Generations Michigan
Fall 2007
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Health Screenings A Lifesaver for Seniors
Also in This Issue: n Ask the Expert n Caregiving News & Notes Published quarterly by Michigan’s Area Agencies on Aging MIG07Fa Editorial.indd 1
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Welcome to Michigan Generations Michigan is divided into 16 AAAs, each serving a different part of the state.
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They are:
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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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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 8 of this issue. MI
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Generations Michigan
FALL 2007 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 Michigan Generations is a
On the Cover: Health screenings and vaccinations are highly effective in disease prevention or early detection. Yet many seniors fail to take advantage of tests that are free or covered by insurance. For a handy pull-out guide to important screenings, turn to page 4. Photo bottom-right by Keith Emmerich.
Fall 2007, Volume 5, #2 © 2007 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.
map photography courtesy travel michigan
AAAs —‑Gateways to Community Resources
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 Co. Health & Community Services Dept. Region 3A 3B Burnham-Brook Region IIIB Area Agency on Aging 3C Branch-St. Joseph Area Agency on Aging IIIC 4 Region IV Area Agency on Aging
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CAReGiVinGnews&notes
Sharing Your Home
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With Mom & Dad
f living on their own is not an option for your elderly parents, you may consider following a path that many caregivers have taken – have Mom and Dad move into your home. This arrangement is much less expensive and eliminates many of the complications surrounding caregiving. But be prepared for a trade-off; such an arrangement takes careful planning. Here are important steps to follow: ✔ COMPARE the cost of your parents moving to an assisted living facility with the cost of moving into your home, including renovations to your house, as well as furnishings or medical equipment. ✔ CHECK the county and local rules on mother-in-law apartments, granny flats, etc. ✔ TALK through expectations about privacy, caretaking, meals, grocery shopping, transportation and other potential issues. ✔ DETERMINE the financial arrangement. Will parents pay rent or part of expenses? How will the living setup affect the parents’ estate plan? ✔ PLAN how you will handle health challenges that will inevitably occur, even acknowledging the end-of-life situations that you will face.
Generations Wins National Award
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ichigan Generations magazine has won Silver and Merit Awards in the prestigious 2007 National Mature Media Awards Program. The program recognizes the nation’s finest educational, marketing and advertising materials designed and produced for older adults. The magazine was honored for two entries: • Silver Award for “Understanding Medicare’s Drug Coverage” (Winter 2006) • Merit Award for “Caregiving — It Takes a Village” (Fall 2006) Nearly 1,000 entries were judged by a panel of mature market experts from across the United States for overall excellence of design, content, creativity and relevance to the senior market. Michigan Generations, now in its fifth year, is available to older adults and caregivers through the state’s Area Agencies on Aging.
Fall 2007
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STATS Clinical Trials About
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id you know that a very small percentage of eligible patients enroll in clinical trials? According to a survey by Thomson CenterWatch, which was reported in BusinessWeek magazine, less than 10% of eligible patients take advantage of these trials. Some medical observers believe this slows down the development of new drugs and procedures. Only 14% of trial participants learned of their study through their own doctors; most, in
fact, found out through the media or the Internet. You can learn about available clinical trials by visiting www.clinicaltrials.gov. This website provides information about federally and privately supported clinical research needing human volunteers. It explains a trial’s purpose, who may participate, locations and phone numbers. This information should be used in conjunction with advice from your own healthcare professionals.
The Benefits of
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egular snacking may be better for some seniors than eating three big meals a day. The Journal of the American Dietetic Assn. reports that snacking may help seniors fill some of the nutritional gaps that often come with aging. Although eating between meals can add unwanted pounds, some older adults face loss of appetite or medical conditions that diminish their interest in meals. This can put them at risk for unintended weight loss and malnutrition. If you’re faced with this problem, try adding small, healthy snacks throughout the day: fruits, yogurt or wholegrain crackers and cheese.
Surfing the net Each issue of Michigan Generations offers several websites of interest to older adults and their caregivers … right at your fingertips. www.safemedication.com enables you to search for information by drug name. It explains why a drug is prescribed and how it’s used. Also includes a pharmacist Q&A, plus drug tips and tools. www.healthywomen.org provides in-depth information on more than 100 conditions, diseases and health issues just for women. Look for more helpful websites in the next issue of Michigan Generations. 3
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Health Screenings A Lifesaver for Seniors By Martha nolan McKenzie
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arylou Ansari very nearly bypassed the health fair. She had a busy morning, with lots of errands to run. At the last minute, however, she decided to stop by. While strolling among the exhibitors, she paused to have her blood pressure checked. It’s a good thing she did. “The nurse who took it told me to call my doctor right away,” says Ansari, 65. “My pressure was 194 over 106.” The Coldwater woman took the nurse’s advice and got in to see her physician, who put her on medication. “I was having no symptoms that would alert me to a blood pressure problem,” says Ansari. “I’m so grateful that I decided to go and get screened that day.” Experts wish that more people would follow in Ansari’s footsteps. Routine health screenings and vaccinations can prevent diseases, improve quality of life and save lives. Immunizations for flu and pneumonia, in particular, prevent potentially deadly diseases. Routine screenings for cancers, heart disease and diabetes raise awareness of risks for certain diseases, allowing people to make lifestyle adjustments, such as diet and physical activity, to prevent them. More importantly, screenings help catch diseases at their earliest — and most treatable — stages. Indeed, the American Cancer Society estimates that at least half of all cancer deaths could be prevented if people adopted healthier lifestyles and made better use of available screening tests. An annual flu shot is about 50% effective in preventing hospitalization from flu complications and 80% effective in preventing death from the disease in the 65-plus population, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). “There are a handful of routinely recommended services that are highly 4
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effective in disease prevention or early detection,” says Dr. Doug Shenson, president of SPARC (Sickness Prevention Achieved Through Regional Cooperation), a Massachusettsbased organization. “Those are: cancer screening for breast, colorectal and cervical cancers; vaccination against influenza and pneumococcal virus, and screenings for high blood pressure and cholesterol. Yet, no more than 25% of adults age 50 to 64 are up-to-date with those services, and fewer than 40% of people age 65 and older are. And that is despite the fact these services are paid for by virtually all insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid.” Michigan actually exceeds the national average in the percentage of older adults who are up-to-date on preventive screenings. In 2004, the last year for which statistics are available, more than 42% of men age 65 and older in the state were up to date on select preventive screens, compared to 38% for the nation, according to the CDC’s State of Aging and Health in America Report. More than 34% of Michigan senior women were up-to-date on screenings, compared to almost 32% nationally. But even Michigan’s numbers leave quite a bit of room for improvement. And they bring up a question: Given the effectiveness of available screenings and vaccinations, why don’t more seniors take advantage of them? One likely reason is some people are not aware that Medicare covers many preventive screenings. Seniors tend to associate Medicare with hospitalization and acute medical care, and indeed, it has only been in the past 15 years or so that Medicare has added prevention services to what it will cover. “Today, it’s different,” says Jeffrey Deitch, medical director of MPRO, the state’s Quality Improvement Organization charged with oversight of the Medicare system. “Now Medicare will cover flu and pneumococcal shots, cardiovascular screenMichigan Generations
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ings and many cancer screenings. There is so much that can be done by preventive services, and Medicare will cover it.” Medicare even offers a one-time physical within six months of your 65th birthday at a discounted price. The Welcome to Medicare physical includes a thorough review of your health, education and counseling about the preventive services you need, such as certain screenings and shots, and referrals for other care. (For more information on Medicare preventive coverage, visit www.medicare.gov/health/ overview.asp or call 1-800-633-4227 and ask for a free copy of the “Guide to Medicare’s Preventive Services”.) Another reason seniors underutilize preventive screenings and vaccinations is that these services tend to be delivered in a doctor’s office, but many people only see their doctor when they are sick. “Most seniors are connected with a physician,” says Dr. Phyllis Meadows, director and health officer for the City of Detroit. “But the problem is, they generally only go to their doctor when they are ill. Then both the patient and the doctor are focused on the illness, and the doctor may not think to ask if the patient has had a flu shot, or if he’s up-to-date on his colon cancer screening. These screening opportunities get lost in tending to the illness that brought the patient in that day.” That’s why senior agencies throughout the state are working to bring screenings and vaccinations to where the seniors are located. Here’s a look at just some of the initiatives around Michigan: n The Macomb County Department of Senior Citizens partners with the local health department to routinely offer screening services at area senior centers, churches and union halls. Seniors check their cholesterol, blood pressure, bone density, vision and hearing, all free of charge. In the fall, they can also receive a flu shot. “We’ll reach anywhere from 8,000 to 9,000 seniors with our screenings each year,” says Karen Bisdorf, assistant director of the department, located in Clinton Township. “We try to take a holistic approach, because we know that health affects quality of life in many ways. We look at these screenings as a way to interject a better living style and produce a better quality of life all the way around.” n The Commission on Aging for Branch County provides area seniors with more than 200 hours per month of services related to wellness at its senior center in Coldwater. In addition to exercise and nutrition programs, these services include regular screenings for blood pressure, blood Fall 2007
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glucose, hearing and even depression, according to Nancy Davis, director of the commission. It also offers at least three or four clinics for flu and pneumonia shots each fall. However, the commission’s largest screening effort takes place once a year at its Step Up to Wellness Day. The oneday health fair features educational presentations focusing on a different theme each summer. “This year, our topics were adult immunizations, nutrition, early signs of Alzheimer’s and fall prevention,” says Davis. Participants can also get free blood sugar, blood pressure and diabetes foot checks. Sessions on topics such as scrapbooking and wood carving, along with a free lunch and
Opposite page: Step Up to Wellness Day, an annual health fair in Coldwater, offers a wide range of free tests and draws 300 seniors.
door prizes, help draw nearly 300 seniors to the event. “Every year, we draw more and more people, and we get more and more positive comAbove and at left: ments,” says Davis. “And St. Aloysius Church’s every year at least a few health fair in Detroit people, like Marylou includes health screen(Ansari, the Coldwater ings, plus a free meal woman mentioned above) and door prizes. discover a condition they (Photos: Keith Emmerich) did not know they had.” n In St. Joseph, Lakeland HealthCare hosts an extensive annual health fair called Lakeland Health Pavilion. In addition to blood pressure and cholesterol screening, participants can take a stroke-risk assessment and receive a colon cancer screening kit, which they can complete in the privacy of their homes. This year, the event also included a swallowing clinic. “About 65% of Americans will suffer from some swallowing disorder in their lifetimes, many of whom are stroke victims,” says Terri Albers, coordinator of the Center for Health Enhancement at Lakeland HealthCare. “A swallowing disorder can lead to aspirating fluid in the lungs, which can, in turn, lead to a pneumonia-related illness. We offered a flexible endocscopic evaluation of each participant’s swallowing mechanism, as well as sensory testing to ensure that their swallowing impulse was correct. It’s pretty state-of-the-art for a health fair.” 5
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n Churches often offer screening outreach programs in their communities. St. Aloysius Church in Detroit partners with area health care agencies to put on its own health fair once a year at its community center. A free meal and door prizes help lure seniors in the door, and once in, they are offered a host of screenings, including a sophisticated carotid ultrasound scan to detect blockages that could lead to a stroke. “The people we serve are primarily impoverished and don’t have any insurance,” says Kathleen Ruth, parish nurse for St. Aloysius. “For many of the people who come, this is their only contact with the health care system. So we try to be as thorough as we possibly can. We check vision, dental, feet, mental health — it’s across the board.” n Another church-based initiative targets overweight and obese African-American women. Called the Healing Zone, the program is sponsored by the National Caucus
local churches and hospitals are effective in targeting services to seniors in their communities. and Center on Black Aged and implemented by the Detroit Area Agency on Aging. “We are focusing on obesity because African-American women suffer from it in higher proportion than any other group, and because it is tied to so many other health conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease and certain forms of cancer,” says Ruth Rashid Kaleniecki, healthy aging manager for the Detroit AAA. The Healing Zone gives area churches some start-up funds and training so they can start their own health ministry based on the specific needs of their congregations. “The program has been very popular in the churches that have adopted it,” says Kaleniecki. “I know of at least one participant who credits the program with saving her life, and there are probably more.” n Sinai-Grace Hospital in Detroit runs the People’s Medical College, a series of presentations by doctors on a variety of health topics. Although the sessions are primarily educational, they also offer screenings when it is appropriate. “We just had a session on cardiovascular health,” says Conrad Mallett, Jr., the hospital’s president. “It included blood pressure screenings as well as heart-healthy cooking demonstrations. “Since we are a hospital, not a public health organization, we have chosen to target our outreach services to people who are eager to receive the information,” Mallett continues. “Admittedly, we are preaching to the choir, so to speak, but we are making a difference, a little bit at a time.” n The Alpena Regional Medical Center, which serves five primarily rural counties, networks with local agencies and providers to offer multiple services at area senior centers. “We try to offer a one-stop shop to get people to come out and access the services,” says Martha LaFave, Continued on page 16 6
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Screening recommen da ANNUAL PHYSICAL EXAM Screenings n May include weight, blood pressure, blood glucose, cholesterol, vision and hearing screenings, a s determined by your physician. When to have them Annually. Current guidelines suggest healthy blood pressure levels are at or below 120/80; LDL (“bad”) cholesterol below 100; and HDL (“good”) cholesterol above 45.
DIABETES Screening n Fasting blood sugar test When to have it Every three years if you are at high risk for developing Type 2 diabetes. You may be at high risk if you have a family history of Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, have a personal history of gestational diabetes, are obese, are inactive, have delivered a baby weighing more than nine pounds (diabetics often give birth to heavier babies), have high blood pressure or are of African, Hispanic, Native American, or Pacific Island descent.
EYE, EAR, ORAL HEALTH Screenings n Dental checkup, eye exam, hearing exam When to have them A dental checkup is recommended at least once a year. Risk for hearing loss increases after 50, so have your hearing checked if you notice any change. An eye exam is recommended every one to two years to check for common vision problems associated with aging, including glaucoma, macular degeneration and cataracts.
IMMUNIZATIONS Influenza — flu shot recommended every year. Pneumococcal vaccine recommended for people 65 and older. Most people only need a single dose. However, people 65 and older should have a second dose if they received the shot more than five years previously and were younger than 65 when they were vaccinated the first time. n Tetanus-Diphtheria Booster — a booster is needed every 10 years throughout life. n n
STROKE Screenings Carotid scan (a type of ultrasound scan and a blood pressure check), aortic scan, PAD scan (a Doppler exam that tests for circulation impairment in limbs). When to have them A doctor may recommend one for people at high risk. Risk factors include: age, diabetes, high blood pressure, smoking, high blood cholesterol, family history of atherosclerotic or circulatory problems.
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n dations for adults age 50 and older BREAST CANCER Screenings n Breast self-exam n Clinical breast exam by a health care provider n Mammography (X-ray of the breast)
— a history of ademonatous polyps or colorectal cancer — a family history of colorectal cancer or ademonatous polyps in a close relative before age 60 — a personal history of inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis)
When to have them Every one to two years, depending on your medical history. Women with a personal history of breast cancer or who are at high risk of developing the disease should talk to their doctor about screening more often.
PROSTATE CANCER
CERVICAL CANCER
When to have them Beginning at age 50, men should discuss with their physician whether to start having annual PSAs and DREs. African-American men and men with a close relative diagnosed with prostate cancer before age 65 should consider testing at 45. Men with more than one close relative diagnosed before age 65 should consider testing at 40.
Screening n Pap test When to have it Every one to three years. Women at 70 who have had three or more recent consecutive normal tests and no abnormal tests in the past 10 years can discuss the need for continued screening with their doctor. Women with a history of cervical cancer should continue annual screenings.
COLON CANCER Screenings n Fecal occult blood test. This test detects blood in the stool using a chemical process. n Digital rectal exam. n Sigmoidoscopy. A slender lighted tube is inserted through the rectum into the lower part of the colon, allowing the doctor to see abnormalities. n Double contrast barium enema. The colon is partially filled with barium sulfate, and an X-ray is taken to see the lining. n Colonoscopy. A flexible slender tube is inserted through the rectum to give a complete view of the colon. When to have them Beginning at age 50, men and women at average risk should have a yearly fecal blood test, either a sigmoidoscopy or a double-contrast barium enema every five years and a colonoscopy every 10 years. People at high risk for colon cancer should start screenings at an earlier age and perhaps have them on a more frequent schedule, as determined by their doctor. People at high risk include those with:
Screenings n Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test n Digital rectal exam (DRE)
SKIN CANCER Screening n Full-body skin exam When to have it Frequency of screenings depends on family history, lifestyle and complexion. People at high risk for developing skin cancer include those with fair complexions and blue, green or hazel eyes. A personal or family history of skin cancer also elevates your risk, as does a lot of time spent in the sun.
UTERINE CANCER Screening n Uterine biopsy When to have it This test is only recommended for women at high risk. Women who have or who are at risk for hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer are at significantly greater risk and should start testing at age 35. Other women who may be at greater risk include those who have had breast or ovarian cancer. The risk of uterine cancer goes up at menopause.
HEART DISEASE
OSTEOPOROSIS
Screenings n Blood pressure test n Cholesterol test n Cardiac stress test n EKG (electrocardiogram)
Screening n Bone mineral density test
When to have them Have your cholesterol checked every five years and a blood pressure reading at least every two years, unless your doctor advises you otherwise. Your doctor may recommend a cardiac stress test or an EKG if you are experiencing any symptoms of cardiac disease, such as shortness of breath or chest pain.
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When to have it All women 40 years old or older who have sustained a fracture should have a screening. All women beyond 65 years of age should have the test. The test is also recommended for women who are at increased risk due to certain medications, and for patients with diseases or nutritional conditions that are known to be associated with bone loss. Note: Check with your doctor and/or health insurer regarding coverage of the tests/screenings that you are considering. You can also contact the Michigan Medicare/Medicaid Assistance Program (MMAP) at 1-800-803-7174 for information or assistance. 7
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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 Co. Health & Community 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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Reg 1-A / Detroit AAA
Reg 1-B / AAA 1-B
Reg 1-C / The Senior Al
S potlight O n …
Burnham Brook Region IIIB Serving Barry and Calhoun counties in Southwest Michigan
When It Comes to Your Money, It’s Okay Not to Trust
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t sounds almost harmless — “Affinity fraud.” Don’t let the name fool you. Affinity fraud is a form of investment and financial scam that targets a specific group of people, such as religious or ethnic communities, the elderly or professional groups. According to the Securities and Exchange Commission, these scams exploit the trust and friendship that exist in groups of people who have something in common. It is no surprise that a primary target of affinity fraud is the fastestgrowing segment of our population — seniors. Last year more than five million seniors were victims of abuse and/or fraud. By nature, older adults
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are more trusting. But when it comes to your money, too much affinity can cost you everything. In the case of your life savings and investments, it pays to be suspicious and distrustful. One of the best ways to avoid becoming a victim is to understand scammers’ tactics and how to avoid them: • Bogus charities: If someone asks for a charitable donation, check out the organization at www.guidestar.org or with the Better Business Bureau. • Email solicitations: Remember,
banks don’t email you about your account staReg 3-A / Kalamazoo Cty. Human Reg 3-B / Burnham-Brook Reg IIIB Services (Region 3) defense? Delete them! tus. Dept. Your best • Powers of attorney: These scammers persuade seniors to sign a power of attorney so they can help manage bank accounts and other financial transactions. Always get a second opinion from another family member or trusted adviser before signing anything. Reg 6 / Tri-County Office on Aging Reg 5 / Valley AAA • Investment scams: Do not fall for investments that promise “guaranteed” returns. If it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is. Promises of fast and high profits, with little or no risk, are classic warning signs of fraud. Need help? Region 3B Area Agency on Aging is sponsoring the Elder Abuse Coalition in Calhoun County. To find out Reg 9 / NEMSCA Reg 9 AAA Reg 10 / AAA of Northwest MI more about this effort, contact Carrie Taft at 269-441-0920.
Reg 3-C / Branch-St. Jo (IIIC)
Reg 7 / Reg VII AAA
Reg 11 / Upper Peninsu
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Detroit Area Agency on Aging Serving Detroit, Highland Park, Hamtramck, Harper Woods and the five Grosse Pointes in Wayne County
Aging is All About “living life to the Max”
Reg 1-A / Detroit AAA
Reg 1-B / AAA 1-B
Reg 3-A / Kalamazoo Cty. Human Services Dept. (Region 3)
Reg 3-B / Burnham-Broo
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t was like Christmas in July when the Detroit Area Agency on Aging (DAAA) introduced its first Life to the Max honorees at Detroit’s Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History. Now, some 50 older adults whose lives exemplify living life to the max are commemorated in a limited edition, hardcover book that celebrates their community contributions and positive outlook toward life. Proceeds from the event and book support Detroit Meals on Wheels. DAAA’s Holiday Card campaign, now underway, also supports Holiday2. Meals on Wheels. For every $5 contribution, a holiday meal is delivered to a homebound senior. To contribute, or to volunteer for meal packing or deliveries this Thanksgiving or Christmas, call 313-446-4444.
One Great Resource: 4. Detroit
Wayne County long‑Term Care Connection
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he Detroit Wayne County Long-Term Care Connection is the one-stop resource for 5. information, assistance and referral to long-term care services in Wayne County. Whether provided in a person’s home or in a community-based setting, services are available to meet medical, social, financial, health education and personal needs — for a brief recovery or for continuous care. For help in navigating the maze of available services, programs, providers and living options, dial 2-1-1 or 1-866-MICHLTC (1-866-642-4582). Fall 2007
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Honoree Mother Ruth holds her Life to the Max photo, surrounded by members of Detroit's Perfecting Church who sponsored the well-known, 93-year-old evangelist. Paul Bridgewater, President and CEO, Detroit Area Agency on Aging (right front), joins the group.
operation extra Help: A Grassroots Campaign for Prescription Assistance Reg 5 / Valley AAA
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housands of Detroit and Wayne County residents qualify for “Extra Help” — a program that can save an average of $3,700 per year in Medicare Part D prescription drug plan costs and co-payments. And now, community-based organizations and health care providers are rewarded for helping them. Participating groups earn $75 for each eligible referral that results in a successful application. This is an innovative way to generate incremental revenue for community-based groups and health care providers while connecting people in the community with additional prescription help. For information, call 313-446-4444, ext. 5337.
Reg 6 / Tri-County Office
icare? Have Med Help d e Still Ne for Paying TIONS? PRESCRIP Medicare
+ EXTRA HELP =
Almost Free Prescriptions
Call the Medicare/Medicaid Assistance Program (MMAP) in Wayne County at
Reg 9 / NEMSCA Reg 9 AAA 1-800-803-7174
Reg 10 / AAA of Northw
to find out how to enroll in “EXTRA HELP” “Operation EXTRA HELP” is sponsored by:
• Detroit Area Agency on Aging • The Senior Alliance-Area Agency on Aging 1-C • Medicare/Medicaid Assistance Program (MMAP) • My Medicare Matters • National Council on Aging • Access to Benefits Coalition • AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals L.P.
Aging Authority Headlines Forum
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oted psychologist and gerontologist Ken Dychtwald will address a public forum on Riding the Age Wave, to be held at the Rock Financial Showplace in Novi on October 20. The half-day program, sponsored by Humana Michigan, focuses on issues of long-term care, introducing options to guarantee choice among older adults and disabled persons. The event is held in conjunction with the Solutions for Family Caregivers Expo. For information, call: 313-446-4444, ext. 4100. 9
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Area Agency on Aging 1-B Serving the counties of Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair and Washtenaw
Unique Services in the Home Help Area Seniors
Reg 1-A / Detroit AAA
Reg 1-B / AAA 1-B
Reg 1-C / The Senior Al
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any seniors in southeast Michiindicated another brand is preferred. cash and credit cards. Also, the driver gan are benefiting from a unique In addition to food items, the grocery will pick up empty returnable bottles residential grocery delivery service delivery service includes cleaning supand give the senior the reimbursable offered by Bill and Norma Ansara, plies, dog or cat food, stamps, money amount in cash. The cost of the delivowners of the Value Center Market orders and even fresh-cut flowers. ery service is $30 for the delivery located at Six Mile Road and Inkster Food is hand-packed in special plus the cost of the groceries. For Road in Livonia. Seniors can place plastic containers and delivered in an extra $7.50 the driver will put their grocery order by mail, email, a refrigerator/freezer truck by a away the groceries inside the home. Reg 3-A / Kalamazoo Cty. Human Reg 3-B / Burnham-Brook Reg IIIB Services Dept. (Region 3) The program services fax or phone to Norma, and within Wayne, Oakland, two to three days Macomb and Washtenaw their groceries are counties. delivered right to For more information, their door. please call Norma Ansara Staff of the at 734-525-2300 or email Value Center grocerydeliveryservice@ Market take extra yahoo.com. Reg 5 / Valley AAA Reg 6 / Tri-County Office on Aging care selecting the freshest fruits and FOR MANY vegetables to fill SENIORS, PETS the seniors’ orders ARE AN INTRICATE and ensure they PART of their family, are packed well and provide friendship to avoid bruisand companionship, yet ing or damage. driving your Labrador The program retriever, or getting your Reg 9 / NEMSCA Reg 9 AAA Reg 10 / AAA of Northwest MI also customizes stubborn cat into their meat orders for cage, to visit the vet seniors. For can sometimes be very Norma Ansara, owner of the Value Center Market, stands near the fresh fruit and vegetable area of the store. many seniors, challenging. Dr. Barbara one steak, half a Corn, a veterinarian in chicken or possibly two pork chops bonded driver. The driver for this Warren, has a unique service. She will are enough, and they do not want the program has been with the senior bring her services directly to your larger quantity that many stores sell. grocery delivery service for over 10 home. Whether your pet is due for So Norma and her staff will packyears and helps clients with other their annual exam and vaccines, or age the meat separately to meet the items if needed — such as taking possibly is experiencing some disneeds of their delivery customers. out the garbage on a wet or snow comfort, Dr. Corn is able to perform Seniors can also specify brand names day, changing a lightbulb or possibly most services, with the exception or simply ask for the least expensive helping to move furniture. “We love of major surgery or conditions that product, depending on their taste helping seniors, making them happy require hospitalization, in the comand budget. Norma and her staff also and helping make a difference in their fort of your house. For example, Dr. shop the sales for seniors to help lives,” says Norma. “This program Corn has treated upper respiratory save them money. For example, if is very rewarding and we, including ailments, ear infections and arthritis, name-brand tuna is on sale that week our staff at the market, really enjoy and can provide hospice for animals and is less expensive than the store working with our clients.” diagnosed with cancer. brand, the senior will receive the The program accepts clipped couUnder the company name of B.C. name-brand version, unless they have pons, Michigan bridge cards, check, Veterinary Home Care, Dr. Corn 10
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Reg 3-C / Branch-St. Jo (IIIC)
Reg 7 / Reg VII AAA
Reg 11 / Upper Peninsu
Michigan Generations
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established this service in 2005 and has been a veterinarian since 1991. “I’ve always wanted to provide this service,” says Dr. Corn. “It gives me more freedom with my schedule and I enjoy helping individuals, especially seniors who may have difficulty leaving their home, with caring for their pets.” Dr. Corn and her dog. The cost to have Dr. Corn visit a home is $40 for those residing in Warren, plus the cost of the veterinary services and $50 for individuals residing outside of
Warren. Seniors receive a 10% discount. For more information, contact Dr. Corn at 586-817-0160. In addition to grocery delivery service and veterinarian services that come directly to your home, many areas also have traveling dentists, hair stylists, and of course the more familiar visiting physicians and nurses. For more information on what is available in your community, contact the Area Agency on Aging 1-B at 1-800-852-7795.
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
Region 2 Area Agency on Aging Serving Hillsdale, Jackson and Lenawee counties
20th Annual Senior Festival Draws Record Attendance Reg 1-A / Detroit AAA
Reg 1-B / AAA 1-B
Reg 1-C / The Senior Alliance, Inc.
Reg 2 / Reg 2 AAA
T
he Jackson County Services, Geriatric Mental Department on Aging Health Issues and Health and celebrated 20 years of Wellness Lifestyles. The Departfestival fun on May 10, ment on Aging worked hard to 2007, at the Jackson cover all areas that would interCrossing Mall, with the est seniors. theme appropriately This festival, created by being “Life Is a Highway!” the Reg 3-A / Kalamazoo Cty. Human Reg 3-B / Burnham-Brook Reg IIIB Reg 3-C / Branch-St.Department Joseph AAA Reg 4on / RegAging, IV AAA Services Dept. (Region 3) (IIIC) A record number of has become the yearly prebusinesses, agencies and mier event for senior citizens clubs were in attendance, throughout the Jackson area. all with fun and helpful The department is very proud information and activities of the festival and of the help concerning aging and the and education it gives to our senior population. area senior citizens. Joe Evans, Jackson Triad, displays useful information for seniors about scams they should watch out for. Festival-goers were For more information, contact treated to live entertainBarbara Stoy atRegthe Region 2 Reg 5 / Valley AAA Reg 6 / Tri-County Office on Aging Reg 7 / Reg VII AAA 8 / AAA of Western Michigan ‘Breakout Sessions’ that covered ment throughout the day, a great Area Agency on Aging, toll-free Healthy Eating Habits, In-Home boxed lunch, door prizes, raffles and 1-800-335-7881 or 517-467-1909. Fall 2007
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Reg 1-A / Detroit AAA
Reg 1-B / AAA 1-B
Reg 1-C / The Senior Alliance, Inc.
Reg 2 / Reg 2 AAA
Branch–St. Joseph Area Agency on Aging IIIC Serving a two‑county area surrounding Sturgis, Three Rivers, Coldwater and Quincy
Protect Yourself and Young Visitors from Mercury in Your Home
Reg 3-A / Kalamazoo Cty. Human Services Dept. (Region 3)
I
n days gone by, it was acceptable — and even common — to play with small amounts of mercury. These days, we are more aware of the risks associated with handling mercury or breathing its vapors. We now know that mercury is hazardous, a powerful neurotoxin that is especially harmful to the brain development of children under six years of age and pregnant women, because of its effects on the brain of the developing fetus.
Reg 5 / Valley AAA
Many households continue to have objects containing mercury in them. A small amount of mercury
Community Health Agency Offices Coldwater — 570 Marshall Road . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 517-279-9561, ext. 106 Reg 9 / NEMSCA 9 AAA Three Rivers — 1110 Hill Street . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269-273-2161, ext.Reg233 Reg 1-A / Detroit AAA Reg 1-B / AAA 1-B Sturgis — 209 W. Hatch Street . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269-651-4013
is found in fever thermometers. Reg 3-B / Burnham-Brook Reg IIIB Reg 3-C / Branch-St. Joseph AAA Larger amounts can(IIIC)be found in furnace thermostats, older blood pressure measuring devices, antique pendulum clocks, mirrors and barometers. To make your home safe from mercury contamination, look for the objects mentioned above, even if you think you no longer have any of them. If you find Reg 6 / Tri-County Office on Aging Reg 7 / Reg VII AAA them, seal them in two plastic bags — one inside the other — for double protection from a spill. The Community Health Agency serving Branch, St. Joseph and Hillsdale counties has available “thermometer safe” disposal bags and will accept your double-bagged mercury thermometers for disposal. Reg 10 / AAA of Northwest MI Reg 11 / Upper Peninsula AAA further information, Reg 1-C For / The Senior Alliance, Inc. Reg 2 / Regcall 2 AAA517-2782538 or toll-free 1-888-615-8009.
Reg 4 / Reg IV AAA
Reg 8 / AAA of Wester
Reg 14 / Senior Resou West Michigan
Region IV Area Agency on Aging Covering Michigan’s Great Southwest including Berrien, Cass and Van Buren counties
Fabulous Friday Film Festival
Reg 3-A / Kalamazoo Cty. Human Services Dept. (Region 3)
I
t’s hard for busy professionals to keep in touch with a broader view of aging amid the day-to-day demands of the job. And yet, the resources available are more and more numerous, relevant and interesting. After attending a session at a conference on aging and viewing a sampling of fascinating documentaries about aging and disability, the Area Agency on Aging decided to share films and discussion time with other interested staff. Thus was born “Fabulous Friday Film Festival.” A number of award winning documentaries — old and new — were selected, purchased or rented, and scheduled for the year. Films were selected for their entertainment and 12
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Reg 3-B / Burnham-Brook Reg IIIB
educational value, and to present a well-rounded look at issues dealing with aging and persons with disabilities. Reg 5 / Valley AAA Reg 6 / Tri-County Office on Aging A short description of each film, along with the schedule, was sent out to all staff members. On the last Friday of each month, the projector and computer are hooked up, the lights are turned down and,Regfor an hour, staff share a MI Reg 9 / NEMSCA 9 AAA Reg 10 / AAA of Northwest unique viewing experience with colleagues. Dessert is provided.
The film festival Reg 4 / Reg IV AAA premiere featured portions of the Ken Dychwald PBS series, “The Boomer Generation.” Then the summer season was kicked off with “To You Sweetheart, Aloha”, the story of a Hawaiian ukulele player who finds a new soulmate at age 94. The documentary presented a look at relaRegsurprising 7 / Reg VII AAA and intimate Reg 8 / AAA of Western Michigan tionships and generated a good deal of discussion. Rounding out the year are films about retirement, face lifts, activism, caregiving, social engagement, Alzheimer’s, developmental disabilities and intergenerational relationships. The resources are also available for through the agency’s library. Regloan 11 / Upper Peninsula AAA Reg 14 / Senior Resources of West Michigan For more information, contact the Region IV AAA at 269-983-7058. Reg 3-C / Branch-St. Joseph AAA (IIIC)
Michigan Generations
9/20/07 1:37:45 AM
Reg 3-A / Kalamazoo Cty. Human Services Dept. (Region 3)
Reg 3-B / Burnham-Brook Reg IIIB
Reg 3-C / Branch-St. Jo (IIIC)
Tri-County Office on Aging A consortium of Clinton, Eaton and Ingham counties and the cities of Lansing and East Lansing
A Choice of Respite for Grandparents
T
he Tri-County Office on Aging values and embraces choice for all individuals they serve. Through the years, the community has looked at how best to help grandparents or other kin raising children with Federal Older Americans Act funds (Title 3E) designated for this purpose. A few years ago the consensus from the Advisory Council and a community focus group was for respite — needed time away from the responsibilities and stress of caring for the children they are raising. Because of TCOA’s philosophy of consumer choice, as grandparents (55 years and older) call the agency, they are asked what will most help them and the child/children they are
Reg 1-A / Detroit AAA
Grandmother Elizabeth and her granchildren.
raising. The grandparent then selects a day care, day camp, after-school program, sport camp, Reg tutor, etc. Cty. Human 3-A / Kalamazoo Dept. (Region 3) TCOA makes paymentServices arrangements
with the identified programs. Reg 5 / Valley AAA Each program Reg 6 / Tri-County Office on Aging has to have proper and appropriate insurance and licenses. One of the first grandmothers, or great-grandmothers, TCOA worked with four years ago was Elizabeth, who is raising a now-14-year-old granddaughter and 7-year-old twins. The program directly purchased day care Reg two days per for MI Reg 9 / NEMSCA 9 AAA Reg 10week / AAA of Northwest Reg 1-B / AAA 1-B Reg 1-C / The Senior Alliance, Inc. the younger twins while the older girl went to a week-long camp that included horseback riding. For another family, in which the grandmother is raising seven children, a YMCA family membership was purchased and each child was enrolled in a summer program there. For more information, please contact the3-BTri-County Aging at Joseph AAA Reg / Burnham-BrookOffice Reg IIIB on Reg 3-C / Branch-St. (IIIC) 517-887-1440 or 1-800-405-9141.
Reg 7 / Reg VII AAA
Reg 11 / Upper Peninsu Reg 2 / Reg 2 AAA
Reg 4 / Reg IV AAA
Region VII Area Agency on Aging Serving Bay, Clare, Gladwin, Gratiot, Huron, Isabella, Midland, Saginaw, Sanilac and Tuscola counties
Better Lives for Seniors Through Geriatric Evaluation
O
ne goal of the Region VII Area Agency on Aging is to provide funding for programs that enable individuals to stay healthy and in their own homes. One such program is Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. This program is designed to provide information and support to older individuals with the intent to assist them in avoiding illness and improving their health status. The primary goal of a provider offering Disease Prevention and Health Promotion is to offer timely, practical education on the physical, emotional and spiritual life. The program aims to help individuals manage daily situations and make long-range decisions, Fall 2007
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Reg 5 / Valley AAA
Reg 6 / Tri-County Office on Aging
Reg 7 / Reg VII AAA
Reg 8 / AAA of Wester
program operates collaboratively with physicians, nurses, as well as to social workers, physical therunderstand apists and dietitians. These abnormal dedicated professionals work changes in the to provide patients with aging process alternatives for long-term that may need care, to recommend changes attention. Reg 9 / NEMSCA Reg 9 AAA Reg 10 / AAA of Northwest MI lifestyles Reg 11 / Upper Peninsula AAA in their and to help Synergy identify excellent resources Mary Keane, nurse practitioner, Medical in the community. performs an evaluation on Beverly Education AlliRusmisel. There are many options ance, located available to help seniors in Saginaw, is one of Region VII’s remain in their homes and active in providers that offer this outstanding their community. service. Their program is called AGES For additional information on programs (Ambulatory Geriatric Evaluation and services, contact the Region VII Area Service). It provides a unique service Agency on Aging, 1615 S. Euclid Ave., with the goal of helping the older Bay City 48706, 1-800-858-1637 or population live independently. The visit www.region7aaa.org.
Reg 14 / Senior Resou West Michigan
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9/20/07 1:38:12 AM
Reg 5 / Valley AAA
Reg 6 / Tri-County Offic
Reg 9 / NEMSCA Reg 9 AAA
Reg 10 / AAA of North
NEMCSA Region 9 Area Agency on Aging Covering 12 counties of Northeast Michigan
Volunteer Ombudsmen Protect Seniors’ Rights
T
he federal government established the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program to help address the quality of care and quality of life experience by residents who reside in licensed long-term care facilities such as nursing homes, homes for the aged and adult foster care facilities. Om’budz’man is Swedish for “citizen representative.” It is the responsibility of an Ombudsman to protect the rights of individuals Area Agency on Aging Region 9 Long-Term Care Ombudsman Dawn Jacobs presents Buck Gwizdala with the Volunteer Ombudsman Recognition Award.
Reg 1-A / Detroit AAA
by providing information, investigation and advocacy. Local Ombudsmen work with individual residents to resolve problems and promote high-quality care. Local Ombudsmen are skilled in providing the following: • Explaining residents’ rights, to com• Empowering residents Reg 3-A / Kalamazoo Cty. Human Services Dept. (Region 3) municate their concerns individually or collectively, • Assisting in the resolution of resident concerns, • Promoting community education and awareness regarding long-term care issues, Reg 5 / Valley AAA • Promoting the
Reg 1-B / AAA 1-B
Reg 1-C / The Senior Alliance, Inc.
use of best practices, and, • Seeking solutions to identified problems within the long-term care system. The Northeastern MI region has a full contingency of trained volunteer Ombudsmen visiting the 22 nursing homes in the area. We are very fortunate to have many high-quality Reg 3-B / Burnham-Brook Reg IIIB Reg 3-C / Branch-St. Joseph AAA (IIIC) nursing homes in Northern Lower Michigan, and the Ombudsman program, along with the facilities, strive to continue that distinction. If you would like to schedule a presentation on issues related to longterm care, or if you have a concern regarding the care of a resident, contact your Long-Term Care Ombudsman tollReg 6 / Tri-County Office on Aging Reg 7 / Reg VII AAA free at 1-866-485-9393.
Reg 2 / Reg 2 AAA
Reg 4 / Reg IV AAA
Reg 8 / AAA of Weste
Upper Peninsula Area Agency on Aging Serving all 15 counties of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
Community Corrections Program Benefits Local Senior Citizens
Reg 9 / NEMSCA Reg 9 AAA
U
PCAP Services, Inc. is a multipurpose organization that administers many other programs in addition to serving as the Upper Peninsula’s Area Agency on Aging. Several of these programs have proven to be of significant value to senior citizens within the region. One rather unlikely program that has shown its worth is the West-Central U.P. Regional Community Corrections Program. The Community Corrections Program was created to help reduce prison admissions and jail overcrowding. It provides safe, alternative sentencing options to judges for nonviolent offenders in our communities. These options allow the offender to 14
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remain in the community while serving his or her sentence, instead of being placed in jail or prison. Community Work Crew Services is a central component of UPCAP’s Community Corrections Program. Local nonprofit organizations receive assistance with many different activities through these work crews. Community action agencies use the work crews to assist with commodity distribution, by having them sort and pack boxes and assist with loading and delivering the boxes to seniors. Senior centers may utilize work crews to provide snow removal for seniors. The crews also perform general lawn maintenance for some nonprofit
Reg 10 / AAA of Northwest MI
Reg 11 / Upper Peninsula AAA
Reg 14 / Senior Resou West Michigan
senior housing complexes. Since October 2006, West-Central U.P. work crews have contributed over 3,800 hours specifically to local senior citizens. There is a profound impact not only on the seniors who receive the assistance, but also to the participants in the work crews. Many workers have indicated that they can really “see” the value of the work they are doing. This sense of accomplishment can go a long way towards making positive lifestyle changes. For more information on this program, contact Becky McIntyre at 906-789-0511. Michigan Generations
9/20/07 1:38:31 AM
ASKtheExpert
Marilyn Sytsma, LMSW
Admitting Your Parent
to the Hospital
T
ransitioning to a caretaking role for aging parents and other loved ones is perhaps one of life’s most difficult challenges. Complicating the scenario are the increased health concerns associated with an aging population. We find ourselves escorting loved ones to and from doctor visits and even to the hospital. A hospital is a place of healing, but it can also create confusion and anxiety when you don’t understand what will take place. Here are some tips on what to expect and what to have in place when taking a loved one to the hospital.
How can I help my Dad when he is facing a hospital admission? if the admission is not an emergency,
you have the opportunity to prepare him for the experience. Talk with your father about going into the hospital, why it is necessary for him to be admitted and the goal of the admission. Let him express his feelings about the admission, and ask him if there is anything you can do to help with the process. Assure him that you will visit frequently and be involved in any decision-making that may arise out of the treatment. If there is some dementia, be prepared to explain the process several times. He is not ignoring you or intentionally seeking attention; he simply
Do you have a caregiving question? Write or email your question to our “Expert” at: Jenny Jarvis, Area Agency 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. Fall 2007
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cannot remember what he has been told. Remain calm and reassuring. Emergency admissions create a much more difficult situation, because there is not time to prepare the person emotionally. As soon as it becomes evident that he will need to be admitted, begin to talk with him about what to expect. Allow him to express his fears with you. Explain his situation to the nurses and tell them about his fears.
Why does my mother’s confusion become worse when she is admitted to the hospital, even though she is not as confused at home? a hospital admission for an elderly
person can be a very upsetting and confusing experience. As people age, and especially if dementia is present, it becomes more and more difficult to adapt to unfamiliar settings and understand a busy and complicated environment like the hospital. It is not unusual for the person to become confused and disorientated in an unfamiliar situation.
What information should I bring to the hospital? it is very helpful if you have an
accurate medication list with names, dosages and what physician prescribed the medication. Be sure to include any herbal or vitamin supplements, as these can interact with certain medications. Also, a list of physicians and the diagnoses are very useful, especially if the parent has multiple issues that are being addressed by several specialists. If your parent has behavioral issues as a result of dementia, it would be helpful to have a summary of the behaviors and how you intervene to manage them. It may be helpful for your parent, if you bring along something familiar such as a family photo, favorite pillow or com-
forting quilt. That provides a reminder of home and family. Reassure the person that you will visit frequently and can be called on the phone. Be sure to post phone numbers of family members in a clear place and request that the nurses call if they have any questions.
What about decisions regarding life and death for my mother? be sure that your mother has a
durable power of attorney for health care that clearly expresses the wishes of your mother in making decisions about resuscitation, life saving/extending measures and who is to make these decisions if your mother is unable to make them herself. It is very helpful to have this conversation before a hospital visit. If your mother has been diagnosed with a dementia disorder, it is important to have these documents completed before the progression of the disease makes decision-making difficult or impossible. Preparing for a hospital admission is a good time to have that conversation with your mother. If those documents have not been completed before the admission, the social work staff is able to provide the forms and assist with filling them out. This may be a difficult conversation to have with the mother that you love, but it can make the end-of-life decision process flow much more smoothly. marilyn sytsma, L.M.S.W., served as a therapist at Holland Hospital Behavioral Health Services for over 10 years. She recently began a new program providing behavioral health interventions to the inpatient services at Alpena Regional Medical Center. 15
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Screenings, continued from page 6 community health outreach coordinator at the medical center. “We typically bundle all our screenings in the fall, so we can offer a flu shot at the same time. That’s another enticement to get the seniors to come out.” n Seniors as a group don’t get all the health screenings they should, but minorities tend to lag even further behind. “Far fewer AfricanAmericans are up-to-date on screenings than their Caucasian counterparts, which means their diseases tend to be found in later stages,” says Dr. Robert Chapman, director of the Josephine Ford Cancer Center in Detroit. “That leads to a terrible disparity in terms of survival rate.” To try to lessen this disparity, the center is participating in a study in which it will contact African-Americans through area churches, senior centers and senior residences. The seniors who agree to participate will be divided randomly into two groups. One group, the “education group,” will be educated about the importance of health screenings and advised about available screenings in the area. This group will be contacted again after four years to assess the level of screenings they have had.
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The other group, the “facilitated group,” will get the same education, but they’ll also receive regular follow-up. “We’ll set up a calendar for each of them and keep reminding them when they are due for which screening,” says Chapman. “Then, after four years, we’ll monitor the difference between the groups. “We’ve just been going about 10 months, but we’ve already diagnosed 10 new patients with early cancer who would not have been diagnosed otherwise,” continues Chapman. “If we can make a difference in patients’ lives in diagnosis and treatment in a way that is fiscally responsible — even beneficial — we could literally make a change in the way Medicare, and then other insurers, offer their benefits.” The goal behind all of these various programs is the same — to get seniors to take advantage of available health screenings and immunizations. “Seniors want to be healthy, to live long and to live well,” says the City of Detroit’s Meadows. “One of the best ways to achieve that is through regular health screenings.” MI
9/20/07 1:39:12 AM