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

VoiceAdvocacy Gives Seniors a

Published quarterly by Michigan’s Area Agencies on Aging

MichiganGenerationsTMSpring 2011

OLDER MICHIGANIANS DAY

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age 3

SPRING 2011 Published quarterly through a cooperative effort of Michigan’s Area Agencies on Aging.

For information contact:Mary Ablan Executive Director Michigan Area Agencies on Aging Association [email protected]

Editorial Project Development:JAM Communications, Atlanta, GA

Design and Production:Wells-Smith Partners, Lilburn, GA

On the Cover: From statewide events to town hall forums, from phone calls to petitions, advocacy initiatives aim to educate legislators about the issues facing seniors. Here’s a look at what senior advocates are doing all around Michigan — and why. Story, page 4.

Photo by Peter Cox, mira.Com

GenerationsMichigan

Spring 2011 Volume 8, #4 © 2011 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.

Whether you are an older adult your-self, 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 com-munity. 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.

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

Welcome toMichigan Generations

Michigan is

divided into

16 AAAs,

each serving

a different

part of the

state.

They are:1 1

10 9

7

5

1A

1C2

8

14

6

3B3A

3C4

1B

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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

4 region i V area agency on aging

5 Valley area agency on aging

6 tri-County office on aging

7 region Vii area agency on aging

8 area agency on aging of Western michigan

9 NemCSa region 9 area agency on aging

10 area agency on aging of Northwest michigan

11 Upper Peninsula area agency on aging

14 Senior resources of West michigan

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

AAAs —‑Gateways to Community Resources

Spring 2011 3

Surfing the NetEach issue of Michigan Generations offers

several websites devoted to caregiving information and resources:www.disabilityisnatural.com takes

a strong stand that people with disabilities are not their diagnoses;

they are people, first. Look for resources, in-depth content and an exchange of ideas.www.seniorresource.com reviews housing options and offers information on retirement, finance, insurance and health care.

CAREGIVINGNews&Notes

MMAP MONITORIf your income and resources are low, you may be eli-

gible for extra help with Medicare prescription drug coverage. To determine if you are eligible, Social Security will need to know your income and the value of your savings, investments and real estate (other than your home.). Filing an application for this extra assistance will help Social Security determine if you are eligible. Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or visit www.ssa.gov for more information. If you live in Michigan, you can also receive help with an application by calling the MMAP helpline at 1-800-803-7174.

If you think you may qualify and are not sure, Social Security encourages individuals to apply and let them determine your eligibility. Social Security says...”When in doubt, fill it out.”

Note: For people with both Medicare and Medicaid, you automatically qualify for extra help. If you do not enroll in a plan, Medicare will automatically enroll you in a plan so you do not lose any prescription drug coverage.

A reminder: The Part D enrollment season in 2011 is October 15–December 7, a change from the previous dates of November 15-December 31. You will be hearing more about this later.

How you think about your age may affect how you age, according to recent research conducted at

Purdue University.A study of 500 older adults showed that how old you are

does matter, but beyond that, your own interpretation has far-reaching implications. If you feel old beyond your own chrono-logical years, you are probably going to experience a lot of down-sides that are associated with aging.

Conversely, if you are older and maintain a sense of being younger, that gives you an edge in maintaining many cognitive abilities. People who feel young

for their age are more likely to have greater confidence in those cognitive abilities a decade later.

How do you maintain a sense of youthfulness? Try keeping up with new trends and activities. Get into volunteer situations younger adults. And don’t shy away from computers, iPads or smartphones; learning new technologies is one way seniors can continue to improve their cognitive abilities.

Some 750 senior advocates are expected to attend the Older Michiganians Day event on Wednesday, June 15, on the steps of

the State Capitol in Lansing. The rally gives attendees from around Michigan an opportunity to discuss a platform of important recom-mendations for the governor and state leg-islature to follow.

The platform urges decision-makers to:

• Assure access to a full range of high quality long-term care options

• Create more livable communities so older adults will stay in Michigan and contribute to our economic recovery

• Provide greater protections for vulnerable older adults from abuse and financial exploitation

Dozens of meetings throughout the Capitol complex between senior advocates and their Legislators will be scheduled to discuss these issues.

For more information or to be part of Older Michiganians Day, contact Mary Ablan at (517) 886-1029 or email [email protected].

[To read more about advocacy in Michigan, turn to page 4.]

Watch for some tWeaking on the “Food Pyramid” — an all-around favorite tool of dieticians and nutrition experts.

New Dietary Guidelines for Ameri-cans have just been released and will be followed soon by a revised food

pyramid, which will help put the recommendations into action.The guidelines take special aim at obesity, for the first time

giving separate emphasis on cutting calories from added sugars. A key overall message is simply, “Enjoy your food, but eat less.”Recommendations also focus on balancing calories with physical activity and encourage more healthy foods, plus less sodium, satu-rated and trans fats and refined grains.

Good advice heading into Spring!

R e n o vat i n g t h e

P y r a m i d ?

Older Michiganians day 2011 You’re Only as Old as You Feel

“ Never doubt that a group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”

— Margaret Mead

On a brisk, windy day in early February, a group of seniors, state legislators and aging network staffers gathered to share lunch at long tables set up in a hallway in the Capitol’s east wing.

As the representatives, senators and aides munched on roast beef sandwiches, coleslaw and chips, the staffers and seniors talked spiritedly about funding for the aging services, elder abuse legislation and initiatives to make communities more livable for the elderly.

This event, the AAA Association of Michigan’s Annual Legislative Luncheon, is just one of the many advocacy efforts underway in the state to benefit seniors and their caregivers. From statewide events in Lansing, such as the luncheon, to local town hall forums, and from phone calls to petitions, advocacy initiatives aim to educate and inform legislators about the issues facing seniors and to encourage action on their behalf.

“Advocacy gives seniors the ability to have their voice heard,” says Christine Vanlandingham, fund and product development officer for Region IV AAA. “This is huge. Some of these seniors might be homebound and not heard

otherwise. And the legislators do value hearing from the people they are serving.”

In Michigan, making sure seniors’ and caregivers’ voices are heard is a primary goal of the Michigan Senior Advocates Council and the 16 AAAs. MSAC was created in 1977 by the AAA Association to advocate for seniors. About 35 represen-tatives from all over the state sit on the council. Each of the state’s 16 AAAs has an advisory board, which both reaches out to seniors to discover what issues are concerning them and informs MSAC of their findings.

MSAC’s and the AAAs’ advocacy efforts have paid off richly for seniors. They have been responsible for the passage of legislation creating the first prescription drug program in Michigan, and one of the first in the U.S. The council also spurred the Legislature to increase funding for Meals On Wheels and other in-home services, create a home heating tax credit and reform long-term care.

Senior advocates cannot afford to rest on their laurels. Indeed, seniors’ voices need to be heard more loudly than ever in the din of one of the most hostile economic environments to date. The state is facing a deficit of over $1 billion — with a “b” — and newly-elected Governor Rick Snyder has proposed spending cuts in programs for seniors and people with dis-abilities. And this is following three already difficult years. State funding for the Office of Services to the Aging (OSA) has decreased 25 percent — or $10 million — over the past three years while Michigan’s senior population has grown 7 percent. While federal stimulus dollars were able to offset some of the cuts, critical programs felt the sting.

4 Michigan Generations

By Martha Nolan McKenzie

Advocacy

VoiceGives Seniors a

“The AAAs do everything humanly possible to avoid cut-ting people off, but they have had to find ways to squeeze,” says Mary Ablan, executive director of the AAA Association of Michigan. “Look at the Meals On Wheels program, for example. In some areas where seniors were getting five hot meals delivered each week, plus frozen meals for the week-end, they have cut down the number of hot meals or cut out the frozen meals. And the waiting lists for services have mushroomed — we currently have a waiting list of 1,400 for Meals On Wheels. The waiting list for other in-home services numbers 4,600. The Federal stimulus money masked the cuts from the state Legislature, but that stimulus money has gone away. So these cuts will be hitting home this year, and we could be facing more.”

The November election, which brought an entirely new group of legislators to the Capitol, has made advocates’ jobs that much more chal-lenging. “We have a lot of new elected officials who have no background at all in senior citizen issues,” says Ray Byers, an MSAC representative for AAA 1-B and a member of the advisory coun-cil for Senior Alliance, the AAA 1-C. “These issues are all new to them. We have to help them better understand what it’s like to walk in the shoes of a senior citizen who needs help.”

In the face of these harsh budgetary and political realities, senior advocates have identified three major issues around which to focus their efforts: Ensuring access for seniors and adults with disabilities to a full range of

high-quality long-term care options, including home and community-based options; capitalizing on the economic force of seniors by making Michigan a senior-friendly state through affordable housing, transportation and aging-in-place communities, and protecting seniors from elder abuse and financial exploitation.

Here’s a closer look at these three issues:

Long-term care optionsPrograms such as MI Choice Waiver (a Medicaid pro-

gram that provides a variety of services in a person’s home), Meals On Wheels and caregiver respite can allow a senior or adult with disabilities to remain in their home rather than

go to a nursing home. That’s not just good for the senior, it’s good for the budget.

“It costs us $48 a day to keep someone in their home with the MI Choice Waiver program,” says Jordon Lock-miller, MSAC chair. “In comparison, the state is required to pay nursing homes $185 a day. Even a small amount of in-home care can prevent institutional placement. In 2009, if the aging network’s 2,400 most at-risk clients had not gotten

Spring 2011 5

The November election has made advocates’ jobs much more challenging.

region iV seniors and staffers express their concerns at last year’s older michiganians Day, held at the Capitol in Lansing.

help and had been forced into nursing homes, Medicaid would have spent $140 million more on nursing home care. By contrast, those clients were served by the aging network at a cost of $4 million.”

Lockmiller and other senior advocates want to make sure legislators understand how economically beneficial the waiver program is to the state, and what a difference it makes in the lives of seniors. “The biggest job we have right now is educat-ing the new legislators,” says Lockmiller. “We have many who have never held office before, and many who are new in the Legislature. They don’t know about these programs, and they may focus on what they can save right now by cutting a pro-gram. They have to realize that cutting MI Choice and other senior programs may save money today, but down the road many of the people who depend on those services will be forced into nursing homes at much greater cost. And it won’t take too long — we’re talking six months to a year.”

Meals On Wheels is another program advocates want to protect. The program has already faced cuts in some regions. A reduction in deliveries can have implications far beyond the loss of meals for seniors. ”It’s actually significant because sometimes the driver is the only person that a senior sees,” says Byers. “The driver can see what is going on — if the senior looks more frail or worse off than yesterday, or what the condition of the house is. The driver can spot issues and problems that no one else may see.”

Accordingly, senior advocates will be flooding legisla-tors with information about the various programs that allow seniors to remain in their homes and encouraging continued funding for these areas.

senior-friendLy infrastructureSeniors are a $32-billion economic force in Michigan. Their

income and assets are critical for the state’s economy. Older adults purchase $3.15 million in goods and services each year, and spend an additional $1.4 million on healthcare.

Senior advocates use statistics such as these to push for initiatives to make Michigan a senior-friendly state. Specifi-cally, advocates are urging legislators to pass legislation that promotes affordable and accessible housing options, reliable transportation options and access to affordable health insurance.

eLder abuse and financiaL expLoitation

More than 20 elder abuse bills were introduced in the Legislature last year, but none made it into law. “This is at a time when Michigan adult protective services investiga-tions have risen 31 percent since 2009, yet the Legislature has not taken action on any of these bills,” says Vanlandingham. “Eight passed the House but were allowed to die in the Senate due to inaction. They just never came up for a vote.”

Senior advocates want to make sure the bills are not only voted

on this session, but that they pass into law. “Elder abuse is a growing problem, in part because of the economy,” says Ablan. “We have so many younger people unemployed, mov-ing back into their older parents’ or grandparents’ home. The vast majority are not abusing, but you do have the bad apples who take advantage of their parents and grandparents.”

Specific bills that are backed by advocates include one that would prevent a family member who has been convicted of abusing an elder from inheriting the victim’s assets. Another bill would require bank employees to report suspected instances of financial abuse. And another would require people who work in nursing homes to report observed abuse directly to the state.

W ith the issues thoughtfully defined, the question becomes: How do you get these messages across to

lawmakers? In Michigan, the two most visible advocacy events occur in Lansing annually — the AAA Association’s Legislative Luncheon and the Older Michiganians Day (OMD).

Every February, AAA staffers treat legislators and their staff to a luncheon at the Capitol to advance the senior agenda. This year’s event was considered very successful, with a nearly 100 percent attendance rate by either the legislators or mem-bers of their staff. AAA staffers and some senior advocates came armed with handouts that concisely summarized the issues being championed. This year, large poster storyboards lined the hallways, each featuring a senior or disabled adult whose life was improved by the services he or she received.

“I think the boards made an impression,” says Vanlanding-ham. “They allowed legislators to look into the eyes of constitu-ents who rely on these services and read their stories. It was also a chance for seniors and adults with disabilities who are unable to travel to be seen and heard in the state Capitol.”

In June, a much larger crowd descends upon the Capitol for Older Michiganians Day, most of them older adults. On June 15, 2011, 750 senior delegates are expected to travel to Lansing to meet with the legislators and discuss the issues that are most important to them. “This is a grassroots event,” says Vanlandingham. “For Older Michiganians Day, your average, everyday senior citizens arrive by cars and busloads


How to Advocate for Older Adults

What You Can Do:• Understand the issues facing older adults and

adults with disabilities

• Study senators’ and representatives’ stands on related issues

• Call, email or request a personal meeting with your legislator

What Your Legislator Can Do:• Sponsor and support legislation to support the

Older Michiganians Day platform

• Attend Older Michiganians Day and meet with constituents

Spring 2011 7

to have their voices heard. In addition, seniors who cannot make the trip call in to their legislators — last year 3,200 people called the Capitol that day.”

Even though these delegates are “average, everyday” seniors, they come prepared. The AAAs mail out the OMD platform to seniors ahead of time, so they can read it and familiarize themselves with the issues. “They don’t come here cold,” says Ablan. “They come ready to talk intelli-gently about the issues.”

Meeting face-to-face with passionate, informed constitu-ents can make a big difference for legislators. Ablan points to the success of OMD’s predecessor, Senior Power Day. “From the ’70s through the ’90s, Senior Power Day brought thousands of seniors to Lansing,” says Ablan. “It achieved some very notable successes. For example, Senior Power Day propelled the passage of home-based services funding, nurs-ing home reform, patient rights and public transportation funding, to name a few. That’s advocacy at work.”

In addition to the luncheon and Older Michiganians Day, there are many ongoing advocacy efforts throughout the state. On the fourth Wednesday of every month that legisla-tors are in session, MSAC members meet in Lansing. “About 35 advocates from all over the state meet each month,” says Dorothy Cudney, an MSAC rep-resentative on the Region 9 AAA’s advisory board. “From 9:30 to 11:00 a.m., Mary Ablan briefs us on the issues, and then after lunch we meet with our legislators. We leave pamphlets with them and just keep stressing how important it is to keep funding MI Choice and other services to seniors. We often go in a group, and that helps. That lets them know it’s not just me. We’re here, we’re in Lansing and we’re a force.”

The MSAC representatives make sure they meet with the legislators who are on committees involved in the pro-grams for which it is advocating. “We make sure someone meets with these representatives and senators every month,” says Paul Bridgewater, president and CEO of the Detroit AAA. “We want to keep our issues top-of-mind.”

Locally, the 16 AAA advisory boards meet regularly, call and write to their legislators and visit them when they are

back in their districts. Many also organize local versions of Older Michiganians Day. In Southwest Michigan, for exam-ple, Region IV AAA organizes a local legislative forum on the Monday prior to Older Michiganians Day. “The representa-tives and senators from our district come, and seniors have an opportunity to voice their opinion and ask their questions,” says Vanlandingham. “It’s a very well-attended event and a great opportunity for grassroots advocacy on the local level.”

The Detroit AAA organizes a Senior Citizen Summit during which older adults and persons with disabilities can com-municate their concerns to Detroit’s mayor and city officials. “As an urban community, our issues may be a bit different from other regions,” says Bridgewater. “For example, we have 33 nurs-ing homes in the city, and the last one was built in 1968. These are older facilities that lack the modern technology and conve-niences that might be found in other parts of the state.

“Also, older adults in Detroit are dying at a dramatically

higher rate than their counterparts who live in other parts of the state, largely as a result of poor access to health care. We need to make legislators aware of these disparities and get them to act on them.”

While senior advocates spend much of their time “reach-ing up,” trying to get the ear of the legislators, they also spend some time “reaching down,” educating seniors about the issues and teaching them how to be effective advocates themselves. “I think one of the key things we do is help seniors, care givers and community leaders understand the potential impact of budget cuts and services to an already needy population,” says Bridgewater. “We are currently recruiting members for a con-sumer advocacy council that will be charged with educating this community about long-term care issues. If we reach down to grassroots community people, they are the ones who can best reach up to the legislators. The legislators are accustomed

to seeing me in Lansing, but if a ‘regular’ senior constituent calls them or meets with them and articulates their needs, it’s a much more powerful message.”

Annette Jeske agrees. The program and grant manager for Region VII AAA, Jeske is developing an advisory group to focus on advocacy. As part of this effort, she puts out a newsletter and is planning a workshop to teach seniors how to be advocates for themselves. “Through the news-letter and the workshop, we’ll teach them how to go out and talk to lawmakers or constituents,” says Jeske. “We’ll teach them how to write letters to legislators, how to mount a petition and how to make calls. Seniors are pas-sionate about these issues, and it’s really wonderful to see people who are this passionate and willing to go out and talk to their legislators.”

The AAA Association of Michigan also publishes news-letters that outline the relevant issues and legislative action that has been taken on them, and identifies an action that still needs to be taken. “I will give a subscription to any senior for a donation of any amount,” says Ablan. “You can call our office at 517-886-1029. You can also visit our website at www.mi-seniors.net, then click on ‘Publications’ and then click on the link under ‘Aging Alert.’ ”

The population that stands to benefit the most from the senior advocates’ efforts is the poorest. “Many of the seniors we serve through our advocacy efforts are homebound and not seen by the general population,” says Bridgewater. “So those advocates who are showing up at meetings and knock-ing on doors are speaking for those seniors who are hidden within our communities, helping to make sure their needs are known.”

Byers agrees, adding, “It is the seniors on the lower socioeconomic strata who need the most help and who have the least voice. Advocacy gives them that voice.” MI

Meeting face-to-face with passionate, informed constituents can make a big difference for legislators.

In communities across the U.S., Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) serve as gateways to local resources,

planning efforts and services that help caregivers and older adults. In this section, you will find timely

information on the services offered by the Michigan AAAs that co-sponsor this magazine: Detroit Area

Agency on Aging, Region IV Area Agency on Aging, Tri-County Office on Aging, Region VII Area Agency on

Aging, NEMCSA Region 9 Area Agency on Aging and Upper Peninsula Area Agency on Aging.


Spotlight on…

REgioNAl News

Legislators. Advocacy. State bud-gets. These are words that strike

fear in the hearts of many, but not for the members of the Tri-County Office on Aging Advocacy Commit-tee. This group is passionate and ready to do what it takes to make their voices heard.

Gloria Kovnot, chair of the Advocacy Commit-tee, is leading the charge in Region 6. “We need to reach our new legislators and local government offi-cials to let them know just how important our services are. There’s absolutely no return on investment by cutting services to the aging!” Kovnot exclaims, explaining, “It costs $67,000 a year for nursing home care, as compared to $1,700 annually to provide services in that person’s home. Everyone wins with these ser-vices — we save public dollars, and our older adults have greater choice and improved quality of life.”

“This year, our main goal is to be more connected to the community,” says Kovnot. To do this, Kovnot and

the Advocacy Committee have laid out four areas of focus:

Serve as a liaison to commu-nity groups. By attending local meet-ings and participating in community service groups, such as retiree groups,

TCOA can collaborate with those groups to present a unified message to our lawmakers.

Speakers. Kovnot plans to train new speakers to go into our com-munity to educate the public on the benefits of TCOA services.

Program development. New programs don’t always equate to more money. MI Choice is a perfect

example of how programs can both save public dollars and improve lives. The committee is open to exploring new service options to better assist our older adult population without necessarily increasing costs.

Fundraising. “We hope to help develop new ideas for fundraising. It’s important to show our legislators that we’re doing our part to contribute, too,” states Kovnot.

The Advocacy Committee intends to work with the agency’s fundraising arm, Friends for Independence Coor-dinating Council (FFI), to develop new fundraising ideas. FFI consists of prominent members of the business community who work together to increase awareness, volunteer support and secure funding for TCOA’s critical services. “It just makes sense,” says Kovnot. “They are working to raise awareness, recruit volunteers and find funding sources. So are we.”

The group is preparing for Older Michiganians Day in June, with plans to recruit new advocates and offer training on how to talk to lawmakers.

For more information, please call 517-887-1440 or 1-800-405-9141, or visit our website at www.tcoa.org.

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

Reg 1-A / Detroit AAA Reg 1-B / AAA 1-B Reg 1-C / The Senior Alliance, Inc. Reg 2 / Reg 2 AAA

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

Reg 3-B / Burnham-Brook Reg IIIB Reg 3-C / Branch-St. Joseph AAA (IIIC)

Reg 4 / Reg IV AAA

Reg 5 / Valley AAA Reg 6 / Tri-County Office on Aging Reg 7 / Reg VII AAA Reg 8 / AAA of Western Michigan

Reg 9 / NEMSCA Reg 9 AAA Reg 10 / AAA of Northwest MI Reg 11 / Upper Peninsula AAA Reg 14 / Senior Resources ofWest Michigan

Advocacy Committee Kicks into High Gear

Committee members with rep. Joan bauer are (left to right): mary Clark (bauer staff person), Chad Johnson, regina allen, Gloria Kovnot, rep. Joan bauer (D–Lansing), marion owen, Jennifer burley, ann bridgeland and Gloria thomas.

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

Spring 2011 9




Reg 4 / Reg IV AAA



Making Detroit Work for SeniorsReinventing Detroit is a mission of

the Detroit Works Project — a collaborative planning process spear-headed by Detroit Mayor Dave Bing. Making sure the needs of older adults are addressed in future planning is a goal of the Detroit Area Agency on Aging.

In recent months, older adults in Detroit were invited to targeted forums to voice their opinions about future city planning. To guarantee the most diversity and inclusion, small-group meetings were convened by service providers, labor unions, the faith community and organizations within the aging network to make sure all constituents were counted.

For continuity, each session evaluated Detroit based on charac-teristics of “senior livability” (see box). With each of the 11 elements, participants examined Detroit’s current assets and conditions; recommendations for immediate

improvement; and vision for the future. Feedback and recommen-dations from these meetings then framed the agenda for the Detroit Works Project — Senior Summit, held on March 18, at Fellowship Chapel in Detroit.

“I’m an old-school community organizer, and we needed a pro-cess that would get older adults truly engaged in conversations to shape Detroit’s future,” said Paul Bridge water, President and CEO, Detroit Area Agency on Aging, also a member of the Detroit Works Project Advisory Council. “We con-vened small-group sessions to explore elder-friendly solutions, while others in the community focused on their unique concerns. It is a tall order to get an entire community focused on the same priorities, but it is the only way to create a path ‘from now to how.’ I’m convinced our seniors have the wisdom to show us the way.”

For information on future planning in Detroit, visit www.DetroitWorksProject.com. To get involved in advocacy efforts to make Detroit elder-friendly, contact the Detroit Area Agency on Aging, 313-446-4444.

“ We have an opportunity to reinvent Detroit like never before. Every Detroiter has a voice and a role in this process.”

— Detroit Mayor Dave Bing

Senior Livability Factors*• Housing• HomeModifications• PublicSafety&Security• Transportation• Walkability• AccesstoHealthcare• CivicEngagement• Long-TermCareSupports&

Services• MunicipalServices• Commerce/BusinessServices• TechnologicalInfrastructure* Developed by AARP and Bankers Life

and Casualty

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The Region VII AAA initiated the Senior Advisory Group of

Central Michigan to unite people in the region interested in advocat-ing on behalf of older adults. With minimal promotion, the idea of a Senior Advisory Group attracted the attention of retired social workers, nurses, professional businessmen, col-lege students, caregivers and others. As Region VII’s service area covers 11% of the state, the agency offered several methods for communicating advocacy issues, including an initial hosting of three small group meetings to discuss the potential for a Senior Advisory Group.

Many people talked of the need for better long-term care solutions,

quality of life, and education for those newly involved in the home and community-based care of an elderly spouse or parent. First steps

in the development of the advocacy process include prioritizing issues and developing some “how to” advocate materials.

Region VII’s board members, Advisory Council, staff and service providers are also active in a number of other advocacy events, including Older Michiganians Day, the Legislative Luncheon and the Michigan Senior Advocates Council.

For further information, please contact Region VII at 1615 S. Euclid Ave., Bay City, MI 48706, 1-800-858-1637, or visit www.region7aaa.org.

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




Reg 4 / Reg IV AAA



Senior Advocacy Group Takes Shape

Region 7 was well represented at last year’s Older Michiganians Day.

When people find themselves looking for information about

long-term care options, community resources, and programs, where do they start?

Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRC) serve as an entry point into long-term care supports and services for older adults and people with disabilities. Combining the expertise of both the aging and disability networks, ADRCs offer information and assistance for con-sumers and their families.

“No wrong door” is the concept embraced by the emerging Aging and Disability Consortium of Southwest Michigan, working to assure seamless access to information and maximizing

independence for Southwest Michigan residents.

The Area Agency on Aging (AAA), Disability Network Southwest Michi-gan (DNSWM) and 26 community organizations are working with the Office of Services to the Aging and ADRCs throughout Michigan in developing standards, technology and

options counseling policies and procedures. Using this experi-ence, the goal is for all areas of the state to have access to an ADRC by the year 2014.

The ADRC of Southwest Michigan is collaborating, training and developing resources, com-puter applications and standards. Through these efforts, people calling community providers

will be assured that the information they’re looking for is available regard-less of where they start. A web-based public resource directory is also in the plans.

For more information, call 1-800-654-2810 or log on to www.AreaAgencyOnAging.org.

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




Reg 4 / Reg IV AAA



ADRC Offers Information and Assistance

Spring 2011 11

Recently an application to be des-ignated as an emerging Aging

and Disability Resource Collabora-tive (ADRC) was submitted to the Michigan Office of Services to the Aging by UPCAP (Upper Peninsula AAA) and SAIL (Superior Alliance for Independent Living). The application was approved in November 2010.

Prior to development of the Upper Peninsula’s ADRC, UPCAP had served as one of the four long-term care single points of entry pilots in Michi-gan. During this two-year project, UPCAP established many important partnerships with other organizations in the long-term care arena. Although these partnerships served as a critical

foundation for the development of the ADRC, the formation of an ADRC Advisory Council has been one of the most significant building blocks toward developing a fully functional ADRC in the Upper Peninsula.

The ADRC Advisory Council consists of a group of diverse indi-viduals from all walks of life. These individuals represent all populations, including those who have a disability or a chronic condition requiring long-term support. The Council is also represented by both public and pri-vate organizations providing services to these individuals, such as UPCAP, SAIL, nursing facilities, home health agencies, hospitals and others.

The role of the Advisory Council is to assess the needs of folks facing long-term care. They will identify goals and provide advice and assis-tance to help the ADRC fulfill its mission to “empower individuals to make informed choices by expand-ing access to long-term care services utilizing a holistic, person-centered approach.” This means they are working hard to ensure that the ADRC is ready and able to help any-one requiring long-term care easily access the information and services they need to make the choices that are right for them.

For more information about the ADRC in the Upper Peninsula, call UPCAP at 1-800-338-7227 or SAIL at 1-800-379-7245, or dial 2-1-1.

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




Reg 4 / Reg IV AAA



Advisory Council Is Key to Successful Resource Collaborative

Few things can confuse a person as much as navigating the complexi-

ties of Medicare, but thanks to the Medicare/MedicaidAssistancePro-gram (MMAP), beneficiaries can limit the roadblocks ahead.

The Region 9 Area Agency on Aging works with each of the coun-ties in its service area to provide free assistance to people with Medicare. These services include counseling and assistance to Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries and their families or caregivers, and outreach activities to increase understanding of Medicare programs and raise awareness of the support available through MMAP.

The program utilizes a well-trained group of MMAP counselors

to successfully deliver ser-vices to thousands of beneficiaries each year. There are 32 team members in Region 9, providing ser-vices in each of the 12 counties.

Grace Marshall, executive director of the Alpena Area Senior Citizens Center, believes the service is invalu-able. “We work with many individuals who hardly know what medications they take, let alone understand the

impact of the donut hole on their finances and cover-age,” she says.

The Alpena Senior Center uti-lizes millage money to support the program with paid staff. Last year, the MMAP and Prescription Assis-tance Program

saved beneficiaries in Alpena County more than $2.8 million.

For more information about the Region 9 Area Agency on Aging, call 1-800-219-2273.

NEMCSA Region 9 Area Agency on AgingCovering 12 counties of Northeast Michigan




Reg 4 / Reg IV AAA



MMAP Provides Important Support

Christine Losinski is a new mmaP counselor working at the alpena area Senior Citizens Center.


Mildred Madison

T he legislative chair of the Detroit AAA is not new to volunteering or to advocacy. It’s been

Mildred Madison’s life calling for six decades.As a parent in Cleveland, Ohio, she focused on her

children’s education. From room parent to PTA officer to president of the Cleveland Board of Education, Madison delved ever deeper into her passion. “If I do anything, I usually give too much time to it,” she says.

As her children grew, Madison branched out and was elected to the Ohio State Board of Education and the Cleveland City Council. She served as education chair for the NAACP in Cleveland, and was elected

president of the Cleveland League of Women Voters. After her husband’s death, Madison moved to Michigan. She immediately joined the Detroit League of Women Voters, which she now heads. Perhaps her most significant accomplishment in that role was to initiate and lead a consortium of groups to put the Council by Districts proposal on the ballot in Detroit. It passed and will now be part of the City Charter.

Madison was asked to join the board of the Detroit AAA as its legislative chair representing it locally, in Lansing and nationally. “Seniors account for almost 50% of the vote in Detroit, and we have to use our clout to let lawmakers know we vote according to our pocketbooks and our health care.” MI

Dennis Bowen

Want to surf the net? Send email to grandkids? Meet Dennis Bowen, coordinator of the Area

Agency on Aging’s (AAA) Southwest Michigan Senior-Net Computer Learning Centers.

Dennis started volunteering with SeniorNet first as a coach, then an instructor, and now as coordinator. He continues to teach classes, too, which is second nature to him after an illustrious 27-year career as director of choral activities at St. Joseph High School. Dennis is a Hoosier by birth, and his grandmother recognized his early talent at the piano. He was recruited to St. Joseph from Northwestern Univer-sity, where he earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music education.

Dennis’ second career was as director of volunteers and chaplaincy services for Lakeland Hospital. He now uses that experience at SeniorNet to manage more than 30 peer volunteer coaches and instructors.

SeniorNet is not Dennis’ only volunteer activity. He also serves as a member of the AAA’s Advisory Council; chairperson of the Advisory Board of Lory’s Place, a bereavement center for kids; secretary of St. Joseph Public School’s Foundation board; and volunteer at the Whitcomb Towers Retirement Center, where he plays piano and publishes a monthly newsletter. MI

Linda Davis

L inda Davis became a MMAP vol-unteer by accident — and we’re

glad she did. As a student intern, she began her MMAP training elsewhere. “I came here to finish my training and planned to go do MMAP counseling at another agency, but I like it here, and they like me, so I never left,” she says with a smile.

Three afternoons a week, Linda meets with community members, help-ing them navigate the confusing maze of Medicare. Why? Linda says she enjoys working with people, and she wants to serve. “I believe I’m best able to serve others if I use the information and resources I have available to me, and I’m ready and willing to learn,” she says. “I’m impressed with TCOA. They provide a plethora of opportuni-ties. It’s a great place to come to help or be helped.”

Linda’s supervisor, Stacey Hum-phrey, says that Linda’s biggest asset is her attitude. “She’s always smiling and willing to help with whatever needs to be done.” MI

Detroit Area Agency on Aging Tri-County office on Aging

Region iV Area Agency on Aging

PEoPlE Making a Difference

Spring 2011 13

Ray Foerster

Ray Foerster is not your average nonage-narian. He isn’t letting any grass grow

under his feet. The 91-year-old Onaway resi-dent is active in his community, especially when it comes to senior citizen issues.

“As long as I have been blessed with a sound body and sound mind, I have no inten-tion to retire anytime soon,” he says.

Ray has been board chair of the Presque Isle County Council on Aging for 27 years and was instrumental in establishing a per-manent center in Onaway. His guidance and expertise didn’t stay in his county, though, as he served as a member of the Regional Advi-

sory Council for 22 years, until his recent resignation. “Ray was a valuable addition to our board,” says Laurie Sauer, Region 9 AAA

director. “We could always count on his support and firsthand knowledge of issues facing our seniors. We appreciate him for the years of service to area seniors.”

Convinced that the services available to seniors through the Council on Aging keep elders in their own homes rather than nursing homes, Ray says his goal is to make seniors feel warm, appreciated and cared about in the community. MI

Connie Fuller

Connie Fuller, a wheelchair-bound woman from Rock, was participating in an aquatherapy class

at Northwoods Assisted Living in Escanaba when she caught the eye of someone from the UPCAP AAA. “They asked me to serve as a consumer on the Quality Assurance Board,” says Fuller. “The board tries to help seniors and adults with disabili-ties in the Upper Peninsula get their needs met.”

From there, Fuller joined the AAA’s consumer advisory board, which acts as the agency’s eyes and ears in the community. To fulfill this responsibility, Fuller would take the bus into the community and to AAA meetings. She got to know other handicapped pas-sengers and eventually helped some of them get their needs met. The regular bus driver noticed her actions and suggested she run for an office with the Delta Tran-sit Authority. Fuller now heads the authority, in addition to her AAA and Quality Assurance Board duties.

“When I was first diagnosed with MS, I lived in Texas,” says Fuller. “We had no public transportation where I lived. I moved here — and there are so many more options for someone in a wheelchair, but many people don’t know about the services that are available. If I can help just one person, I feel like it’s worthwhile.” MI

Dan and Jennifer Digmann

Dan and Jennifer Digmann didn’t look like a likely couple at Older Michi-

ganians Day. With wrinkle-free faces, the 30-something Mt. Pleasant couple didn’t exactly blend in. Nevertheless, Dan and Jennifer were working the crowd, talking about the importance of the MI Choice Medicaid Waiver program.

Dan and Jennifer both have mul-tiple sclerosis. While Dan functions independently and works at Central Michigan University, Jennifer uses a wheelchair and needs assistance with her activities of daily living. The MI Choice Medicaid Waiver program has been a godsend, providing her with the assistance she needs to allow her to live in her home with Dan.

The couple were both active advo-cates for people with MS before they met, but Jennifer’s experience with the waiver program further energized their efforts. “We go out and tell our story as often as we can,” says Jennifer. “The whole reason we are able to manage is the Medicaid Waiver program. And it’s up to us to help increase awareness of what this program does.” MI

Region 9 Area Agency on AgingRegion Vii Area Agency on Aging

Upper Peninsula Area Agency on Aging

Caregivers, volunteers, professionals — they are the “unsung heroes” around our state. And they share one common goal: to improve the lives of others.

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My upper eyelids are drooping down and interfering with reading. What causes this, and are there any treatments?Droopy upper eyelids are a common aging change. Usually, eyelids droop due to a combination of time, gravity and gradual stretching of eyelid muscles. Sometimes drooping of the eyelids does not cause any problems, but other times patients may notice:• Extra eyelid skin blocking their vision — especially up and to the side,• A heavy sensation to the eyelids and difficulty keeping eyelids open — especially in the evening,• Chronic irritation of the eyelid skin folds.

Age-related drooping of the upper eyelids is most commonly treated with surgery. Surgery may involve removing extra eyelid skin and fatty tissues (called blepharoplasty), or may involve lifting up a drooping lid (called eyelid ptosis repair). These surgeries are done on an outpatient basis and typically do not require general anesthesia.

Rarely, drooping of the upper eyelids may be due to a serious medical condi-tion. Some warning signs of this type of eyelid drooping may include:• Sudden drooping of one or both eyelids,

• Drooping eyelids associated with double vision or blurred vision,• Drooping eyelids associated with head or neck pain.

If you notice any of these symptoms, you should contact your doctor.

My doctor has recommended eyelid surgery. Does Medicare cover any eyelid surgery?Eyelid surgery may be done for either cosmetic or medical reasons. Eyelid sur-gery for cosmetic reasons is not covered by Medicare. Medicare and most other health insurance plans will, however, cover eyelid surgery if your condition causes problems with your vision or comfort of the eyes, and meets certain criteria. Although criteria vary by specific insurance carriers, com-mon criteria include:• Vision problems from droopy eyelids — this is most commonly documented by a visual field test,• Clinical evidence that the eyelids are droopy or that extra eyelid skin is hang-ing over the area — this is documented with photographs,• Clinical documentation that the eye-lids have irritation associated with extra eyelid skin, a condition called dermatitis of the eyelids.

My lower eyelid turns inward and bothers my eye. Do I need surgery?As eyelid tissues stretch with time, eye-lids can sometimes turn inward, called eyelid entropion. When the eyelid turns inward, the eyelashes can irritate the eye and cause pain and redness. Sur-gery offers the best chance of long-term improvement in the eyelid position and comfort of the eye, but it is not the only alternative.

For patients who wish to avoid sur-gery, or who are not surgical candidates, a non-surgical alternative may be best.

Temporarily, the eyelid may be gently pulled to the side to reposition the eye-lashes away from the eye. This may be accomplished with a bandage or other medical tape. When spasm of the eyelid muscles contributes to the problem, eye-lid spasm may be reduced with injections of botulinum toxin (such as Botox). Botu-linum toxin weakens muscles temporar-ily (around three months per treatment). This treatment may offer improvement in symptoms for months at a time, but often does need to be repeated.

I have a bump on my eyelid that is slowly getting bigger. Could this be cancer?Eyelid lumps and bumps are very com-mon due to the complex anatomy of the eyelid region. Most eyelid bumps are benign (non-cancerous) growths that do not cause any problems. Some eyelid bumps, however, are cancerous. Up to 10% of all skin cancers occur on eyelid skin. Some warning signs for eyelid can-cer include:• Bumps that bleed spontaneously or are painful,• Bumps that are getting progressively bigger over time,• Bumps that are associated with loss of eyelashes in the area.

Because it can be hard to tell one bump from the next, please contact your doctor for any suspicious eyelid bumps. As with any cancer, early detection and treatment is best.

Dr. Craig D. Lewis is associated with Lansing Ophthalmology. He obtained his undergraduate degree from Michigan state University and his Doctor of Medicine from the University of Michigan Medical school. He completed his ophthalmology residency at the Cole eye institute, Cleveland Clinic.

ASK the Expert Craig D. Lewis, M.D.

Problems With

aging eyelids


Do you have a caregiving question?Email your caregiving question to Mary

Ablan, Executive Director, Michigan

Area Agencies on Aging Association, at

[email protected]. We will make every

effort to answer your question in an

upcoming issue of Michigan Generations.

Spring 2011 15

STATEWIDE / NATIONAL RESOURCES

Alzheimer’s Association — Greater Michigan Chapter . . . 1-800-272-3900American Cancer Society . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-800-227-2345American Diabetes Association — Michigan Office . . . . . . . . 248-433-3830American Heart Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-800-242-8721Arthritis Foundation — Michigan Chapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .248-649-2891 or 1-800-968-3030Bureau of Health Service (nursing home complaints) . . . . . 1-800-882-6006Department of Consumer Industries (adult foster care complaints) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-866-685-0006Medicare/Medicaid Assistance Program (MMAP) . . . . . . . 1-800-803-7174Michigan Hospice & Palliative Care Organization . . . . . . . . . .517-886-6667Michigan Office of the Attorney General . . . . . . . .www .seniorbrigade .comMichigan Office of Services to the Aging . . . . . . . . . . . . www .miseniors .netMichigan Parkinson’s Foundation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248-433-1011National Multiple Sclerosis Society — Michigan Chapter . 1-800-344-4867

REgIONAL RESOURCES

detroit area agency on aging (1a):Information and Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 313-446-4444

Outreach & AssistanceBridging Communities — Detroit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 313-361-6377Detroit Senior Citizens Department — Detroit . . . . . . . . . . . 313-224-1000Neighborhood Legal Services Michigan — Redford . . . . . . . 313-937-8291Services for Older Citizens — Grosse Pointe . . . . . . . . . . . . 313-882-9600

Senior CentersAssociation of Chinese Americans, Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 313-831-1790Delray United Action . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 313-297-7921Latino Family Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 313-841-7380North American Indian Assn . of Detroit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 313-535-2966St . Patrick Senior Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 313-833-7080St . Rose Senior Citizen Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 313-921-9277Virginia Park Citizens Service Corp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 313-894-2830Reuther Older Adult & Wellness Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 313-831-8650

region iv area agency on aging:AAA Info-Line . . . . . . . . 1-800-654-2810; www .AreaAgencyOnAging .orgCustom Care — Care Connections of Southwest Michigan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-800-442-2803; www .AreaAgencyOnAging .orgElder Care Locator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 -800-677-1666; www .eldercare .govSenior Nutrition Services . . 1-800-722-5392; www .seniornutritionregiv .orgSenior Volunteer and Intergeneration Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-877-660-2725; www .AreaAgencyOnAging .org

tri-county office on aging (region 6):Information and Assistance — Clinton, Eaton and Ingham Counties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-800-405-9141 or 517-887-1440; www .tcoa .org

Project Choices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-800-405-9141 or 517-887-1440 For in-home service assistance and the Medicaid home/community-based services waiver (MI Choice)

Meals-On-WheelsGreater Lansing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 517-887-1460 or 1-800-405-9141 Clinton County . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 989-224-3600 or 1-888-224-3030 Eaton County . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 517-541-2330 or 1-866-541-5444 Rural Ingham County . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 517-676-2775Senior Dining Site Information . . . . . . . . . . . 517-887-1393 or 1-800-405-9141 AARP Tax Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 517-887-1440 or 1-800-405-9141

region vii area agency on aging:Information and Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-800-858-1637Alzheimer’s Association of Mid-Michigan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-800-337-3827Lakeshore Legal Aid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-866-552-2889MI Choice Medicaid Waiver Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-800-858-1637 Bay Co . Division on Aging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .989-895-4100Clare County Council on Aging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-800-952-3160Gladwin County Council on Aging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-800-952-0056Gratiot County Commission on Aging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 989-875-5246

Human Development Commission (Huron, Tuscola and Sanilac counties) . . . . . . . . . . . 989-673-4121 or 1-800-843-6394Isabella County Commission on Aging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-800-878-0726Midland County Council on Aging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-800-638-2058Saginaw County Commission on Aging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-866-763-6336

nemcsa region 9 area agency on aging:Information and Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 989-356-3474Long-Term Care Ombudsman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-866-485-9393

Multi-purpose Senior CentersAlcona County Commission on Aging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 989-736-8879 Alpena Area Senior Citizens Council . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 989-356-3585 Arenac County Council on Aging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 989-653-2692 Cheboygan County Council on Aging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231-627-7234 Crawford County Commission on Aging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 989-348-7123 Iosco County Commission on Aging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 989-728-6484 Montmorency County Commission on Aging . . . . . . . . . . . . . 989-785-2580Ogemaw County Commission on Aging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 989-345-5300 Oscoda County Council on Aging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 989-826-3025 Otsego County Commission on Aging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 989-732-1122Presque Isle County Council on Aging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 989-766-8191Roscommon County Commission on Aging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 989-366-0205

upper peninsula area agency on aging/upcap:Information & Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dial 2-1-1 or 906-786-4701Outside the U .P . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-800-338-7227U .P . Long Term Care Ombudsman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-866-485-9393

UPCAP Care Management/Field Offices Escanaba . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 906-786-4701Houghton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .906-482-0982Iron Mountain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 906-774-9918Marquette . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 906-228-6169Sault Ste . Marie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .906-632-9835

RESoURCE gUiDEfor Michigan Caregivers and Seniors

Clip and Save this list of important statewide and regional resources and services.

iMPoRTANT Upcoming Dates & EventsDetroit Area Agency on Aging

DMoW Annual golf TournamentJune 13, 2011Fox Hills Banquet and Golf Course

Roberts Riverwalk Hotel & Residence grand opening galaJune 17, 2011The former Omni RiverPlace HotelBenefitting DAAA/DMOW

4th Annual Summer Cruise August 16, 2011Ovation YachtFor more information, call Detroit AAA at 313-446-4444 .

Region Iv Area Agency on Aging

Creating Confident CaregiversFor people caring for someone with memory loss .• Bridgman Public Library: Thursdays,

April 7–May 12; 3:00–5:00 p .m .• Lakeland Community Hospital, Niles: Tuesdays,

July 12–August 16; 5:30–7:30 p .m .

Powerful Tools for CaregiversLearn how to care for yourself while caring for a loved one .• Benton Harbor Senior Center: Mondays &

Thursdays, May 2–19; 12:30–3:00 p .m .• Covert Senior Lifeline: Mondays & Thursdays,

June 6–23; 12:30–3:00 p .m .• Berrien County Cancer Services,

Stevensville: Mondays & Thursdays, Aug . 1–18; 12:30–3:00 p .m .

Entering the Caregiver Zone Equip yourself for hands-on caregiving and community supports . • Buchanan Meadows Living Center: Tuesdays,

May 3, 10 & 17, 2011; 6:00–8:00 p .m .• Orchard Grove Extended Care: Thursdays, May 5,

12 & 19, 2011; 6:00–8:00 p .m .• Buchanan Senior Center: Tuesdays, June 7, 14 &

21, 2011; 6:00–8:00 p .m .

Journeying with Your Parents into Their old AgeLakeland Community Hospital, Niles: Tuesdays, June 7, 14 & 21; 5:30–7:30 p .m .

15th Annual Senior ExpoFriday, May 20, 2011; 10 a .m .–3 p .m . Grand Upton Hall, Mendel Center at Lake Michigan College, Benton HarborMore than 50 vendors plus entertainment, games, food, prizes, contests and health screenings .Presented by the Area Agency on Aging and the Herald-Palladium newspaper .For more information about any events or classes, call the Info-Line for Aging and Disability at 1-800-645-2810 .

Tri-County Office on Aging

Enhance FitnessEnhance Fitness is an evidence-based exercise class for older adults . Registration is required . Classes are one hour long with three sessions per week . Class content includes aerobic exercise, strength training with ankle weights, balance and flexibility exercises . Call today for a class location in your area!For more information, contact Jane Braatz at 517-669-1864 or jsbraatz@comcast .com .

Creating Confident CaregiversBased on the university-tested Savvy Caregiver pro-gram, Creating Confident Caregivers is a six- week series that provides participants with knowledge and skills needed to manage stress and improve caregiving skills . FREE RESPITE CARE PROVIDED . Call today for a class in your area . 517-887-1447 or burleyj@tcoa .org .

Region vII Area Agency on Aging

Creating Confident Caregivers Utilizes the Savvy Caregiver Program, a university tested program for family members caring for a loved one with dementia at home . Two hour sessions are held once a week for six weeks and led by dementia care specialists . This program provides participants with information, skills and attitudes to manage stress and increase effec-tive care giving skills . For a schedule of workshops, call 1-800-858-1637 .

Personal Action Toward Health (PATH) A university-tested program for individuals who have a chronic condition . Sessions are held once a week for six weeks and lead by PATH Trainers . The program provides participants with information and skills to face the daily challenges of living with an ongoing health condition . For information, call 1-800-858-1637 .

Region 9 Area Agency on Aging

“ Residents: The Heart of the Matter”

Northern Michigan Best Practices ConferenceFriday, May 6, 8:30 a .m .–4:30 p .m .Kirtland Community College, RoscommonBeneficial to in-home service providers, adult day care providers, nursing home facility care providers, health care students and anyone who is interested . Call Sharon at 989-657-2944 for more information . Deadline to register is April 30 .

Region 9 AAA Pre-bidders’ ConferenceWednesday, May 11, 2011, 11 a .m .–12 noonNEMCSA Annex, 2569 US-23-S, AlpenaAttendance is recommended for any entities applying for Disease Prevention Health Promotion, National Family Caregiver Support Program, Merit Award and Elder Abuse Prevention funds as the RFP process will be different this year . Required letters of intent are due by the close of business on April 25 .

Cheboygan Area Senior Advocates Wednesday, May 11, 11 a .m .–noonSalvation Army, 444 S . Main St ., CheboyganThis group of human service professionals provides services and advocacy for seniors and the issues they face .

Upper Peninsula Area Agency on Aging

April/May• 6-week PATH (Personal Action Toward Health)

class in Norway• Creating Confident Caregivers (CCC) classes in

Sault Ste . Marie, Marquette, and Houghton

May/June• 6-week Creating Confident Caregivers (CCC)

classes in Escanaba, Ironwood, Iron Mountain and Menominee .

For more information on PATH, call Tonya LaFave at 1-800-338-7227 . For more information on CCC, call Tammy Rosa at 1-800-338-7227 .

July 1, 2011Deadline to sign up for the U .P . Medicare/Medicaid Assistance Program (MMAP) NEW Counselor Training, to be held August 2–11 (location TBA) . If interested in becoming a certified MMAP volunteer counselor, or for more information about MMAP, please call Sherry Whitman at 1-800-803-7174 .

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