Monday, May 8th, 2023
A study out of the University of Michigan found that people between 65 and 80 years old living in their own homes had an easier time coping with anxiety and other mental health challenges than younger folks during the Covid pandemic. In fact, those findings of the University of Michigan’s Healthy Aging Poll are pretty much the same in non-pandemic times: Older adults adapt better to crisis situations. “It’s resilience, wisdom, the ...
Continue ReadingThursday, April 6th, 2023
Virtual Public Hearing via Zoom May 11, 2023 1:00 pm AgeWays is holding a virtual public forum to gather comments on its implementation plan for approximately $26 million in annual federal and state funding earmarked for senior services in its six-county service region during fiscal year 2024, which runs from October 1, 2023 through September 30, 2024. The hearing will happen via Zoom on Thursday, May 11, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. The AgeWays service ...
Continue ReadingWednesday, April 5th, 2023
Michigan Needs to Expand its Ombudsman Program Michigan has 100,000-plus nursing home residents. A crew of 20 “ombudsmen” statewide are charged with advocating on their behalf. That’s 1 person for every 5,000 residents (the Institute of Medicine recommends a ratio of 1 to 2,000). To say that these champions for some of our most vulnerable citizens are stretched thin is a serious understatement. Last year alone, the three ombudsmen who cover 140 ...
Continue ReadingTuesday, February 7th, 2023
Caring for a loved one can be incredibly rewarding—but it can also be overwhelming. As a family caregiver, it’s important to take time to rest and recharge. Still, finding a break that works for you and your loved one isn’t always easy. Whether it's cost, trust, or simply knowing where to begin, barriers can get in the way. To help, we’ve put together a quick guide to different types of respite ...
Continue ReadingThursday, December 22nd, 2022
Winter has arrived in lower Michigan, and will most certainly bring snowstorms, icy road conditions, power outages and other inconveniences. It pays to be prepared for emergencies. If you have a generator, keep it outside because of the potential for carbon monoxide poisoning from the unit. Make sure you've got three days' worth of canned goods to eat and 1 gallon of water per person for at least three days. Keep a flashlight and ...
Continue ReadingTuesday, November 29th, 2022
The holidays are upon us again. (How did that happen so fast?) If you are a caregiver, the season might be a crazy emotional mix—equal parts stress, joy, sticky family dynamics, nostalgia, and maybe a sprinkle of anticipatory grief. So how do you get through this busy season as an already overwhelmed caregiver? Here are some tips to help you make it through to the New Year. Keep It Simple and ...
Continue ReadingTuesday, November 8th, 2022
From Our Family to Yours Caring for an older loved one can often involve sacrifice. We know that every hour given to unpaid caregiving is one less hour you can give to earning a living and one less hour you have for your other responsibilities. It means less time for yourself. Family caregivers suffer from stress and illnesses in far greater numbers than those who are not caring for a loved ...
Continue ReadingWednesday, September 21st, 2022
If you have Part D Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan, it’s a good idea to review your drug coverage to make sure you’re getting the best bang for your buck – and your health. Open Enrollment, from Oct 15-Dec. 7, is the period of the year when you can switch your plans. Certified counselors from the Medicare Medicaid Assistance Program (MMAP) at AgeWays are taking appointments to help review your plan, ...
Continue ReadingTuesday, August 30th, 2022
Michigan fortunately doesn’t get earthquakes, hurricanes, massive snowstorms, wildfires and other disasters that hit other parts of the country with regularity nowadays. But boring stuff like water main breaks (that left thousands of homes in Macomb County without clean water last month), power outages and pounding rainstorms can be catastrophic for older adults. Bottom line: It’s good for you and your caregiver to be prepared for emergencies, whether that's a boil-water advisory ...
Continue ReadingFriday, August 12th, 2022
On August 11, 2022 AgeWays and special guest LaToya Hall, Director of the Wayne State University Institute of Gerontology SAFE Program, shared important information on the financial aspects of caregiving. View this webinar to learn about: How to approach a conversation about finances with your loved one Practical tips for managing your loved one’s finances How to keep your loved one safe from financial exploitation If you missed the webinar, no problem. ...
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