Monday, January 16th, 2023
Older Adults Should Plan to Get Help Early This Tax Season Many seniors turn to their senior center or other community resources for help with their taxes. This year, many centers still have limited appointments available, making it critical for seniors and family caregivers to reach out early to get an appointment booked. Kelly Elswick, an Area Agency on Aging 1-B Resource Specialist who manages our Resource Database, has been busy contacting ...
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 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 ReadingTuesday, November 8th, 2022
The inflation squeeze means this holiday season may be especially tough for many seniors in southeast Michigan and metro Detroit. Our Information and Assistance team has gathered a list of resources available for seniors during Thanksgiving and the upcoming holiday season. We have divided the information according to each of the six counties we serve: Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair and Washtenaw. Find your county to connect with resources in ...
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 the Area Agency on Aging 1-B are taking appointments ...
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, July 1st, 2022
An On-Demand Educational Video for Family Caregivers Who Are Caring for a Loved One with Dementia or Alzheimer's Jim Mangi, a volunteer from the Alzheimer's Association Michigan Chapter, recently presented the webinar: Dementia Conversation—Driving, Doctor Visits, Legal & Financial Planning. This educational workshop offered offered helpful tips to assist families in having honest and caring conversations with family members about dementia. The workshop reinforces the need to plan ahead and build ...
Continue ReadingMonday, April 4th, 2022
The Area Agency on Aging 1-B is holding public hearings to review and hear comment on its Multi-year Plan covering fiscal years 2023-2025. This plan details use of federal and state funding earmarked for use by the agency to serve older adults in Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair and Washtenaw counties during this 3-year period. Two hearings options are available: Virtual Hearing via Zoom Thursday, May 5: 11:00 am- noon Join via ...
Continue ReadingWednesday, December 15th, 2021
Seeing an older loved one after a long time apart can bring lots of joy, but it can also bring some unpleasant surprises. You might notice they're having more trouble caring for themselves. Perhaps the house isn’t as tidy as usual, or you notice that clothes haven’t been cleaned or changed in a while. Maybe the refrigerator and cupboards are close to empty or the bills have piled up. Here are ...
Continue ReadingWednesday, November 17th, 2021
When we think of the holidays, we often think of family traditions, special foods and family visits—all the things that make a holiday special. Unfortunately for family caregivers (those who are caring for an aging or chronically ill loved one), many of the things that make the holidays a special time can also make them challenging. Here are a few tips to make sure the holidays are fun, manageable and ...
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