain material called Lewy bodies, and these cells make dopamine. In Parkinson’s patients, the brain lacks dopamine.
on Aging 1-B, 29100 Northwestern Highway, Suite 400, Southfield, MI 48034; jjarvis@aaa1b.com.We will make every effort to answer your question in an upcoming issue of Michigan Generations.
Spring 2005
What is the role of surgery in Parkinson’s? THE ROLE OF SURGERY IN PARKINSON’S
THE MAIN TREATMENTS FOR PARKINSON’S
varies. Experienced, specialized neurosurgery centers can get excellent results with small risks, provided that they select patients carefully. So far, it seems that surgery improves tremors the most and imbalance the least. Memory loss can be exacerbated. MI
increase dopamine levels in the brain, alleviating symptoms. The classic treatment is l-dopa, or levodopa, which gets into the brain, where it is turned into dopamine. Levo-dopa works
DR. EVANS is a practicing, boardcertified neurologist in Traverse City who also does clinical trials for patients with Parkinson's Disease, Alzheimer's Disease, epilepsy and multiple sclerosis.
Write or email your question to our “Expert” at: Jenny Jarvis,Area Agency
best during the first several years of the disease. There are three types — Sinemet, Sinemet CR and Stalevo — each of which has different dosage strengths. The main side effect is nausea, which usually occurs within the first 48 hours of treatment. Because patients can get quite sick, elderly patients in particular should not be left alone during this time. Also, Stalevo usually turns the urine orange-red. Dopamine agonists are medicines that enter the brain and mimic dopamine’s actions in the brain. The commonly used agonists are Mirapex and Requip. Agonists tend to not work as well and have more side effects compared to l-dopa, but the agonists’ beneficial effects continue for years longer than l-dopa. While l-dopa does not affect the course of the disease, it is possible that the agonists either slow down Parkinson’s or prolong the beneficial effect of l-dopa when both are given together. Side effects of agonists can include nausea, faintness, confusion and visual hallucinations. Amantidine and some other medicines work to treat mild symptoms. A new oncedaily medicine, Agilect, has just been approved by the FDA for treatment of Parkinson’s symptoms.
What medicines are used to treat Parkinson’s and do they have side effects?
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REGIONALNews In communities across the U.S.,
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Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) serve as gateways to local resources, planning efforts and services that help older adults remain independent. Here are the programs and services offered by Michigan’s AAAs.
1A Detroit Area Agency on Aging 1B Area Agency on Aging 1-B 1C The Senior Alliance 2 Region 2 Area Agency on Aging 3A Kalamazoo Cty.Human Services Dept.Region 3A 3B Burnham-Brook Region IIIB 3C Branch-St.Joseph Area Agency on Aging IIIC 4 Region IV Area Agency on Aging 5 Valley Area Agency on Aging
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6 Tri-County Office on Aging 7 Region VII Area Agency on Aging 8 Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan 9 NEMCSA Region 9 Area Agency on Aging 10 Area Agency on Aging of Northwest Michigan 11 Upper Peninsula Area Agency on Aging 14 Senior Resources of West Michigan
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S POTLIGHT O N ‌
Region 2 Area Agency on Aging Serving Hillsdale, Jackson and Lenawee counties
Support for Grandparents and Other Relatives as Parents
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he Jackson County Department on Aging has for the past decade been providing support services for relatives as parents through the Grandparents and Other Relatives as Parents Program. By building on the strengths of the relative caregivers and the children they are parenting, this program empowers relatives in their roles as parents. Jennifer Guthrie, MSW, is program coordinator. The goals of the program are to educate relative caregivers about their rights and responsibilities; to support their adjustment to parental roles; to reduce stress and the feelings of isolation sometimes experienced by caregivers; to assist with developing 10
intergenerational projects, family activities and the skills needed to events, peer provide safe and support groups stable family envifor relative careronments; to assist givers, support with locating and groups for chilobtaining the comdren and caremunity resources giver respite. In needed for families; Bill and Judy Flannery and their addition to yearand to provide legal grandchildren enjoy Grandparents and Other Relatives as Parents Summer 2004 Picnic. round services, advocacy to assist the program with achieving perholds an annual conference for relative manency for the children in their care. caregiver families, a family picnic and a To achieve these goals, the program holiday party. Support from the Region offers information and assistance, 2 Area Agency on Aging has helped to referrals to community resources, fund the program. advocacy and support, legal advocacy For information, contact Ginny Woodand services, family and parenting eduBailey at Region 2 AAA, 1-800-335-7881. cation, a lending and resource library, Michigan Generations
Detroit Area Agency on Aging Serving Detroit, Highland Park, Hamtramck, Harper Woods and the five Grosse Pointes in Wayne County
The Senior Solution Radio Show Keeps Seniors Informed
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hat do these subjects have in common: Medicare, Senior Employment and Training, Long-Term Care Options, AIDS and HIV Awareness, Aging Well, Grandparents’ Rights and Access to Health Care? Besides the fact that they are all essential to the well-being of many seniors living throughout Michigan, each of these issues was featured on the Senior Solution, a weekly radio talk show sponsored by the Detroit Area Agency on Aging. The Senior Solution radio program began in November 2001 as an agency vehicle to disseminate information throughout the community. Hosted by DAAA Executive Director Paul Bridgewater, the program airs Saturdays at 10:00 a.m. on WGPR 107.5 Paul Bridgewater, host of the Senior Solution, interviews a guest. FM. Each week, the Senior Solution focuses on a subject chosen specifilisten to the program to keep aware caregivers and ask them for their sugcally because of its importance to of what’s going on within their comgestions on good show topics.” metropolitan Detroit seniors. munity and to keep current on what’s “Our committee meets once a “One of the questions that I am newsworthy to older adults. Bridgewaweek to discuss the topics that are relfrequently asked is — how do you ter says, “Access to information and evant to seniors and their caregivers,” come up with topics for the show?” current events is one of the most says Shirley important ways for a senior to keep Williams, DAAA up-to-date on pertinent issues that communications may provide useful in maintaining their manager. “We dignity and independence. This is our have a DAAA foremost objective with this program.” CommunicaSome of the Senior Solution’s past tions Commitguests have included U.S. Senator tee representing Debbie Stabenow, U.S. Congressman staff from the John Conyers, U.S. Congressman different departSander Levin, U.S. Congresswoman ments within Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick, Michigan our agency. Each Supreme Court Judge Marilyn Kelly member of the The Senior Solution Committee discusses show topics. and former Michigan State Attorney committee General Frank Kelly. brings to the For more information on the Senior continues Williams, “and then we table different areas of expertise and is Solution, call Shirley Williams, DAAA comdevelop shows around these topics.” familiar with the questions that seniors munications manager, at 313-446-4444, The Senior Solution is especially have related to their particular field. In ext. 5335. beneficial to homebound seniors who addition, we go directly to seniors and Spring 2005
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Area Agency on Aging 1-B Serving the counties of Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair and Washtenaw
Respite Services for Caregivers
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or close to 11 years, Phyllis Kennedy cared for her late husband, Robert (Bob). She says, “He started out forgetting little things that many of us do, such as misplacing documents, forgetting to pay bills or what we had for lunch the day before.” As Bob’s dementia progressively worsened and he developed other medical conditions, Phyllis became his primary caregiver — and eventually, for the last several years, she cared for him 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Fortunately, Phyllis was referred to the Area Agency on Aging 1-B (AAA 1-B) and, working with Beth Czaplicki, a registered nurse care manager, she was linked with various community programs and received assistance with, and respite from, her caregiving duties. Sheltering Arms Adult Day Center was one of the respite services that Bob attended a few hours a day, three days a week, to give Phyllis some personal time. “The staff at Sheltering Arms was wonderful,” says Phyllis. “Bob thoroughly enjoyed going to the program and looked forward to each of his visits. And it gave me time to run errands, do our grocery shopping and attend my own appointments.”
Adult day service offers group respite care that is provided outside the home and designed to meet the individual needs of the participants and to support strengths, abilities and independence. Throughout the day, participants have the opportunity to interact with others while being part of a structured environment. Daily activities may include music, recreation and support groups. Hours of service vary, but centers are often open 7–10 hours per day, five days a week. However, eventually Phyllis needed Phyllis and her late husband, Bob, at his 90th birthday party. a longer period of respite for herself. Her daughter works supporting her daughter. So Beth in theater in Washington and was referred Phyllis to the AAA 1-B’s being honored at an award show Out of Home Respite Program, for set design. Phyllis was very comwhere she could leave Bob in a mitted to attending the show and
Help is a Phone Call Away The Area Agency on Aging 1-B is the first resource for older adults, caregivers and persons with disabilities to call when looking to resolve problems or locate the resources they need to improve the quality of their life. When individuals call the toll-free Information and Assistance (I&A) service at 1-800-852-7795, they speak with a certified Information and Referral Specialist to determine what their needs are and the services and assistance available to address those needs. Once the needs are determined, the specialist accesses the I&A database of over 2,000 community agencies and mails the individual a complete listing of relevant services and providers in their local community. Call us. We can help.
1-800-852-7795
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Michigan Generations
licensed assisted-living facility for up to two weeks on a voluntary cost share basis. During the time that Phyllis was going to Washington, the Out of Home Respite location at ALCC, an assisted-living facility in Monroe, was available. ALCC also specializes in dementia care, so it was an ideal place for Bob to stay. “Bob was very happy during his stay at ALCC,” remarks Phyllis. “He told me many times how much he enjoyed the staff, the food and his room.” Phyllis was impressed with the excellent care that Bob received during his stay at ALCC and the personal attention he received. “I can’t sing their praises enough,” states Phyllis. “They were so kind to Bob. Because of his other medical conditions, the chef kept a special pot of soup in the fridge with his name on it. On his birthday they cooked him one of his favorite meals.” Although it was a very difficult decision, Phyllis chose to have Bob stay at ALCC, where he could receive quality care in a very homelike atmosphere. “He was happy there,” she says. “Although we had been married for 45 years, with his advanced dementia he no longer remembered who I was, recognized our home or missed our life together. It was a much harder separation for myself, since I love him and had been caring for him for so many years. But I had to do what was best for him and for myself.” For more information on respite services, please call the Area Agency on Aging 1-B at 1-800-852-7795.
Are You 55 or Older and Looking for Work?
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he Area Agency on Aging 1-B has a Senior Community Service Employment Program to help lowincome seniors refresh or build job skills and re-enter the workforce. You’ll be placed in a part-time community service assignment to gain experience and become job-ready. You can serve your community — at libraries, hospitals, senior centers and other local organizations — while expanding your skills and earning an income. To qualify, annual income must be less than $11,963 for one person or less than $16,038 for a family of two. For more information on the Senior Employment Mitzi Barnett, a program participant, is now employed by Program, contact Tanya Kurtz, the City of Southfield in the Senior Area Agency on Aging 1-B, at Division of the Parks and Recreation Department. 248-262-9215.
Kalamazoo Cty. Human Services Dept. Region 3A Covering Kalamazoo County and its 24 municipalities
Take Care of Yourself
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he aroma of homemade soup and rolls. Coffee and conversation among people who understand. Energizing exercise, a relaxing massage and music. For family caregivers, these scenarios may not seem possible, but they are. The Kalamazoo County Caregiver Resource Center Advisory Council has been sponsoring a Caregiver Wellness Day for several years. The day is dedicated to family caregivers as a time for renewal, relaxation and an opportunity to receive information that might help with caregiving duties. The event is free, and transportation and respite care are available. There are several workshops to choose from, featuring mind, body and spirit experiences, Spring 2005
Caregiver Wellness Day.
regular maintenance on your car. It is critical to staying in shape over time. Here are some ways to nurture yourself: Maintain social contacts; call on friends and relatives for help; use community resources to get a break; talk about your situation with supportive friends, clergy or professionals; eat well and get enough sleep; exercise regularly; do something you enjoy each day.
along with a good dose of laughter and plenty of food. Contact the Caregiver Resource Center to sign up for the next Caregiver WellCaregiver Resource Center . . . . . . . . . . . 269-978-0085 ness Day. www.SeniorServices1.org When you are caring for others, AAA 3A Information & Assistance . . . . . . 269-373-5173 taking care of yourwww.kalcounty.com/aaa/index.htm self is like performing
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Burnham Brook Region IIIB Serving Barry and Calhoun counties in Southwest Michigan
Senior Health Partners
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ederal funding from the Older Americans Act serves as an important catalyst in the development of an innovative and effective local partnership. Senior Health Partners (SHP) is a partnership between Burnham Brook, which houses the Region IIIB Area Agency on Aging (AAA) and a broad array of health and in-home services; the Battle Creek Health System, the local hospital system that includes certified home health services; and Summit Pointe, the local mental health authority. SHP was formed to work together toward a shared goal of improving the delivery of health, wellness and education services to older adults and their families or other natural supports.
Health and wellness education and screening programs include blood sugar screening, blood pressure checks, cholesterol screening, depression and memory screening, disease-related and caregiver support groups, foot care, acupuncture and massage. Education, screening and promotion services occur at multiple sites in the community, including the health clinic located at Burnham Brook Region IIIB AAA. A major thrust of Burnham Brook’s activities within SHP is to provide supportive services to family caregivers. Short-term relief from the burdens of caregiving is provided through respite services delivered either in the homes of care recipients or at an overnight respite center. Numerous support
groups are provided, including a Parkinson’s group with more than 30 participants. Staff members are currently planning for the development of a Parkinson’s Institute. Other support groups include Caregivers, Alzheimer’s, Long-Term Care, Stroke, Arthritis and Diabetes. The partners will continue to explore avenues and opportunities to bring comprehensive health promotion and support services to today’s older population and their families. SHP will also plan for adaptation of activities to meet the needs and preferences of the next generation as they enter the 60-and-older group. For more information, please call 269-966-8136 or visit our website at www.burnhambrook.com.
Branch–St.Joseph Area Agency on Aging IIIC Serving a two-county area surrounding Sturgis, Three Rivers, Coldwater and Quincy
Stepping Up to the Plate
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here are times when an agency goes the extra mile to assist families in handling stressful situations. The St. Joseph County Commission on Aging (COA) has been busy advocating for families through the agency’s Case Coordination & Support, Chore and Caregiver Support programs. The COA recently assisted the Smith family (their name has been changed to respect confidentiality) of Three Rivers to relocate over 200 miles away. Mrs. Smith and her daughter tried to begin the process on their own; however, they found it very confusing and difficult.Turning to the COA for help was their answer! Case Coordination & Support staff 14
advocated and assisted the Smiths by: • Coordinating resources with over eight other community organizations. • Handling municipal code violations related to safety. • Researching available housing and facilitating the housing application process. • Arranging for and assisting in moving personal belongings. • Coordinating in-home services in the new area. Because of the agency’s persistence and knowledge, Mrs. Smith’s move was seamless. The family did not have to make multiple phone calls, or feel frustrated or anxious about having in-home services set up, and Mrs. Smith was able to remain living independently. Lynn Coursey, Executive Director of the St. Joseph County Commission on Aging, shares: “Our agency — and
each staff member — is fully committed to serving older adults, even when the situation is extremely complex or appears impossible at the outset; that’s when we’re at our best!” Federal and state funding through the Branch-St. Joseph AAA helps to support these programs. Case Coordination & Support brokers existing community services, enhances informal support systems and arranges for services on behalf of an individual. Chore services provide for household maintenance to enhance personal safety. Caregiver Support programs assist families who have unique needs during difficult times. For more information on these services, please call 517-279-9561, ext. 137, or toll-free 1-888-615-8009.
Michigan Generations
Region IV Area Agency on Aging Covering Michigan’s Great Southwest including Berrien, Cass and Van Buren counties
Caregivers Connect Through the Party Line
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n Webster’s dictionary, “traditional” is described as “a long-established custom or practice.” When most people think of a traditional family, they think of a mother, a father and their children all living together. However, there are many families that look very different from this picture. One type of family consists of children being raised by their grandparents or other relatives. Of the 2.4 million children in this country who live in this type of family setting, 2,617 reside in southwest lower Michigan. Although this number may seem high, often people with this family arrangement feel isolated and unique in their situation. “The Party Line” is a telephone
support group for these caregivers. When it was clear that typical support groups were not meeting the needs of these families, A loving grandparent. the Party Line was established. The Party Line gives caregivers a chance to share thoughts, feelings, frustrations and triumphs without leaving their home and responsibilities. In addition, “the Breakfast Bunch” meets regularly for breakfast.This group of Party Line participants wanted the opportunity to
put faces with the voices they hear on the telephone. The breakfasts provide a wonderful opportunity to socialize and enjoy each other’s company. As an agency, it is important to provide these special caregivers with love, support and encouragement.The Party Line and the Breakfast Bunch are just two ways that the Region IV Area Agency on Aging Grandparents Raising Grandchildren and Relatives as Parents Program attempts to unite these brave individuals. If you or someone you know is raising a grandchild or relative and would like more information, please call 269-9837058 or 1-877-660-2725.
ValleyArea Agency on Aging Serving Genesee, Lapeer and Shiawassee counties
Kinship Caregiver Respite
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here are more and more people who, at 60-plus years of age, find themselves in the role of “parent” again. Although this is not at all what they had envisioned for themselves after retirement, it is becoming more commonplace for seniors to play the role of a parent/caregiver for their grandchildren or other family members such as nieces or nephews. Kinship Caregiver Respite is a program that provides temporary
respite assistance to individuals who find themselves in the parenting role for a second or, in some cases, a third time. Kinship Caregiver Respite is defined as “providing a brief period of rest or relief from day-to-day caregiving when the community client is either a dependent family member or a primary caregiver.” The Valley Area Agency on Aging (VAAA) provides this service through funding from the National Family Caregiver Support Program. To qualify for the respite service, individuals must be age 60 and over, reside in Genesee County and live with a Grandchildren have fun at karate while their grandparents enjoy some respite.
younger relative, acting as the primary caregiver of the child. Through the program,VAAA is able to enroll the child in lessons outside of the home, allow the child to attend day camps, provide in-home respite, arrange day care services at local programs or even provide memberships for the entire family at the local YMCA. Information and referral services are also available for caregivers and their dependents. VAAA will provide the expertise of a social worker/case manager to assist with arranging care and locating resources for furniture, clothing, tutoring and financial assistance. For more information, contact VAAA at 711 N. Saginaw St., Suite 111, Flint, MI 48503, or call 810-239-7671 or toll-free at 1-800-978-6275 for eligibility requirements. 15
Tri-County Office on Aging A consortium of Clinton, Eaton and Ingham counties and the cities of Lansing and East Lansing
Unique Governance Brings Success
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n important factor in the success of the Tri-County Office on Aging (TCOA) has been the community’s commitment, resourcefulness and innovativeness in planning. The Urban Cooperation Act of 1967 established the governing structure for the development of the TCOA. In 1974, an outstanding example of intergovernmental cooperation formed the Tri-County Aging Consortium. This strong cooperation between the members exists today. The 13-member Consortium Administrative Board is composed of elected officials that include a representative from the Lansing Mayor’s Office; three from the Lansing City Council; one from the East Lansing City Council; two from the Clinton
County Commission; and three representatives each from the Eaton and Ingham County Commissions. Membership is based on a formula using the 60-plus population in this region. This Consortium has the responsibility to direct the operations of TCOA and set policy at monthly meetings. Leadership is rotated among the membership. The three-county membership of the Consortium does not have Commissions on Aging, nor do the two cities have Departments on Aging.TCOA was formed to serve that purpose in this region as well as to fulfill the functions of an Area Agency on Aging as set forth in the Older Americans Act and the Older Michiganians Act.
Acting in an advisory capacity to the Consortium Board is the Tri-County Aging Consortium Advisory Council. At least one-half of the council consists of senior citizens appointed by their respective local units of government. The Advisory Council has the same proportional membership as seen in the Board. The remaining members represent community agencies/organizations that provide services to senior citizens. The Consortium Board approves all appointments.The composition of the Advisory Council offers the perspectives of both seniors and service providers on aging issues. For further information, contact the TriCounty Office on Aging at 517-887-1440 or 1-800-405-9141.
Region VII Area Agency on Aging Serving Bay, Clare, Gladwin, Gratiot, Huron, Isabella, Midland, Saginaw, Sanilac and Tuscola counties
Free Legal Services to the Rescue!
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ur Area Agency on Aging is helping its seniors by providing funding for licensed attorneys, and it’s only a toll-free phone call away! Lakeshore Legal Aid serves our entire 10-county region and assists with guardianships and conservatorships, medical and/or durable powers of attorney, elder abuse and domestic relations issues.This legal staff is equipped to answer questions regarding Social Security, Medicare/Medicaid, SSI, housing and landlord/ Lakeshore Legal Aid staff — back row, left to right: Supervising Attorney Ron Emerson, Executive Director Bill Knight and Staff Attorney Ann Ozog. Seated, left to right: Secretary April Crumby and Paralegal Tasha Stevens.
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tenant matters, consumer fraud and/or scams, wills, deeds or debtor/creditor problems. Many issues are solved right over the phone. Appointments for inperson meetings may be set up at their home office in Caro, or at the client’s nearest County Commission on Aging,
Division on Aging or Council on Aging Office. These traveling lawyers visit each of our 10 counties at least once per month, and are willing to visit a senior’s residence if homebound, or a nursing home or hospital when necessary.The toll-free number is 1-866-552-2889. The role of Lakeshore Legal Aid is to listen, assist, inform and represent as needed.There is no charge for their services; however, they will accept a monetary contribution toward the program if the client insists. Lakeshore Legal Aid is awaiting your call! For further information or assistance, contact Region VII at 1615 South Euclid Avenue, Bay City, MI 48706, or call toll-free at 1-800-858-1637. Michigan Generations
Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan Serving Allegan, Ionia, Kent, Lake, Mason, Mecosta, Montcalm, Newaygo and Osceola counties
Creating an Elder-Friendly Community
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o be an older adult in greater Grand Rapids means to be healthy, active and engaged in the community, according to results of a scientifically based, nationally developed AdvantAge survey. Breaking negative stereotypes, the survey found the Grand Rapids area scoring above average in categories such as volunteer work, physical activity, participation in social events and overall health. “Older adults in Kent County are overwhelmingly vibrant, contented and active contributors to their families, neighbors and communities,” says Diana Sieger, president of the Grand Rapids Community Maggie Fegel of Grand Rapids, a vibrant volunteer at age 90, visits nursing homes with her dog,Tippy Toes.
Foundation (GRCF). “The frail are indeed the minority.” Maggie Fegel, 90, is among the 42 percent who say they volunteer. When Maggie’s not visiting nursing homes with her dog,Tippy Toes, she is volunteering for Meals on Wheels or God’s Kitchen. The survey found trends that are prevalent in many other communities. For example, 95 percent of older adults want to remain in their homes, and they value services that will help
them do that. Only 23 percent reported needing help with daily living activities, of which half said their needs were not being met. The AdvantAge survey was carried out for the Creating Community for a Lifetime Initiative, spearheaded by GRCF and the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan (AAAWM), which is planning for a senior population that will double in the next three decades. “Our goal is to build on the strengths, meet the needs of the isolated and frail, and create an elder-friendly community where people will want to grow old,” says Nora Barkey, contract coordinator at AAAWM. “We believe this is a model for other communities.” For more information, call the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan at 1-888-456-5664.
NEMCSA Region 9 Area Agency on Aging Covering 12 counties of Northeast Michigan
Seniors Learn About Safety Issues
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he Northeastern region’s Commissions and Councils on Aging (COA) have been involved in many educational opportunities related to safety for their communities’ seniors. Law enforcement personnel are involved with TRIAD efforts in Roscommon County along with the COA, offering presentations such as “Avoiding Legal and Financial Mistakes” with assistance from Legal Services of Northern Michigan. The West Branch City Police Department just concluded a Senior Citizen Police Academy for Ogemaw County seniors. The group was educated on legal issues, emergency medical and fire department services, 911 dispatch, K-9, DNR and criminal investigation techniques. Spring 2005
Isle County has established a TRIAD group stemming from the successful Safe, Sound and Secure conference provided by their COA. The Alcona County COA, along with Sheriff Ellinger, offers personal Sheriff Flewelling, Undersheriff Paschke and Roger City Police Chief Quaine gather with members of the newly formed Presque Isle County safety classes throughTRIAD group. The group’s first safety conference will be held in May. out the year. The Arenac County COA worked The Otsego COA collaborates with a team of area professionals to with their county’s R.S.V.P. workers’ develop an enhanced 911 form. Plans to efforts in assisting independent-living provide help services and medical attenseniors and handicapped citizens tion to search-and-rescue needs were listed on their emergency services put into place. registry. The Oscoda County COA will For information regarding senior be offering its first Safe, Sound and safety issues, call the AAA office at Secure conference this year. Presque 989-356-3474. 17
Area Agency on Aging of Northwest Michigan Offering information and funding senior services in the 10-county area of Northwest Lower Michigan
Enhancing the Skills of Direct Care Workers
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FACT grant from Michigan State University Extension and another from Michigan Office of Services to the Aging (OSA) have made an innovative program possible in northern lower Michigan. The Home Skills Enhancement Project, a three-part module for direct care workers, combines resources from the aging network with
MSU Extension.The module offers both rationale and practical skills training related to cooking, cleaning and shopping for older adult clients. This research project is conducted by Karen Shirer, PhD, from MSU Extension and Maureen Mickus, PhD, who was involved in the direct care worker survey “Voices from the Front.� Lauren Swanson of OSA is on the steering committee and was instrumental in helping to get the project launched. The modules are being piloted with 100 direct care workers in Cadillac, Lake City, Traverse City, Chris Curtin, the trainer from Community Services Network, teaches a senior student about food portions and nutritional content.
Petoskey, Cheboygan and Gaylord locations and are being presented by Community Services Network (CSN), a nonprofit organization that focuses on recruitment and retention of direct care workers. The modules will be available statewide when the research project is finished. A representative of the Area Agency on Aging of Northwest Michigan serves on the CSN Board and has promoted the pilot project by encouraging providers to take advantage of this landmark training opportunity. CSN also offers training programs in areas such as dementia, body mechanics and elder abuse in any setting of long-term care. For more information about the pilot project or CSN, contact AAANM at 1-800-442-1713.
Upper Peninsula Area Agency on Aging Serving all 15 counties of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
Upper Peninsula families have prided themselves in caring for one another and not asking or lack of parental maturity, or perhaps for help. As such, problems associated even when one of the parents is in the with kinship care relationships are not military and has been deployed overseas. well documented. The Upper Peninsula The Area Agency on Aging has begun Area Agency on Aging, along with its working with several local service providers, will be conducting extensive outreach efforts over Grandparents who raise grandchildren experience the next several months both positive and negative effects on their to both idenemotional, physical and financial well-being. tify kinship care families providers and the Michigan State Uniand to determine the types of assisversity School of Social Work/Kinship tance that may be of benefit to those Care Resource Center to identify local families. needs and the types of services and/or If you or someone you know is in a kinprograms that may need to be develship care relationship, please call the Upper oped to assist Upper Peninsula grandPeninsula Senior Help Line at 1-800-338parents. 7227.The call will be kept confidential.
AAA Develops Kinship Care Program
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randparents who raise grandchildren experience both positive and negative effects on their emotional, physical and financial well-being. The National Family Caregiver Support Program provides resources for Area Agencies on Aging to develop support programs that will assist grandparents who find themselves in a parenting position for the second time around. The specific focus is on adults over the age of 60 who are responsible, legally or otherwise, for the care of children under the age of 18. Kinship care relationships develop from any number of factors. Grandparents could find themselves in caregiver situations as the result of the death of a parent, divorce, substance abuse problems 18
Michigan Generations
Senior Resources of West Michigan Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, serving the three counties of Muskegon, Oceana and Ottawa
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren t the age of 63, Ellen finds herself responsible for raising children. Ellen and her husband already raised their own four children, but now their grandchildren need their care or they will enter the foster care system. Ellen and her husband did not plan to raise a second generation of children at this time in their lives, but they will do the best they can. Many grandparents providing care to their grandchildren find their personal resources stretched to the limit, coupled with lack of support from friends and others who cannot identify with what they are going through. Child and Family Services of Muskegon offers their Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Program to residents of
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Muskegon, Oceana and Ottawa counties. Any grandparent who is providing care to their grandchild(ren) is welcome to call for community resource information, receive assistance with a problem or challenge, participate in an eight-week educational seminar or join a monthly support group. Fourteen grandparents are currently enrolled in Child and Family Services’ educational seminar for Grandparents Raising Grandchildren. Five children are provided day care while the group is meeting. Group discussion may focus on sharing legal issues, learning com-
munity resources or providing encouragement to members. Participants may pose questions about how to handle grandchildren who seem resentful and are “lashing out.” Possibly more important are the laughter and good humor that are evident within the group; it’s great to be involved. For more information, call Nancy Weller at Child and Family Services, 231-726-3582.
Raising Grandchildren
the group is an eight-week series of seminars, covering topics such as legal options, parenting skills, educational issues and stress management. “We meet for two and a half hours one evening each week and provide an evening meal and childcare for the grandchildren,” says Joyce Stout, coordinator of the Second Time Around program for the Michigan State University Cooperative Extension Service in Kalamazoo. “We try to give them a lot of good, useful information. They get so much help from each other, and they get a two-and-a-half-hour break from their grandchildren. Most of them tell me it’s not long enough.” In addition, Second Time Around organizes three family events a year — a summer picnic, a holiday party and a floating event, which this year will be a trip to a local children’s theater production. It also has occasional workshops on a variety of topics. Second Time Around’s most popular offering, however, its monthly support group meetings, attended by grandparents who have graduated from the eightweek seminar. “We have two going on
right now, and the grandparents are devoted to them,” says Stout. Irene Gunnink of Three Rivers attends Stout’s support group religiously. “I really look forward to our Wednesday night sessions,” says Irene. “If I’m having a tough time, just knowing I’ll get to meet with everyone keeps me going. It is so wonderful and empowering to be surrounded by people who understand exactly what you are going through and who really care about you. I can’t say enough about how much it has helped me.” Those who work with grandparents would like to see society as a whole become more supportive of them. “Unfortunately, many institutions and agencies make it difficult for grandparents to get services and information they need for their grandchildren,” says AAA1-B’s McGuire. “But this is a large and growing segment within the community, and there needs to be a greater sensitivity to this issue. After all, many of these grandparents are stepping into terrible family situations and providing love, care and safety for these children. These grandparents are heroes.” MI
Continued from page 7 children. The Kinship Care Resource Center, sponsored by Michigan State University, has a toll-free hotline to answer legal, guardianship and other questions, as well as services for kinship families. For a list of resources, see “Where Grandparents Can Get Help,” page 20. Perhaps the most helpful resource available to any grandparent is a support group of other grandparents in the same situation. The meetings provide a brief respite from their parenting duties, understanding shoulders to cry on, lessons learned by others who have traveled the same road and a break from isolation. All around the state, support groups with names such as “Grandparents Raising Grandchildren,” “Second Time Around” and “Grandparents as Parents” give grandparents a much-needed framework of support. Second Time Around in Kalamazoo is typical of such groups. The foundation of Spring 2005
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Where grandparents can get help Michigan • Michigan Office of Services to the Aging: 517-373-9360 • Kinship Care Resource Center, Michigan State, provides a toll-free hotline to answer legal questions and provide information and referrals related to finances, support groups and other community resources: 800-535-1218 or 517-355-9600 or www.kinshipcare.net Also available, a comprehensive online publication, “You Are Not Alone: A Caregiver’s Guide to Raising Relative Children in Michigan,” at www.kinshipcare.net/pubs.html • Area Agencies on Aging.To find the office nearest you, call Eldercare Locator: 1-800-677-1116 • AARP Michigan offices: 1-866-227-7448 • Legal Hotline for Michigan Seniors: 1-800-347-5297 • Michigan Department of Community Health, for information on Healthy Kids and MIChild: 1-888-988-6300 or www.michigan.gov/mdch/0,1607,7-132-2943_4860-35199,00.html. • Family Independence Agency, for information on Medicaid, child only grants, family grants and the Food Assistance Program: 517-373-2035 or www.michigan.gov/fia
• Michigan Department of Education Food and Nutrition Program, to apply for free and reduced school lunch and breakfast program: 517-373-3347. National • AARP Grandparent Information Center, includes a National Database of Grandparent Support Groups: 202-434-2296 or 1-888-687-2277 or www.aarp.org/life/grandparents • Generations United, National Center on Grandparents and Other Relatives Raising Children, includes fact sheets on support services available in each state: 202-289-3979 or www.gu.org • GrandsPlace: 860-763-5789 or www.grandsplace.com • Brookdale Foundation Relatives As Parents Programs (RAPP), a national network of support groups for relatives raising children informally, 212-308-7355 or www.brookdalefoundation.org • Children’s Defense Fund: 202-628-8787 or www.childrensdefense.org
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Thanks to these companies and organizations for their generous support. For more information on becoming a sponsor of Michigan Generations, please call Jenny Jarvis at 248-262-9202 .