Seventeen years ago, Anita’s husband Robert began to notice thathis mind was taking longer to processinformation and he was spending moretime sleeping. She accompaniedRobert on a lengthy course of doctorvisits and tests which determined theroot cause to be abscesses withinRobert’s brain. Experts pinned this to an uncommon (I in 10,000 people),streptococcal bacterial infection thatcan be potentially lethal.

“He was 57 when symptoms startedand by age 60, he could no longerwork,” she said. “Robert had signs ofdementia,” Anita said. She added that it wasn’t long before a new symptomcropped up. Robert’s body began tofreeze in motion and he needed awalker to move around. “Just lastFebruary,” she said, “Robert was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease.”This was a devastating blow for a

A Publication of The Area Agency on Aging 1-B Vol.14, No.4 Winter 2012/13

S e r v i n g t h e c o un t i e s o f L i v i n g s t o n, Ma c omb, Mon r o e, O a k l and, S t . C l a i r a nd Wa s h t e naw

Your Link To Community Resources

Area Agency on Aging 1-B29100 Northwestern Hwy., Suite 400Southfield, MI 48034

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PAIDSOUTHFIELD, MIPERMIT #90

continued on page 7

Commerce Township resident Anita

Nemeth is a woman skilled at embracing

life’s challenges. When life throws her a

hurdle, she’ll research and investigate to

discover viable solutions. However, one

of the most valuable lessons Anita learned

is that when life’s hurdles get too big, you

need to reach out for help.

Caregiver says support groupsand trainings were a lifesaver

HolidayTraditions

Low cost technological advanceshelp caregivers stay connected

Pages 4 & 5

Caregivers who put forth that kind of time and energy could look to technology to conserve their resources.Yet caregivers older than age 50 areless likely to use caregiving technology,citing cost as a deterring factor.

In an effort to lesson the burden,listed below are some common care-giving issues with high tech solutionsthat won’t burn a hole in your walletand may work to preserve your sanity:

PROBLEM: I’m having a hard timestaying organized and keeping everyone updated on the condition of my loved one.

SOLUTION: BrightStar Lifecare’sCareTogether™ web-based caremanagement tool

COST: Free - register online atwww.caretogether.com

This very easy, user-friendly com-munication tool is a secure communityresource developed for family care-givers. “It has certain similarities andtouch points with Facebook,” saidBrightStar President Keith Angelocci,“but it’s not advertising based.”

Launched in April of 2011,CareTogether provides a venue forfamilies to create a private page

containing everything they need tomanage the care of their loved one(s).The caregiver can add members to thecare team to oversee appointments,delegate tasks, post updates and photos,and more–all from one platform.Angelocci added, “CareTogether alsointerfaces with Facebook, MicrosoftOutlook, Google Calendar, and mobiledevices.”

Oakland county resident LauraEliason experienced CareTogether firsthand last March. While vacationingwith her husband Art in Colorado, hewas suddenly struck with a severeruptured brain aneurism that led toother life-threatening complications.“We were in hospitals for over threemonths before Art could be flownhome to Michigan,” she said and indicated that it was hard to be so far away from family and friends.

A good family friend mentionedCareTogether to Eliason as a virtualvehicle to gather people together andcoordinate a “care” community. Eliasonjumped on the idea, visited the website,and viewed a set-up demonstration.She found it simple to use and easy tosubmit email addresses of those whowould receive updates.

Ask the Expert ..........................................3

Traditions Make Holidays Memorable for Local Families ................4

News From The Medicare MedicaidAssistance Program (MMAP) ..................6

Older Adults Improve Quality of Life with AAA 1-B Healthy Aging Programs ....8

Inside This Issue

continued on page 2

couple married 48 years with dreamsof a golden retirement. But in Anita’sworld, an old English proverb prevails…‘when the going gets tough, the toughget going.’

Anita learned all she could aboutdementia and Parkinson’s. “Then I gotinto a solid support group that meetsevery week,” she said. “I found that it’sso important to get with people who arein the same boat so you can discussthings freely and openly. They’vebecome my lifeline.”

At the meetings, everyoneexchanges ideas, problems are aired,and everyone pitches in with solutionsthey’ve discovered along the way.“When you’re taking care of a spouse

Anita and Robert Nemeth.

According to recent figures compiled by the Family Caregiver Alliance National Center on Caregiving, 29% of American adults are providing care to someone who is aged, ill or

disabled at an average of 20 hours per week.

2

Due to Art’s tenuous condition,Eliason said that everyone wanted toknow what was happening. “WithoutCareTogether, it would have beenimpossible to keep up with the phonecalls, texts and emails. But through theuse of this innovative tool, I could postupdates as often as possible, when itwas convenient,” she said.

The outcome of which had a therapeutic effect on both Eliason andArt. “The outpouring of prayers fromthousands of people helped us getthrough the ups and downs of thosemany, long days,” she said. “I lived for those comments–caring words ofhope, encouragement, and prayer.”

Ironically, Eliason works in the longterm care field. “Through this experienceI realized that you need to be preparedfor what life throws your way. With theproper planning, tools and solid com-munication, you can reduce the crazinessand ease the burden from these hugechallenges. CareTogether was a lifesaver.”

PROBLEM: My loved one hasdementia and I’m concerned they’llwander off and become lost.

SOLUTION: MedicAlert® +Alzheimer’s Association Safe Return®

800-432-5378

COST: $55/year and $35/year torenew; ID included in the cost

Annual membership provides live,medically trained staff that delivers24/7 emergency response service forindividuals with Alzheimer’s Disease ordementia by means of a MedicAlert IDthat can be worn as a shoe tag, watch,sports band, bracelet, dog tag, or pen-dant. Engraved into these medical ID’sare an 800 number and the person’sMedicAlert identification number.

According to MedicAlert MediaSpecialist Jillian Price, “In the event ofan emergency, the first responder cancall our 800 number and obtain theinformation necessary for the individualto be medically treated or returnedhome in a quick and safe manner.”That information includes current

medications, medical history andadvanced directives.

She noted that with Medic Alertthere’s no software to download, nobattery to charge, and the system doesnot rely on satellites or cell towers. Sheemphasized, “Our success rate is 98%.”

PROBLEM:When faced with caregivingissues, I need answers on the spotand it’s difficult to find expert advice.

SOLUTION: Elder 411 and Elder 911Smartphone applications

COST: Free–visit www.elder411.net

Developed by a nationally recognizedgeriatric care manager with over 35years of experience in the field, theseseparate applications are geared tocaregivers and don’t require internetaccess. They provide answers to situa-tions that can arise with older adults.

Elder 411 contains over 500 piecesof specialized advice on a variety ofnon-emergency caregiving issues broken out into eleven categories concerning communication, financialaffairs, etc. Face daily challenges withan expert at your side to conveyinsightful, tested solutions.

Elder 911 provides a step-by-stepguide to handle emergency scenariosthat arise with older adults for in-homeor hospital experiences. You simply enteryour relation to the person you’re caringfor, along with the timeframe of the crisis(i.e. post hospital stay, etc.), and a screenpops up with the information you’llneed to get through the emergency.

PROBLEM: While my parents preferto live in their own home, I’m concernedthat they’ll encounter an emergencysituation and I’d like to be connectedin some way so that I can help themas soon as possible.

SOLUTION: Guardian MedicalMonitoring products

COST: For more information, contactGuardian Medical Monitoring at 877- 435-7225 or visit www.guardianmedicalmonitoring.com.

Guardian Medical Monitoring has awide range of innovative products gearedto protect your loved one. Guardian’sVirtually There Care offers a wirelessvideo camera system, enabling you toremotely check in on a loved one fromyour smart phone, computer, or Ipadtablet.

Guardian also offers a PersonalEmergency Response System whichcan be accessed by pressing a ‘help’button on either a pendant or receiverunit. This two-way communication system connects your loved one to a specially trained Guardian care representative who will assess the situation and contact EMS, family and/or neighbors. Pendants are available inmany styles and offer additional uniquefeatures such as a fall sensor and GPStracking to monitor movement whilethe wearer is at home or on the go. It’san ideal tool for those with dementia orAlzheimer’s Disease.

PROBLEM:My father has a few chronichealth conditions and is resistant tohelp from any of his children. He alsorefuses to move into a more supervisedliving environment. We are concernedabout him having a medical emergencywhile he is home alone

SOLUTION: BOB VSG system offeredthrough Critical Signal Technologies, Inc.

COST: For more information, contactCST at 855-427-8585 or visitwww.criticalsignaltechnologies.com

BOB VSG (Vital Signs Gateway) isCST’s TeleHealth System that transmitshealth information directly from yourloved one, to a designated physician,family member or caregiver. CSTTeleHealth units/products monitorhealth levels, such as a blood pressuremonitor; a blood glucose level monitor;a body weight scale; and/or a wristclinic that monitors heart rhythm regularity, heart rate, oxygen saturation(Sp02) and body temperature.

Based on the person’s health status,BOB VSG wirelessly captures theinformation from any of the aboveTeleHealth units and transmits the data to the CST Care Center trainedspecialist who, in turn, relays this information to those on your lovedone's call list.

The physician can also access theinformation remotely at any time and isalerted when levels are beyond thenormal range. It's like having a doctorwatching over your loved one in thecomfort of their own home.

CST, Inc. offers other assistive technology systems, including a personalemergency response system (PERS)and a medication management system.

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continued from page 1Low cost technological advances help caregivers stay connected

3

Taking Care of the CaregiverBy Lynn Alexander

If you are a caregiver, you eventuallylearn this important truth: The bestway to be taken care of as a caregiveris to take care of yourself! Althoughothers can assist in many ways, care-givers must take charge in this regard.Thus, the most important principle ofTaking Care of the Caregiver is:

1. Permission to Take Care of Yourself. Many caregivers feel guilty about

taking any time away from their lovedone. They form what psychologists calla “symbiotic relationship” in which theneeds of each person become sointertwined that they cannot be sepa-rated. One of the greatest dangers forcaregivers is to neglect your ownneeds and push yourself into a state of exhaustion. As caregivers we areunder a great deal of stress and needmore, not less, in terms of rejuvenatingourselves. It is easy to stop doing

those things which recharge our batteries, like taking a walk, meeting afriend for lunch, going to the beautysalon, attending a religious service orclub meeting, and even going to thedoctor and dentist. Even simple thingslike a yoga class or hobbies can beplaced aside. Remember that yourneeds are important too and that youhave the right to take care of yourself.This will help, not hurt, your loved one.Think about it. If you become exhaustedyou are no goods to anyone. Wewould not try to drive our car withoutrefueling from time to time. Yet wesometimes try to “run on empty”. It isalso useful to realize that perhaps yourloved on could use a break from youtoo! Interaction with others can begood for their quality of life as well.

2. The Next Important Principle is to Ask for Help.There is a great deal of help available.

The trick is knowing where to go forassistance. At one of my presentationsan audience member stated it well:“Honey, I have 18 different refrigeratormagnets with 18 different phone

numbers. Which one do I call?” That is why I founded “Your Aging WellAdvisor”, a consulting and educationfirm to help educate caregivers andtheir loved ones on how to be strategicand find the right information and toolsfor aging well and caregiving. Now in adual role as president of your AgingWell Advisor and VP of Public Affairsfor Presbyterian Villages of Michigan Iwill continue to provide high qualityinformation on the trends, issues andresources in this arena. You can findout more by checking out ourPresbyterian Villages of MichiganFacebook page or going to our websiteat www.pvm.org. You can also checkout the Area Agency on Aging 1-B’swebsite at www.aaa1b.com for care-giving strategies

3. The Third Principle I Want to Share With You is to Empower Yourself!Commit to taking the following

actions: Encourage everyone in yourfamily to be involved in the caregivingprocess. In every family there is usuallyone person who is thrust into the maincaregiving role. And everyone has differing capabilities. Yet all can dosomething to help out. Don’t let yoursiblings or children (if you are caringfor a spouse) get away with playing“The Little Red Hen.” In a diplomaticyet firm way make sure they are doing

their part. Get some respite. Do allthose things (or at least some) that arehighlighted in our first principle. Take avacation… for a day, a weekend, oreven a week. Ask others to fill in foryou. Take a stress management class.Most communities have some wonderfulclasses available for a nominal fee.Join a support group. The Area Agencyon Aging 1-B can get you to the rightplace.

Remember: the #1 person for takingcare of you is YOURSELF! Don’t loseyourself in the process. You will bebetter off and so will your loved onefor whom you are caring. May your lifebe enriched by your caregiver journey.

Lynn Alexander isthe Vice Presidentof Public Affairs forPresbyterian Villagesof Michigan, andPresident/CEO ofYour Aging WellAdvisor, educatingindividuals on agingwell and caregiving.Lynn, who cared

for both of her parents, is the author of“Caregiver Tsunami”, and is a frequentlyrequested speaker on issues which impactseniors, their caregivers, and the providersand communities which serve them. A formerdirector for the Michigan Office of Services tothe Aging, Lynn is also a columnist for TheBest of Aging magazine.

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participate in a Las Posada (procession) to commemorate the journey of Joseph and Mary.

For people of Polish descent, “Wigilia”, derivedfrom Latin’s vigilare and means “to await,” takesplace on Christmas Eve. To prepare for this celebration,the home is cleansed from top to bottom. In the olddays, the state of the house at Wigilia representedhow the home would appear throughout the NewYear. Whew, no pressure there.

Polish pride runs deep with Oakland county resident,Theresa Wasniewski, who was born in Poland andgrew up celebrating Wigilia with her parents, thenwith her husband Stan and their three children, andnow with her seven grandchildren. “It’s a beautifultradition that begins with Advent, the four weeksleading up to Christmas Eve,” she said. “During thistime we sing Christmas carols and make decorationsfor the tree with the children.” In the old days youwouldn’t buy decorations, the children would makethem.

Wasniewski said that as a child she’d createpaper chains and garland made from straw, silverand gold to symbolized the wise men’s gifts of silverand gold.

Wasniewski remembers celebrating ChristmasEve as a little girl, “when my parents would open thedoors to the room where we had the tree, it would beall lit up with presents beneath it.” Instead of goingfor the toys Wasniewski said, “I’d lie down on mystomach and sing a Polish hymn to baby Jesus inthe manger. My children would do the same whenthey were little.”

During the Wigilia day, fasting takes place prior to the evening’s meal, which is meatless. There are12 dishes, symbolic of the 12 apostles, and items onthe menu are gathered from nature. Fish is the mainentree.

The table’s appearance plays an integral role inthe symbolism of the evening’s celebration. The whitetable cloth represents snow and there’s always anextra place set at the table. If by chance a neighboror stranger would come to your door, they are welcome to join the family at this seat. It’s a reminderthat there should always be room at the inn for anyunexpected guest. It can also serve as a seat ofrespect for a family member not present or one who passed on that year.

“In the villages outside the cities, the tablecloth iscovered with straw. But we wouldn’t have that,” saidWasniewski. “In our home, we’d place a few strawson the table.” Other homes incorporate straw intoeach place setting. As everyone is seated, guestsraise their straw. The size of the straw may represent a person’s lifespan; the color may represent their marital status or the person who draws the longeststraw will have their wish granted in the New Year.

The meal commences when the youngest personcatches sight of the first star in the sky and announces,“The star is here!” Candles adorning the table are litand the tree lights turned on to set the stage for theevening festivities that begin with a prayer, a biblereading and then the breaking of the consecratedbread called “Oplatek” (pronounced ‘oh-pwha-tech’).

After supper, everyone gathers around the tree to sing Koledy (Christmas carols), while childrenopen their presents. The evening concludes with a trip to church at midnight mass. Traditionally,Christmas day is centered on rejoicing and relaxation.

4

make holidays memorablefor local families

Catch the sound of distant bells, the sight of twinklinglights and the aroma of festive home baked goods waftingfrom the oven and you know the holiday season is here.Several local families plan to celebrate with customs andtraditions handed down through the generations as a wayof reaffirming their roots.

Traditions

Others will embrace new traditions to strengthenfamily bonds. The fact is, holiday routines offer avariety of perks such as:

• memories captured and passed down in the form of family stories that create a sense of belonging

• structure and repetition which can be emotionally healthy for both young and old

• a fostering of family values through meaningful customs

• a sense of connection during a season that, due to weather, can be isolating

• a measure of continuity in our world which is constantly evolving

Often, holiday customs and traditions are tied to nationality. Swedes ring in Christmas Eve withglogg, a mulled wine drink, and Jul grot, a porridgecontaining a treasured almond which promises therecipient good luck in the New Year. Mexicans

5

In other homes throughout Metro Detroit, whenethnicity is not the focus, customs are adopted orcreated to suit a family’s personality and style. SandyPalmer, a resident of Royal Oak, traditionally servesup a big Christmas Eve feast that includes familyfavorites like king crab and a grand finale of Sander’shot fudge cream puffs.

The highlight of the evening follows dinner whena Santa hat is passed around the table containingone of the verses from ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas.’Guests reach in and pull out a slip of paper with theirverse. “We’ll sing the song together and each personsings their line, but the trick is being able to get yourverse in on cue.” She mentioned that not only doesthis tradition get everyone laughing; it’s also simpleand always memorable.

But for Palmer, the best tradition occurs when theevening comes to an end. “As long as I can remember,even when my kids were little, after we’d leave thetable, the children, and now my grandchildren, gatheraround as I read, “The Night Before Christmas,” shesaid. “Those are my fondest memories.”

On the other side of Oakland County, residentsSusie Zaks and her grandson Cameron Klein add adifferent spin to their holiday season. Two years ago,

Three bond-building holiday traditions that can add a little snap to your season:

1) Brew hot cocoa, cider, or holiday tea and take it along in traveling cups as you pile into the car. Then, turn up the holiday tunes and drive around the neighborhoods, checking out holiday light displays.

2) Create holiday cards for older adults who reside in nursinghomes and assisted living facilities throughout Michigan. For more information, visit www.snailmailforseniors.com.

3) Hold a family roast! Prior to your gathering, assign gueststhe name of a family member who has passed away. Their mission…to arrive bearing a photo or illustration of this person along with a funny or fascinating story about them. As dessert is served, guests make their presenta-tions one at a time. In memory of your loved one, clink glasses of a holiday beverage at the end of each presentation. The evening could begin or end with a family prayer and could be tape recorded or video-taped for posterity.

Do and don’t list for creating or keeping traditions alive

Do…- Choose something that you can remain consistent with

each year

- Keep it simple and positive

- Select rituals that encourage family values, bonding, and positive interaction

- Check out www.volunteermatch.org for volunteer opportunities in your area to experience during the holiday season. Type “holiday volunteering” into the advanced search box.

Don’t…- Feel pressured to maintain customs that no longer work

- Get trapped in the details, especially productions that require a lot of time. Traditions with these characteristics may fall by the wayside with future generations.

Zaks discovered the Adopt a Family program whileworking for Jewish Family Services (JFS). “I wantedto do something meaningful with my grandson, nowage 7, and felt this would be the perfect Tzedekah,act of giving, project to do together duringChanukah,” she said.

Zaks and Klein were assigned an anonymousfamily that happened to be a single mom with twochildren ages 4 and 7. The family supplied a Chanukah“wish list” and, armed with this information, Zaks andKlein got down to business. “Cameron was excitedto make the decisions as to what toys to buy thekids. This gave us a chance to bond as we spent anentire afternoon together shopping, having lunch, andthen dropping off our gifts at JFS. Cameron helpedcarry in the items and got to see where all the donatedgifts were stored,” said Zaks. “It was an excellentavenue for teaching the Jewish tradition of Tzedekah.”

She mentioned that their family would often referback to this experience throughout the year whenTzedekah was discussed during family conversationsor in Cameron’s classes at school.

“I know that Cameron feels proud of himself forparticipating in the Adopt a Family program,” saidZaks. “When he opens his own gifts, he knows thathe has helped other children have a specialChanukah too.”

The Wasniewski brothers gather at the tree to celebrateChristmas of 1967.

Now approaching their third year with Adopt aFamily, Zaks said, “Volunteering together has trulyenhanced our relationship.” She added, “This year I’llinclude Cameron’s younger brother Brady so that hetoo can be part of this Tzedekah experience. It’s anew tradition just for me and my grandchildren.”

This "giving to others" theme also plays a majorrole in the holiday celebration of the Seppo family.According to St. Clair County resident Tom Seppo,“About 17 years ago, my wife Brenda, daughtersRebecca and Andrea, and son Andrew and I got tiredof the commercialism of receiving presents and rippingthem open with little thought of others. So we decidedto deliver holiday meals to senior citizens on Christmasday. We loved the idea of helping others so muchand the warm, fuzzy feeling we got that this traditionhas become the center of our celebration.” He addedwith a smile, “We even throw in a little caroling whenwe present a holiday meal.”

Tom continued, “Our family works together toremember the less fortunate on a day when so manyolder adults are alone. We all carry something; wesing together; and ultimately, we realize how fortunatewe are to have one another.”

For more information about Holiday Meals onWheels, see page 8.

Susie Zaks with Brady and Cameron Klien.

The Seppo family.

6

In 2013, Medicare beneficiaries willnotice their Medicare Summary Notice(MSN) will look different when it arrivesin their mailbox. The MSN is the state-ment that informs Medicare beneficiarieswho are enrolled in Medicare Part Aand/or Part B about their claims forMedicare benefits.

What you need to know:Starting in 2013, the Centers for

Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)will mail the MSN to beneficiariesquarterly.

CMS announced the redesign earlierin the year as part of a new initiative,“Your Medicare Information: Clearer,Simpler, At Your Fingertips,” which aimsto make Medicare information moreaccessible, and easier for beneficiariesand their caregivers to understand.

CMS will take additional actions to make information about benefits,providers, and claims more accessibleand easier to understand for seniorsand people with disabilities who haveMedicare.

Features of the RedesignedMSN:

The MSN redesign is the result ofmore than 18 months of research andfeedback from beneficiaries to provideenhanced customer service and respond

to suggestions and input. The redesignedMSN includes several features that arenot available in the current MSN,including:

• A clear notice on how to check the form for important facts and potentialfraud;

• An easy-to-understand snapshot of:

-The beneficiary’s deductible status

-A list of the providers they saw, and

-Whether Medicare approved their claims

• Clearer language, including consumer-friendly descriptions for medical procedures;

• Definitions of all the column headers present in the form;

• Larger fonts to make it easier to read; and

• Information on preventive services available to Medicare beneficiaries.

Detecting Errors and Fraud:The MSN is an important document

for beneficiaries to review carefully tomake sure you are not billed for servicesyou didn’t receive. If you do find errorsor suspect fraud, call the health careprovider that is listed on the MSN andinquire about the questionable item(s).In many cases, it may be the result of

a billing error, which can easily be corrected. If your question is notresolved and you still think the charges are fraudulent, call the SeniorMedicare Patrol at 1-855-613-7080.

For More Information To see the side-by-side

comparison of the full old and re-designed MSN document, please visit

http://www.cms.gov/apps/files/msn_changes.pdf on the CMS website.

Your local Medicare MedicaidAssistance Program (MMAP) is a trusted,unbiased resource, available to helpanswer your questions Mondaythrough Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.by calling 800-803-7174. This serviceis free of charge.

News from the Medicare Medicaid Assistance Program (MMAP)PAID

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Expo Helps Caregivers Find SupportApproximately 1,200 caregivers

attended the Area Agency on Aging 1-B’s13th Annual Solutions for FamilyCaregivers Expo, which took place on Saturday, October 13, 2012 at theSterling Inn in Sterling Heights. Thisevent offered an opportunity for peoplecaring for an aging or disabled relativeor friend to visit with more than 90exhibitors, attend educational seminarsand network with other caregivers. Freemorning refreshments were served andcaregivers had a chance to win greatprizes. Respite care at the expo provid-ed complimentary, professional careonsite to 15 older adults while theircaregivers attended the event. Theexpo will return to the SuburbanCollection Showplace in Novi onSaturday, October 12, 2013.

We would like to thank the generoussponsors who helped make the 13thAnnual Solutions for Family CaregiverExpo possible:

Platinum Co-Sponsors•HAP Medicare Solutions & Henry Ford Health System

Gold Sponsors•AAA – The Auto Club Group•Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan/Blue Care Network

•Christopher Berry, Elder Law Attorney,Witzke, Berry, Carter & Wander, PLLC

Silver Sponsors•American House Senior Living Communities

•Guardian Medical Monitoring•Meridian Advantage Plan•NexCare Health Systems•Presbyterian Villages of Michigan •Visiting Physicians Association•Waltonwood

Refreshment Sponsors• Jim Schuster, Certified Elder Law Attorney

•SMART•Trinity Senior Living Communities

Respite Sponsors•Hospice of Michigan•Sunrise Senior Living

Respite Care Providers•Alzheimer’s Association - Greater Michigan Chapter

• Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers

For questions about the CaregiverExpo, or information about sponsorshipopportunities, contact Sallie Justice,Communications Manager at AAA 1-B,at sjustice@aaa1b.com, or at 248-262-9947.

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24/7, you’re constantly dealing withissues and there’s never any let up,”she said. “Just when you think thingsare under control, it changes andoftentimes, it’s worse, so you have toswitch up your thinking and improvise.”

Through her support group, Anitareceived an email from the Alzheimer’sAssociation. “It had information abouta free course offered locally by theArea Agency on Aging 1-B (AAA1-B)called ‘Creating Confident Caregivers’™(CCC) and I decided to enroll,” Anita said.

In partnership with the Alzheimer’sAssociation’s Greater Michigan andMichigan Great Lakes Chapters, theAAA1-B facilitates six-week educationaltrainings for family members currentlycaring for a person with a dementia-related illness at various times andlocations throughout Livingston,Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clairand Washtenaw counties. The programuses methods from the University ofMinnesota’s “Savvy Caregiver” programand is designed to reduce caregiver stressby providing useful tools, strategiesand information that will…

- Increase caregiver’s knowledge and understanding of the impact of the disease on the brain

- help caregivers manage difficult behaviors caused by dementia

- implement daily activities devoted to the person’s strengths

- boost caregiver confidence

- encourage caregivers to take care of themselves

The training is designed for the primaryfamily caregiver and it is not open topaid caregivers. Up to three familymembers can attend the trainingtogether and each class is limited totwelve participants. Classes are sixweeks long and held once a week fortwo hours.

While there is no fee for the program,books, and other materials; participantsare encouraged to attend all six sessionsto fully benefit from CCC™. On-siterespite care is also available for theperson you care for at no charge.

Anita found CCC to be invaluable.“It was very educational and gave methe confidence to speak up more atmy support group,” she said. “It alsoreinforced the fact that, by caregivingstandards, I’m doing things the right way.”

If you’d like to register for anupcoming CCC™ training program in2013, call the AAA 1-B at 800-852-7795during the week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

caregiver support groups and trainingscontinued from page 1

8

VisionThe Area Agency on Aging 1-B will bethe agency of first choice for advocacy,action, and answers and drive com-munity engagement to ensure that olderadults, adults with disabilities, andcaregivers reach their full potentialand highest quality of life.

ServicesHome Care ServicesPersonal care (bathing, dressing, etc.),homemaking, home-delivered meals,respite care, chore assistance, homeinjury control.

Community-Based ServicesAdult day services, transportation,congregate meal sites, home deliv-ered meals, out-of-home respite, legal assistance, employment forolder workers, elder abuse prevention,services for vision and hearing impaired,long-term care ombudsman, resourceadvocacy, counseling, and volunteercaregivers.

Information and Assistance ServiceResource specialists can quickly answerquestions and access information forcallers using a computerized databaselisting over 5,000 senior services and2,000 providers in southeast Michigan.Call toll-free, 800-852-7795.Hours are 8 a.m.- 5 p.m., weekdays. You can also visit www.aaa1b.com

AAA 1-B Access CentersLivingston/Washtenaw County

734-213-6704Macomb County 586-226-0309Monroe County 734-241-2012Oakland County 248-357-2255St. Clair County 810-388-0096

ACCESS: Your Link to Community Resources is published by the Area Agency on Aging 1-B, 29100 Northwestern Highway, Suite 400,Southfield, MI 48034, phone: 248-357-2255,fax: 248-948-9691. Paid advertisers are notendorsed by the Area Agency on Aging 1-B.Questions and comments may be directed to Jenny Jarvis, Director of Communications, or Sallie Justice, Communications Manager, editor.Access is written by Rebecca Rabano. Design and production by Northlight Design. Printing by Pinnacle Printing & Promotions.29100 Northwestern Highway, Suite 400 • Southfield, MI 48034

800-852-7795 • www.aaa1b.org

Don’t Miss the Area Agency on Aging 1-B’s Living Well Radio Series!

Listen for “Living Well.” on these stations:

“Living Well” is a radio series that canbe heard on our five radio partners.This informational feature provides tips,resources and important informationto family caregivers, who are oftenstruggling to balance caregiving withwork, family and other obligations.“Living Well” sponsorship opportunities are available. Pleasecontact Bill Hayes at 248-644-1990.

Many thanks to our recent sponsorswho have helped bring you “Living Well.”

Jim SchusterCertified Elder Law Attorney

Older Adults Improve Quality of Life with AAA 1-B Healthy Aging Programs

The Area Agency on Aging 1-B(AAA 1-B) supports several seniorhealth and wellness, chronic diseasemanagement, and injury-preventionprograms, held at various locationsthroughout Livingston, Macomb, Monroe,Oakland, St. Clair and Washtenawcounties. Programs such as:

Enhance Fitness – exercise class focused on cardiovascular exercise, strength training and flexibility.

Healthy Eating for Successful Living –nutrition class for healthy aging, chronic disease prevention, and weight management

PATH (Personal Action Toward Health) – provides strategies to help manage chronic or long term health conditions (chronic disease self management)

Diabetes PATH – strategies for managing Diabetes

Chronic Pain Self Management – explores ways to manage frustration,fatigue, isolation, poor sleep; appropriate exercises for maintainingstrength, flexibility and endurance; use of medications; nutrition; and communication with friends, family and doctors.

A Matter of Balance – strategies to help manage concerns about falling and increase activity levels

All of the above programs are evidence-based health programs thathave been tested and proven to workin a real-world setting.

Eight-six year old Betty, enrolled in the Enhance Fitness class at PearlWright Senior Center credits the classfor helping her recover from two breastcancer related surgeries.”After eachsurgery I returned to Enhance Fitnesswithin a few days and gradually I wasable to do all of the exercises – even

with weights,” explained Betty. “Mysurgeon scheduled ten physical therapyappointments but after the first two, thetherapist said I didn’t need anymoreand cancelled the remaining eightappointments. The therapist was soimpressed she asked for the informationso she could tell some of her otherpatients about it.”

The AAA 1-B is partnering withseveral companies to provide theseevidence based programs in 2013,including Adult Well Being Services,Asian Center of Southeast Michigan,Howell Senior Center, Jewish FamilyServices-Washtenaw County, MacombCounty Community Services Agency,National Kidney Foundation of Michigan,and Presbyterian Villages of Michigan.

For details on locations and times,questions, or more information aboutany of these programs, visitwww.aaa1b.com, click on “Programsand Services” and then “Senior Healthand Wellness,” or contact Kristin Wilson,the AAA 1-B program manager/trainingspecialist, at kwilson@aaa1b.com, or248-262-9226.

Holiday Meals onWheels Impact theLives of Older Adults

This year, when you are consideringmaking a donation to a cause that ismeaningful to you, we hope that youwill include Holiday Meals on Wheels(HMOW). HMOW makes a difference in the lives of thousands of seniors insoutheastern Michigan who are frailand homebound and who may bespending the holidays in silence. Theknock on the door from the volunteerwho brings them their warm, nutritiousholiday meal, is a connection to thespirit of the season, and may be theonly visit they receive that day. HolidayMeals on Wheels are delivered on:

• Thanksgiving• Christmas• Chanukah• New Year’s Day• Easter• And Passover

Holiday Meals on Wheels are fundedalmost exclusively through donations.Be a part of improving a senior’s spiritsand wellbeing this holiday. It is simpleto donate. Call the Area Agency onAging 1-B at 800-852-7795, or visitwww.aaa1b.com.

Monica, who is picturedhere with her loving familymember Oreo, looks for-ward to receiving a visitfrom a Holiday Meals onWheels volunteer onThanksgiving, Christmas,New Year’s Day andEaster.

Seniors at the Pearl Wright Senior Center in Royal Oak Township enjoying an EnhanceFitness class. Photo courtesy of the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan.

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