MIG08Fa ALL r4 by Wells-Smith Partners

Generations Michigan

Fall 2008

Michigan’s

Senior Centers Why the future looks so bright!

Also in This Issue: n Ask the Expert n Caregiving News & Notes 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.

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 Co. Health & Community Services Dept. Region 3A 3B Region IIIB Area Agency on Aging 3C Branch-St. Joseph Area Agency on Aging IIIC

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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3A 3B

Visit the AAA’s state website at www.mi-seniors.net

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

Generations Michigan

FALL 2008 Published quarterly

through a cooperative effort of Michigan’s Area Agencies on Aging. For information contact: Jenny Jarvis 248-262-9202, jjarvis@aaa1b.com

2008

Editorial Project Development: JAM Communications, Atlanta, GA Design and Production: Wells-Smith Partners, Lilburn, GA

On the Cover: Senior centers all around Michigan are choosing creative and innovative ways to meet the needs of the changing senior market. See story on page 4. Photo credits on pages 5 and 7.

Fall 2008, Volume 6, #2 © 2008 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

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

CAREGIVINGNews&Notes

Where We Spend Our $$ W

hile prices for older Americans have kept pace with overall inflation, their spending patterns have varied widely from the younger generation. Senior households spend more dollars annually on health insurance, prescription drugs, housing upkeep and new cars, while their children and grandchildren spend more on mortgage interest, rent, apparel and shoes. Here’s a closer look at how the two groups compare: item

Age

Health insurance New cars and trucks Housing upkeep Prescription drugs Reading materials Rented dwellings Mortage interest Apparel/services Shoes/sneakers

25 to 34

65 to 74

$304 676 228 84 28 1,478 1,477 742 128

$1,431 1,163 745 452 75 627 1,035 638 84

Home Health Care Workers Feel Gas Price Pinch

ising fuel prices are causing financial strain for some home health care workers — especially those serving rural areas, according to a recent Chicago Tribune report. A survey by the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging found that 50% of home care employees said they have already cut back on home visits because of fuel costs, and 90% might make cuts in 2009. Industry leaders have suggested replacing some services in rural areas with remote monitoring systems, according to the report. The Home Care Technology Association of America is lobbying Congress to change Medicare rules by reimbursing companies that adopt the use of remote monitoring systems.

Surfing the Net Each issue of Michigan Generations offers several websites devoted to caregiving information and resources: www.cancerproject.org focuses on cancer prevention and survival through a better understanding of cancer causes, particularly nutrition. www.medhelp.org offers comprehensive medical information, including health and disease topics and “Ask the Doctor” forums. Look for more helpful websites in the next issue of Michigan Generations. Fall 2008

Know Your Symptoms M

ost of us know that chest pain and shortness of breath are symptoms of heart attacks. But did you know that pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck, or back can also signal a heart attack? According to a survey of 72,000 adults published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, only 48% recognized those symptoms. In addition, only 62 percent recognized another symptom — feeling weak, light-headed or faint. If you experience any of those symptoms, as well as discomfort in the arms or shoulders, get to an emergency room or call 911. Receiving treatment within an hour can greatly increase your chances of a good recovery. TIP: While you are waiting for treatment or for the ambulance, chew and swallow one regular aspirin (325 mg.) or four low-dose aspirin (81 mg.) to prevent blood clots from forming.

Generations Wins Awards

ichigan Generations magazine is proud to have received several awards in recent weeks from two national competitions, including a prestigious gold award for excellence! The 2008 National Health Information Awards Program recognizes the nation’s best materials developed for the consumer health market. From more than 1,000 entries, Generations received awards for the following articles: • A New Look at Age-Related Illnesses (Winter 2007) — Bronze Award • Health Screenings – A Lifesaver for Seniors (Fall 2007) — Merit Award The National Mature Media Awards honors the best educational, marketing and advertising materials for older adults. Generations received the following awards: • En ding the Journey of Life with Grace (Summer 2007) — Gold Award • A New Look at AgeRelated Illnesses (Winter 2007) — Bronze Award Generations is published and distributed quarterly by Michigan’s Area Agencies on Aging.

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Michigan’s

Senior Centers Adapting to meet future needs By Martha Nolan McKenzie

he sign out front might say Older Persons Commission (OPC) Senior Center, but the gleaming 90,000-square-foot building looks more like a university multipurpose facility. After all, since when does a senior center have an auditorium with a raised stage? An expansive deck with barbeques every Friday? A school-sized gymnasium with an elevated running track? A café? And two — count them, two — swimming pools? Since 2003, actually, when OPC in Rochester outgrew the school where it was housed and moved into new digs. “I’ve been in the field for 35 years, and I had a vision of what the new facility should look like,” says Marye Miller, executive director of the center. What a vision it has turned out to be. The health and wellness center offers everything from personal training to team sports. Classes range from crafts to computers and from

Polish to Pilates. The center boasts a cabaret group, the 650 Players, that performs every other month. And the outside sidewalks are heated to melt away snow and ice — a big plus in Michigan winters. “We are truly one of the jewels of our community,” says Miller. Similar jewels are starting to sparkle all over the state and country. Though they began as basic congregate meal sites with perhaps a pre-lunch game of cards thrown in, senior centers have been adding services, classes and activities to reflect the changing interests of the senior population. These days, most look more like health clubs or community centers than senior gathering places. And they’re not done changing. With the crush of boomers waiting just outside their doors, centers are sprucing up wherever possible, adding on and rebranding themselves to appeal to the distinct tastes of the boomers. “Patrons of senior centers these days range from 50 to 100-plus years old,” says Linda Combs, president of the Michigan Association of Senior Centers. “Today’s younger seniors are healthier, wealthier and more active than ever before, so they want gym facilities, physical activities and nice amenities. Centers are keeping the activities that appeal to the older seniors, but adding others to attract a younger crowd as well. Basically, centers need to make sure what they are offering is responsive to the community they serve.” For many, many communities, that means senior centers have evolved into multipurpose activity centers with an emphasis on health and wellness. Just consider the wealth of activities offered at the H.C. Burnside Senior Center in Coldwater. “Rather than ask what we offer, it’s easier to ask what don’t we offer!” says Nancy Davis, executive director of the Branch County Commission on Aging, which runs the center. The popular exercise rooms hold classes ranging from cardio to balance; a woodshop keeps woodworkers busy; and digital photography classes fill up quickly. The most popular class is the Computer Club, which meets once a week and draws anywhere from 50 to 75 people. The center will soon offer Nintendo Wii, the popular virtual reality game system. The system has become very popular in many senior centers, since it offers a form of gentle, low-impact exercise — and a lot of fun. Michigan Generations

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(1) Older Persons Commission (OPC) Senior Center; (2) H.C. Burnside Senior Center; (3) Grayling Senior Center; (4) Sam Corey Senior Citizens Center; (5) Hillsdale County Senior Services Center; (6) OPC Senior Center; (7) Grayling Senior Center; (8) Sam Corey Senior Citizens Center. Sam Corey illustrations © Steve Fritz.

While many of the center’s programs seem to target the younger senior set, Davis says they make sure to include all ages. “I find that the older seniors still are going strong, enjoying cards and bingo, but they are also more and more interested in computers, exercise, and classes in healthy cooking/eating, balance and Tai Chi,” says Davis. “Our ‘older seniors’ definitely are not getting pushed aside. They love the variety.” Becky Reimann agrees. The director of the Bay County Division on Aging, Reimann has watched the division make changes to accommodate a changing clientele. “We do dinner dances. We have a barbeque at a state park with a country band. We have a 17-mile bike competition,” says Reimann. “Our challenge is to reinvent ourselves as an activity center, but not stray too far from our mission. For example, we recently had an osteoporosis strength training class that drew about 50 people.”

Centers for social service Some senior centers go beyond filling social and nutritional needs. “Many centers operate more like social agencies these days,” says Combs. “A lot of what I do is actually social work.” Alice Snyder, director of the Crawford County Commission on Aging, which operates the Grayling Senior Center, agrees. “Senior centers are no longer places where you just come to play cards and eat,” says Snyder. “They are places where you go to get assistance with ADL (activities of daily living) issues, or get legal help. For example, we have funding to provide housekeeping service, assistance with personal care (bathing, dressing, grooming) and respite care for caregivers. We provide assistance with Medicare and Medicaid in the form of counseling, enrollment and education. For other legal issues, we will refer seniors to the appropriate source based on their issues. Centers have really become the place where seniors can go to get assistance.” Last year, Snyder added support services for grand parents raising grandchildren to Grayling’s roster of services. The center partnered with Michigan State University (MSU) Extension to facilitate weekly support groups. “How we Fall 2008

parented our kids years ago is so very different from now,” says Snyder. “The group gives them support, but also education and resources.” Building on that program, Snyder was part of a group that organized the area’s first-ever relative caregiver conference. “We wanted to extend our reach beyond grandparents, because there are other relatives out there raising young family members,” says Snyder. “The conference had speakers, breakout sessions and booths. The whole goal was to provide education, information and support.” The Hillsdale County Senior Services Center pushes the social services trend to the extreme. The center, which is a private nonprofit, has functioned as the county’s department

“ Senior centers are no longer places where you just come to play cards and eat.” on aging since the actual department was dissolved in the early 90s. It built a large new center in 2002 and is already embarking on an expansion. Beyond the now-traditional fare of exercise rooms and computer labs, the center is adding on-site short-term respite care facilities, which will care for seniors around the clock for anywhere from two days to two weeks while their caregiver takes a break. It will also operate an adult day care, called the Legacy Club, for up to 35 clients, providing daytime respite for caregivers and a change of scenery and socialization for attendees. “We identified a growing need for short-term respite of caregivers so that caregivers can remain healthy and are able to care for their more frail loved ones,” says Terry Vear, executive director of the center. “From a fiscal standpoint, providing respite services costs substantially less than placing a loved one in a skilled nursing facility that would deplete an individual’s retirement funds more quickly. And studies show a person who remains at home for as long as possible is both happier and maintains good health longer.”

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For Vear, one of the biggest challenges is transportation. “We serve a rural community,” she says. “Hillsdale County has no public transportation services outside of the City of Hillsdale. The center is located in the middle of the county on the outskirts of Hillsdale City, which is the county seat. We provide transportation for clients that includes taking them shopping, picking them up for day care, bringing them in for social activities and taking them to medical appointments both in and outside the county.” Looking down the road, the center hopes to add affordable senior housing on its 12-acre site. “We don’t have the funding yet, but we already have 18 people on the waiting list,” says

Typically the advocate will pick up the senior via a driver provided by the center and accompany him to a doctor’s appointment. The advocate will participate in the entire appointment to make sure the senior understands what the doctor is saying and that all the senior’s issues are being addressed. The advocate will then make sure the senior fills his prescriptions and follows the doctor’s recommendations. “The program helps the senior who needs to go to the doctor and the volunteer who takes him,” says Coleman-Betts. “In fact, every department in the center is required to have a senior volunteer — administration, finance, the medical clinic, maintenance, the kitchen. It helps to empower seniors and give them a way to contribute.”

“ Partnership is the name of

Beyond four walls

the game right now.”

Vear. “We know we can’t be all things to all people, but we are trying to address the needs we’ve identified in our community. We are the focal point for senior services in the area.” The need for senior centers to provide social services is even greater in urban settings. Consider the St. Patrick Senior Center in Detroit. In addition to the foundation of the program — the congregate meal that serves over 55,000 meals to over 2,000 older adults each year — the center offers popular classes, from Tai Chi to hustle dancing. But it also operates a health maintenance clinic, providing regular blood pressure and blood sugar screenings as well as the opportunity to be seen by a visiting nurse practitioner. “We also offer a handyman, who will come into your home to do repairs, and we have a relationship with an urban law clinic we can refer you to if you have estate issues or issues with grandchildren,” says SaTrice Coleman-Betts, executive director of the center. “We have MI Café, which allows seniors to apply for the food assistance program through the center rather than through a government office.” Perhaps St. Patrick’s most innovative program is its Seniors Helping Seniors Advocacy Program. The center trains senior volunteers to act as advocates for other seniors.

Despite the need and desire for expanded services, some senior centers can’t afford to expand their physical facility to meet them, especially in these times of tight state and local budgets. They are not letting that stop them, though. Many centers are expanding their offerings by partnering with other centers or with institutions or agencies. “Senior centers are not bound by four walls anymore,” says Amy Smyth, advocacy specialist for the Area Agency on Aging 1-B in Southfield. “Their programs might take place on trips, at a local fitness facility or at a nearby library. Partnership is the name of the game right now.” Combs agrees. “I’ve seen a lot of collaboration and coordination between neighboring senior centers,” she says. “They will coordinate as many services as possible and refer to each other if they don’t provide a particular service.” In St. Joseph County, Lynn Coursey has been reaching out to the community to expand its offerings to seniors. The executive director of the St. Joseph County Commission on Aging, Coursey and her colleagues have partnered with a local health club within a hospital complex to allow seniors to take advantage of the facility. They arranged for the community mental health facility to send a provider to the center and to homebound residents to do counseling. They teamed up with the local art center to allow seniors to take classes at the art center. And they partnered with the local transportation authority to offer discount coupon rides for seniors. “I think it’s important to find those niches in the community where services are already being offered and partner with Michigan Generations

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(1) OPC Senior Center; (2) Hillsdale County Senior Services Center; (3) Burnside Senior Center; (4) Grayling Senior Center; (5) Sam Corey Senior Citizens Center; (6) St. Patrick Senior Center; (7) OPC Senior Center; (8) Grayling Senior Center; (9) Burnside Senior Center.

them,” says Coursey. “It makes good common sense rather than trying to invent the same program just for a specific population.”

Let them eat kale As boomers begin to enter the congregate meal programs, they are bringing their tastes with them. As a result, centers are moving from meatloaf and mashed potatoes toward salmon and fresh greens. “Everyone wants healthier food these days, and we are accommodating that,” says Miller of the Older Persons Commission Senior Center. Seniors in OPC can choose between the freshly prepared meal in the airy upper level dining room, which draws about 60 diners per day, or a salad and juice in the cozy café on the lower level, which generally sees 20 diners per day. In the dining room, canned vegetables have been replaced with fresh, chicken is favored over beef, and dessert is typically fresh fruit. The center has also introduced much greater variety into the menu. “We have a large Asian population, so we have an Asian cook who makes everything from sweet and sour chicken to wonderful noodle dishes,” says Miller. “We’ll also serve a Greek meal or a French meal. We have a barbeque every Friday during the summer, grilling out chicken or hamburgers, and everyone loves that. But we try to keep all the meals light and healthy.” Julie Shaw has seen the same kind of food revolution at Forsyth Senior Center in Gwinn. In the not-too-distant past, the kitchen used to rotate the same meals throughout the month, and “plain” was the watchword. Now it incorporates more variety into both the menus and the recipes. “The other day we had chopped fresh melon, while in the past we might have had canned applesauce,” says Shaw. “We used to serve chopped iceberg lettuce for a salad. Now it may be fresh spinach with chopped vegetables.” Forsyth Senior Center also partners with the local extension service to provide seniors with coupons for the farmer’s market. “They get $20 worth of coupons, so they can go get fresh fruits and vegetables,” says Shaw. Seniors in St. Joseph County are getting a choice not just in fare, but in time and place. While the county still runs three congregate meal sites that serve lunch from a

specific menu at a specific time, it has also begun issuing restaurant vouchers. The vouchers allow seniors to go to any participating restaurant whenever they choose. “They choose what kind of food they want to eat and when to eat it,” says Coursey. “It really fits in more with today’s lifestyle.”

Wooing boomers Several years ago, many senior centers started setting their sights on the tidal wave of baby boomers coming their way. “That’s when you started to see a shift toward things like computer training and gymnasiums,” says Smyth. “A big part of the discussion centered around how senior centers should rebrand themselves. Maybe ‘senior’ should not even be in the name anymore. Basically, it all centers around the question, how do we keep senior centers alive, because they are such a critical focal point in the community.” Continued on page 16

Corinthian Reaches Out to Detroit Seniors

enior centers aren’t the only places seniors can turn to for services and activities. Consider Corinthian Baptist Church in Hamtramck, just outside Detroit. Guided by the passion of its pastor, Dr. Joseph R. Jordan, and its caregiver ministry director, Patricia Simpson, the church offers an array of services to rival many senior centers. Five days a week, it serves a congregate meal to area seniors. It offers exercise classes, seminars on various health issues and regular blood pressure screenings. For low-income seniors, Corinthian works with The Heat and Warmth Fund (THAW), a nonprofit organization that provides financial assistance for energy bills. Corinthian operates MI Café to sign seniors up for food assistance programs. And it will send volunteers into homes to help with housekeeping, cooking or bathing, or to provide respite care. “We just do so much here,” says Simpson. “We have social events to keep seniors from feeling isolated. We help with snow removal and spring cleanup. We extend ourselves to help the entire community because word has gotten out that Corinthian will help seniors.”

Fall 2008

regionalNews In communities across the U.S.,

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

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.

S potlight O n …

8 5

14 6 4

3A 3B

Reg 1-A / Detroit AAA

Reg 1-B / AAA 1-B

Reg 1-C / The Senior Alliance, Inc.

Reg 2 / Reg 2

Branch–St. Joseph Area Agency on Aging IIIC Serving a two-county area surrounding Sturgis, Three Rivers, Coldwater and Quincy

Personal Action Toward Health (PATH)

Reg 3-A / Kalamazoo Cty. Human Services Dept. (Region 3)

hronic health conditions are conditions that do not go away but must be managed, such as arthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure or cholesterol, lung disease and a host of other conditions. If you have been diagnosed with a chronic health condition there is a program in our area to help you learn to manage your condition. PATH (Personal Action Toward Health) is a Chronic Disease Self-Management Program consisting of a six-week series of workshops designed to be a part of your current medical treatment. Learn how to handle problems caused by your illness, discuss ways to better communicate with your health care providers and family, and receive

support and encouragement Reg 5 / Valleyin AAAmanaging your illness. A friend or family member can register to accompany you in these workshops. The classes and information will help you to manage your chronic illnesses more effectively, as well as reducing your risk of developing other chronic conditions. Lowering your risk of developing chronic diseases andRegbeing able 9 / NEMSCA Regto 9 AAA manage any chronic illnesses that have already developed can play key roles in:

➤H elping you stay Reg 3-C / Branch-St. Joseph AAA (IIIC) independent as you age ➤ Experiencing a high quality of life ➤ Eating a healthier diet ➤ Getting moderate physical activity ➤ Reducing your stress and setting reasonable, achievable goals things willReg all7 /contribute to Reg 6 /These Tri-County Office on Aging Reg VII AAA your overall wellness at any age. If you are interested in learning more, call our office! There will be classes beginning this fall, hosted in various locations across Branch and St. Joseph counties. Classes are led by the Southern Michigan Diabetes Outreach Network (SODON). Reg 10For / AAAinformation, of Northwest MI call Reg517-278-2538 11 / Upper Peninsula AAA or toll-free 1-888-615-8009. Reg 3-B / Burnham-Brook Reg IIIB

Michigan Generations

Reg 4 / Reg I

Reg 8 / AAA

Reg 14 / Sen West Michig

Detroit Area Agency on Aging Serving Detroit, Highland Park, Hamtramck, Harper Woods and the five Grosse Pointes in Wayne County

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Celebrate Financial Support

inship care advocates celebrated a significant victory recently with passage of Michigan’s Subsidized Guardianship Assistance Act. The Act will provide subsidies from the Department of Human Services to court-appointed guardians or relative caregivers of children in the foster care system. For the first time in Michigan history, grandparents and/or relative guardians are eligible to apply for monthly support payments equal to those given to foster parents. With this legislation, Michigan is doing its part to strengthen our families by removing a major financial barrier to caregiving responsibilities.

Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm and State Senator Irma Clark Coleman (center) join supporters after passage of the Subsidized Guardianship Assistance Act, including Juanita Bridgewater, Chair, Detroit Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Committee (3rd from right) and Paul Bridgewater, President and CEO, Detroit Area Agency on Aging (4th from left).

One Great Resource:

Detroit Wayne County Long-Term Care Connection

he Long-Term Care Connection is the one-stop resource for 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 services, programs, providers and living options available to you or a loved one, dial 1-866-642-4582. Fall 2008

Stakeholders Organize for Long-Term Care Reform Reg 1-A / Detroit AAA

Reg 1-B / AAA

fter a survey of long-term care facilities in Detroit identified disparities among sites and unique needs among the city’s elderly population, the Detroit Area Agency on Aging created a task force to engage stakeholders in system change. Nine subcommittees of the task force will enlist professionals and consumers who Reg 3-A / Kalamazoo Cty. Human are committed to quality care in all long-term care setServices Dept. (Region 3) tings, from adult foster care and assisted living to nursing facilities and homes for the aged. Research and recommendations will focus on increasing access to more affordable options, streamlining management processes, expanding consumer services and identifying innovative alternatives and solutions to some of the most critical concerns in the long-term care arena. The LongTerm Care System Change Task Force is co-chaired by Reg 5 / Valley AAA Michigan State Senator Buzz Thomas, State Representative George Cushingberry, Jr., and Paul Bridgewater, President and CEO, Detroit Area Agency on Aging.

Michigan Kinship Care Conference and Reunion

ome 250 grandparents, relative caregivers and professionals gathered at Detroit’s Second Ebenezer Church in September for the First Annual Michigan Kinship Care Conference and Grandfamily Reunion. The event was organized by Detroit’s Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Committee, an interagency coalition of non-profit organizations providing information, referrals and support to the growing population of grandparents

Reg 9 / NEMSCA Reg 9 AAA

Reg 3-B / Burn

Reg 6 / Tri-Cou

Reg 10 / AAA

who have assumed caregiving responsibilities for another generation. Conference workshops covered health,

education, legal, and social service resources. If you’re a grandparent or relative who needs assistance accessing services or benefits, contact Detroit Area Agency on Aging, 313-446-4444, ext. 5828.

Area Agency on Aging 1-B Serving the counties of Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair and Washtenaw

New Web Tools Help Caregivers Connect with Services

aregiving can be overwhelming — emotionally, physically and mentally. Many caregivers turn to the web when looking for resources to help them cope. But the web can be overwhelming too. How do you filter through all this

information to find what’s relevant to you? The Area Agency on Aging 1-B has added new tools to its website to help family caregivers hone in on specific coping strategies and

services in their area. A self-assessment quiz enables visitors to gauge their stress level and then guides them toward coping strategies tailored to their specific caregiving situation, such as caring for a loved one with dementia. These strategies map out solutions to typical problems and then identify services that might help. For example, the plan for dealing with someone with dementia might include using two days of adult day services every week to give the caregiver a chance to run errands or take a breather. Users can link directly to descriptions of the services to find out more, link to a listing of providers in their area and even print provider coupons. To try the self-assessment quiz and find coping strategies and services, visit the Area Agency on Aging 1-B website at www.aaa1b.com.

Home for the Holidays

ach year, the Area Agency on Aging 1-B raises funds to provide homedelivered meals to homebound seniors who spend the holidays alone without friends or family. Thanks to our generous donors, last year we provided meals to over 7,000 frail, older adults. You have the opportunity to bring the gift of a warm, nutritious meal to the door of an older adult this holiday season. Meals are delivered on Thanksgiving Day, Hanukkah, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, Easter and Passover. Donations to support Holiday Meals on Wheels can be sent to the Area Agency on Aging 1-B, 29100 Northwestern Highway, Suite 400, Southfield, MI 48034. For more information on how an older adult can receive a home-delivered meal, or how you can volunteer to deliver meals this holiday season, call the Area Agency on Aging 1-B at 1-800-852-7795.

Navigating the Medicare Maze

Reg 1-A / Detroit AAA

Reg 1-B / AAA 1-B

Reg 1-C / The

or any Medicare beneficiaries who wish to join a Medicare Part D plan or change their current plan, open enrollment will Reg 3-A / Kalamazoo Cty. Human Services Dept. (Region 3)

Reg 3-B / Burnham-Brook Reg IIIB

Reg 3-C / Bra (IIIC)

Reg 5 / Valley AAA

Reg 6 / Tri-County Office on Aging

Reg 7 / Reg V

Counselors meet one-on-one with beneficiaries during Medicare Assistance Days.

Reg 9 / NEMSCA Reg 9 AAA

Reg 10 / AAA of Northwest MI

start on November 15, 2008, and end on December 31, 2008. Once again, the Area Agency on Aging 1-B, through the Medicare/ Medicaid Assistance Program (MMAP), will be holding local Medicare Prescription Assistance Days. Beneficiaries can make appointments to meet one-onone with trained local counselors to discuss and review their Medicare Part D options. For more information on the Medicare Prescription Assistance Days or to speak with a counselor, please call MMAP at 1-800-803-7174 or visit www.aaa1b.com (click on Programs & Services, then go to Medicare and Medicaid Assistance). Michigan Generations

Reg 11 / Uppe

New Program Launched in Macomb County

he Area Agency on Aging 1-B has partnered with the Macomb County Department of Senior Citizen Services to launch a pilot program for seniors who require a nursing home level of care but wish to remain living in their own home or chosen place of residence. An independent living consultant is available to talk with the senior and their family about topics such as local resources, insurance benefits, in-home care and other areas. The consultant will support, educate and encourage the senior in decision making, but does not make the decisions for him or her. The senior will be able to involve others in the planning process if they wish. Also known as person-centered planning, this process focuses on how the individual requiring care wants to live â&#x20AC;&#x201D; as no one knows a personâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s strengths, needs, preferences and desires better than the individual themselves. To be eligible for the program, an individual must be a Macomb County resident age 60 or older, and must require assistance with daily care needs. For more information, call the AAA 1-B at 1-800-852-7795. This program is funded through a grant received by the Michigan Office of Services to the Aging from the Administration on Aging.

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 InforÂmation 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

A Matter of Balance: Managing Concerns About Falls Reg 1-A / Detroit AAA

lder adults in Hillsdale, Jackson and Lenawee counties who have turned down a chance to go out with family and friends, or have cut down on a favorite activity because they are afraid they might fall, now have a program to address those fears. A Matter of Balance: Managing Concerns About Falls emphasizes practical strategies to reduce this fear and increase activity levels. Fear of falling can be just as dangerous as falling itself. Older adults who develop this fear often limit Hillsdale County . . . . 517-437-2422 Jackson County. . . . . . 517-788-4364 Lenawee County . . . . 517-264-5280 Fall 2008

Reg 1-B / AAA 1-B

Reg 1-C / The Senior Alliance, Inc.

Reg 2 / Reg 2 AAA

their activities, which can result in severe physical weakness, making the risk of falling even greater. Many older adults also experience increased isolation and depression when they limit A Matter of Balance sessions reduce fear of falling. their interactions with family Reg 3-A / Kalamazoo Cty. Human Reg 3-B / Burnham-Brook Reg IIIB Reg 3-C / Branch-St. Joseph AAA Reg 4 / Reg IV AAA Services Dept. (Region 3) (IIIC) and friends. A Matter of Balance includes sharing practical solutions and exercise eight two-hour sessions led by two training. The exercise component, trained facilitators. Participants learn which begins in the third session, to view falls and the fear of falling consists of about 30 minutes of lowas controllable, set realistic goals to impact, chair and standing exercises. increase activity and learn how to For more information on the change their environment to reduce A Matter of Balance workshop in your fall risk factors. Sessions include group county, call your local Reg Department on Reg 5 / Valley AAA Reg 6 / Tri-County Office on Aging Reg 7 / Reg VII AAA 8 / AAA of Western Michigan discussion, problem solving, skill buildAging or the Region 2 Area Agency on ing, assertiveness training, videos, Aging (1-800-335-7881). 11

Region 3B Area Agency on Aging Serving Barry and Calhoun counties in Southwest Michigan

Shining a Light on Financial Exploitation Of Calhoun County Seniors

n April 2007, Region 3B AAA convened a group to discuss interest in a coalition that would address awareness and prevention of elder abuse within the Calhoun County area. It was thought that the group could start slow and ramp up over a year or two. Wow, did we underestimate the passion and energy attached to this issue. The first meeting involved nearly 25 representatives from law enforcement, the court system, senior service providers, legal services, adult protective services and the business community. The membership has grown to over 40 agencies. During its first year, the group set a goal of educating themselves

and other senior service agencies on financial exploitation and affinity fraud. In November 2007, Anita Salustro of AARP talked to a group of more than 100 seniors about affinity fraud and investment scams. In addition, the Calhoun County Elder Abuse Prevention Coalition has provided two local trainings on elder abuse prevention for providers and human service agencies. Recently, a plan for a communitywide information and awareness campaign was developed. The campaign will include PSAs, billboards, an informational DVD and presentations, and Reg 1-A / Detroit AAA Reg 1-B / AAA 1-B training. It’s exciting to see so many

organizations come together toCty.address an3-B / Burnham-Brook Reg IIIB Reg 3-A / Kalamazoo Human Reg Services Dept. (Region 3) issue. The coalition now includes not only professionals who work with seniors on a regular basis, but also business “gatekeepers” such as heating and cooling specialists, funeral home directors, financial planners, banks and credit unions. The goal is to educate and advocate for a no-tolerance position in Reg 5 / Valley AAA Reg 6 / Tri-County Office on Aging our community to communicate loud and clear: “There’s no excuse for elder abuse.” With so many impassioned folks carrying the message, we are sure to make great strides in raising awareness on how to recognize and prevent abuse of all forms. For information, contact Executive Director Karla Fales, Region 3B Area Reg 9 / NEMSCA Reg 9 AAA Reg 10 / AAA of Northwest MI Reg 1-C / The Senior Alliance, Inc. Reg 2 / Reg 2 AAA Agency on Aging, at 269-966-2450 or go to www.region3b.org.

Region IV Area Agency on Aging Covering Michigan’s Great Southwest including Berrien, Cass and Van Buren counties

Caregiver Central

aregivers may not identify themselves as caregivers, or as doing anything special. To encourage and recognize the huge contributions made by caregivers, to help with self-identification, and to offer assistance, the Area Agency on Aging sponsored a special event — Caregiver Central — during its 12th annual Senior Expo. This year’s Senior Expo featured exhibitors from businesses and services, food, entertainment and health screenings, and was attended by more than 1,500 people. Caregiver Central was a separate classroom where caregivers could talk to other caregivers, and speak with professional staff to learn about community resources, support groups, home care 12

services or practical tips for personal care. pamphlets and DVDs Reg IIIB Reg 3-A /Books, Kalamazoo Cty. Human Reg 3-B / Burnham-Brook Services Dept. (Region 3) were available from the AAA’s lending library.

Reg 5 / Valley AAA

Reg 6 / Tri-County Office on Aging

Throughout the day, a film festival with previews of helpful DVDs was scheduled, including the films Caring for Your Parents, The Savvy Caregiver, And Honor,Regand Respite Care: Reg 9 /Thou NEMSCAShalt Reg 9 AAA 10 / AAA of Northwest MI Care for the Caregiver. Special drawings and door prizes were awarded for

participants. theAAAevent, Reg 3-C Prior / Branch-St.to Joseph Reg 4 / Reg IV AAA (IIIC) the AAA took out newspaper ads featuring a photo of a mom and daughter, with the headings Are you caring for your wife, husband, or aging parents? Are you concerned about their health and safety? — inviting people to come and learn more about caregiving. Two days before the Senior Expo, a feain the newspaper offered Regture 7 / Reg article VII AAA Reg 8 / AAA of Western Michigan information to help people recognize their caregiving role. The article described Caregiver Central and other available resources, including two stress management workshops to teach caregivers practical techniques for identifying and reducing stress. theof Reg 11 /For Uppermore Peninsulainformation, AAA Reg 14 /contact Senior Resources West Michigan Region IV AAA at 269-983-0177 or 1-800-442-2803. Michigan Generations

Reg 3-C / Bran (IIIC)

Reg 7 / Reg V

Reg 11 / Uppe

Services Dept. (Region 3)

(IIIC)

Region VII Area Agency on Aging Serving Bay, Clare, Gladwin, Gratiot, Huron, Isabella, Midland, Saginaw, Sanilac and Tuscola counties

Region VII Launches New Program

Reg 5 / Valley AAA

he Region VII Area Agency on Aging launched a new program, “Personal Action Toward Health” (PATH). PATH is designed to help adults who have a chronic disease better manage their health conditions. PATH does not replace regular medical treatment, but provides individuals with knowledge and skills to help them improve their health and manage their symptoms. The PATH program was developed by the Stanford University School of Medicine in California, and PATH master trainers conduct workshops for individuals. The workshops are held for six consecutive weeks, providing fun and interaction, and including such topics as:

➤W ays to deal with frustration, fatigue and pain ➤ Goal setting and problem solving ➤ Managing medications ➤ How to plan visits with health care providers ➤ Ways to talk with family and Reg 9 conditions / NEMSCA Reg 9 AAA friends about chronic ➤ Using the power of the mind to help manage symptoms. Region VII has partnered with the Michigan National Kidney Foundation and the St. Stanislaus Kostka Catholic Church Parish Nurse Program in Bay County to initiate the new program. The PATH participants met at the congregation center at St. Stanislaus Church and were eager to share their stories and successful ways that

they have dealt with their Reg 7 / Reg VII AAA chronic health conditions. Region VII is extremely excited about the first PATH program and

Reg 6 / Tri-County Office on Aging

Reg 8 / AAA

Reg 10 / AAA of Northwest MI

Reg 11 / Upper Peninsula AAA

Reg 1-A / Detroit AAA

Reg 1-B / AAA 1-B

Reg 14 / Seni West Michiga Reg 1-C / The

Marilyn Glaza and Maxine Dabrowski, PATH participants.

intends to offer it throughout the other counties in our service area. For more information about the PATH program or other services offered Reg / Kalamazoo Human contact Reg 3-B / Burnham-Brook by3-ARegion VII,Cty.please us at Reg IIIB Services Dept. (Region 3) 1-800-858-1637 or www.region7aaa.org.

Reg 3-C / Bra (IIIC)

Tri-County Office on Aging A consortium of Clinton, Eaton and Ingham counties and the cities of Lansing and East Lansing

TCOA Honors Leonard Peters

t is a pleasure and a priviHe has been a key lege for the Tri-County supporter of older Office on Aging (TCOA) adult preprograms, to highlight Leonard Peters and throughout in this article. Leonard has the years has been dedicated to public made TCOA a service for 44 years — very respectable including 26 years as Eaton organization. County Commissioner, 22 Commissioner of which he has been chair Peters has been of that Commission. instrumental in TCOA has been fortubringing people Leonard Peters nate to have Commissioner of opposing views Peters serve on the Tritogether and reachCounty Aging Consortium Adminising consensus. Through his leadership trative Board for 26 years. Of those he has brought the Tri-County years, seven were as chairperson; he Aging Consortium, counties of Clinwas involved in TCOA’s capital camton, Eaton and Ingham, and the cities paign and was instrumental in raising of Lansing and East Lansing together over $1.5 million for the campaign. under the common mission “to Fall 2008

promote and preserve the independence and Reg 6 / Tri-County Office on Aging dignity of the aging population.” Commissioner Peters devotes approximately 25% of his time to civic and fraternal activities, including the American Red Cross, Michigan Works Board, Foundation Board for Eaton Rapids Medical Center, Eaton Rapids City Council, Eaton Rapids Public Schools, Reg 9 / NEMSCA Reg 9 AAA Food RegBank 10 / AAABoard of Northwest MI and the Ingham Medical Foundation Board. He has decided that this will be his last year serving as a County Commissioner. Thank you, Leonard Peters, for all that you have done to enrich the lives of older adults, and for promoting the mission of TCOA. For more information, please contact the Tri-County Office on Aging at 517-887-1440 or 1-800-405-9141. Reg 5 / Valley AAA

Reg 7 / Reg V

Reg 11 / Uppe

NEMCSA Region 9 Area Agency on Aging Covering 12 counties of Northeast Michigan

Mio Senior Center Acquires a Wii System

he Oscoda County Council on Aging purchased a Nintendo Wii System for senior use — and the seniors love it. “We have a number of senior groups who make it a point to come in and bowl a few games before and after lunch,” says director Mark Grantner. “Although there are a number of activities one can choose

Reg 1-A / Detroit AAA

from [including golf, tennis, baseball, shooting, memory games, table tennis, billiards, tanks, hockey and fishing], most seem to like bowling best. It’s very realistic and the participants follow the same body movements as if one were at a bowling alley. What’s really neat is that a person can play the game while sitting Reg in 3-A a /chair, soCty. Human Kalamazoo Services Dept. (Region 3) it’s excellent for seniors who have trouble standing.”

Hillman Honors Veterans Montmorency County is one of the few counties in the nation that continues to observe the day WWII ended. Every August the village of Reg 5 / Valley AAA Hillman hosts an annual VJ Day.

Events include a queen pageant, a parade honoring allReg 9 AAA Reg 9 / NEMSCA Reg 1-B / AAA 1-B Reg 1-Cmemorabilia / The Senior Alliance, Inc. area veterans, wartime and a Michigan Museum of Military Transport display, as well as music, fireworks and, of course, great food. Montmorency County Commission on Aging (MCCOA) staff enjoy the personal history lessons they receive from their senior program participants in the time leading up to VJ3-BDay celebrations. MCCOA Reg / Burnham-Brook Reg IIIB Reg 3-C / Branch-St.director Joseph AAA (IIIC) Stacy Carroll shares, “The majority of our area seniors remember that time well. It was a significant event in their lives. It’s a time to honor area soldiers who served and to remember those who lost their lives. They truly are a great generation.” For more information, call the Region 9 Area Agency on Aging at 1-800-219-2273 Reg 6 / Tri-County Office on Aging Reg 7 / Reg VII AAA or go to www.nemcsa.org.

Reg 10 / AAA Reg 2 / Reg

Reg 4 / Reg

Reg 8 / AAA

Upper Peninsula Area Agency on Aging Serving all 15 counties of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula

U.P.’s 2-1-1 Call Center Obtains AIRS Accreditation

Reg 9 / NEMSCA Reg 9 AAA

fter several years of hard work and development, the U.P.’s 2-1-1 Call Center recently became nationally accredited through AIRS (Alliance of Information & Referral Systems). So, what does this mean for residents living in the Upper Peninsula? According to Terry Thomma, who manages the U.P. 2-1-1 Call Center for UPCAP, it means that residents will have access to professionals who can provide them with objective, extensive information and referrals to programs in their area that may offer the services they need. Thomma says, “Since our 2-1-1 Call Center meets or exceeds the highest standards in the field for information and referral 14

U.P.’s Call Center is accessible 24/7.

services, callers can be confident in the information they will receive when they dial 2-1-1.” Anyone within the Upper Peninsula

can call 2-1-1 to receive information and assistance on longReg 11 / Upper Peninsula AAA term care options, employment, housing, senior services, rent or utility assistance, transportation, child care, volunteer opportunities and a host of other services. The Call Center is accessible 24 hours per day, every day of the year, and is toll-free. A trained, certified Information and Referral Specialist will assess the situation, help find answers to the caller’s questions, provide the caller with options, and then give information on how to access any options chosen. Cell phone and pay phone users must dial 1-800-338-1119 to access the U.P. 2-1-1 Call Center. For more information, call UPCAP at 906-786-4701.

Reg 10 / AAA of Northwest MI

Michigan Generations

Reg 14 / Sen West Michig

ASKtheExpert

Aimee Sterk

Assistive Technology

Makes a Difference

What is assistive technology? assistive technology (at) is any

equipment or device that improves life for people with disabilities, including seniors. AT means everything from walkers and wheelchairs to TV listening devices, hands-free magnifiers, extralarge TV remotes and grab bars. AT also includes home modifications like wider doorways or ramps. AT can be low-tech or high-tech. You can purchase AT from medical suppliers or Meijers, or you can make your own. With AT, people with disabilities can live longer and healthier lives in their own homes.

How can AT help me? several research studies have

shown that small changes make a big difference. Seniors and other people with disabilities who carefully choose and use AT with the help of a knowledgeable professional may experience these benefits: ➤ Slower decline ➤ A reduction in hospital and nursing home stays ➤ Increased independence ➤ Decreased falls. (Falls are the leading cause for hospitalization and nursing home admission for seniors. Most falls occur in the bathroom.)

What type of AT was used in these studies? most of the at used in the studies

addressed motor impairment and helped with bathing, meal preparation, dressing, leisure and the telephone. These items included: — Grab bars for toilets, bathtubs and showers — Motion-detecting lights to prevent falls — Assistive listening devices for phones and televisions Fall 2008

— Bath transfer benches — Vibration devices to help people wake up — Meal preparation tools — Walkers with wheels, baskets, brakes and seats — Bed assists — Ramps and temporary ramps — Photophones — Pill dispensers — Dressing aids — Eating aids — Talking watches with reminders

What steps should people take in accessing AT? 1. identify what you want to do or need to do. What are your goals? What is most important to you? Many people want to be able to use the toilet themselves or prepare meals. Some want to continue their favorite hobby. Others have dementia and need help with safety. 2. recognize your strengths and weaknesses. Are your arms strong but your legs are weak? A leg lifter uses arm strength to help you move your legs to where you need them to be. 3. know your environment — the way your bathroom or bedroom is set up affects which AT you choose. Different devices work better in different arrangements. 4. know your resources. find out if the AT you need is covered by Medicare or Medicaid, or if you will need to pay for it yourself or take out a loan from the Assistive Technology Loan Fund (www.michiganloanfunds. org). Maybe the device you need is listed online for free or at a low cost at www.atxchange.org. If you don’t have Internet access, your local Area Agency on Aging or Disability Network can help you check these websites.

5. research options ■ Your local Disability Network is staffed by people who know about and use AT every day. Call and ask them what works for them and their customers. Some devices are more useful than others. ■ Ask for help from occupational therapists and other health care professionals who are trained to help people choose the right AT. 6. choose devices that you will actually use. AT only works when you use it. If you aren’t using your AT, think about giving it away to a loan closet in your area or online at www.atxchange.org.

How do I find out more? there are many websites with

information on AT for community living, including: www.techforltc.org www.dynamic-living.com www.activeandable.com www.sammonspreston.com www.alzstore.com Visit a medical supply company in your area. The knowledgeable staff can advise you about the variety of AT that is available. Attend the presentation, “Small changes, BIG DIFFERENCES,” at the Area Agency on Aging or Disability Network location in your area. To find out about presentations in your area, call me at 616-797-9769 or email aimee@prosynergy.org. Aimee Sterk, MSW, is a Program Manager for the Michigan Disability Rights Coalition, a nonprofit organization that advances the issues of Michigan’s disability community through grassroots activism, public education and advocacy. For more information, go to www.copower.org.Quisl 15

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Continued from page 7

Vear agrees. “Boomers don’t want to go to a senior center, but they’ll go to Perennial Park,” she says. “So we unofficially rechristened Hillsdale County Senior Services Center as Perennial Park. The new name, along with our vibrant new facility, has changed the perception in our county of what a senior center is all about.” OPC decided to get younger boomers in the door to introduce them to what lies ahead. “All our health and wellness facilities are downstairs, and they are all open to people age 50 and up,” says Miller. “Everything else is upstairs, and it is for those age 60 and up. So it’s kind of like preschool, where the kids see the older ones and what they are doing and are able OPC Senior Center to learn a little about what kindergarten and first grade will be like. The 50-and-up folks get a chance to learn what will be available to them when they reach 60.” Playing to boomers’ interests can serve centers well. When the Parks and Recreation Department for Delhi

Township decided to build a new building to house the Sam Corey Senior Citizens Center, it decided to go green. The 7,700-square-foot facility, which will open in early 2009, will be heated and cooled with energy-efficient geothermal units and topped with a live roof, which filters water before it gets into the ground and helps insulate the building. “We will be the first LEED-certified building in Delhi Township,” says Mark Jenks, director of the Parks and Recreation department, referring to the environmentally friendly certification by the U.S. Green Building Council. “Our seniors are getting a kick out of that, and I think it will be a draw for boomers as well.” And that is the key, after all. The senior centers that will thrive will be like those mentioned above — ones that adapt to the changing senior market. “I think it’s going to be a very bright future,” says Coursey. “We just have to be smart and agile as we continue to meet emerging needs of the aging population.” MI