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Mental Health: What Older Adults Need to Know

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 ...

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Public Hearing on FY 2024 Implementation Plan: May 11

Thursday, April 6th, 2023

Virtual Public Hearing via Zoom May 11, 2023 1:00 pm The Area Agency on Aging 1-B (AAA 1-B) 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 ...

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Protect Vulnerable Nursing Home Residents

Wednesday, 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 ...

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Unique Programs Help Family Caregivers and Seniors

Tuesday, April 4th, 2023

Here at the Area Agency on Aging 1-B, our communications team has been spending a lot of time working on the next edition of connect—our award-winning information and resource guide. It’s not quite ready for distribution yet, but we’re close (look for more information next month). We’ve spent the last few months writing articles and poring over the resources available to help older adults and family caregivers in our six-county ...

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Scams, Fraud and Older Adults: Tips to Keep Safe

Thursday, March 9th, 2023

By Kathleen Yanik, Area Agency on Aging 1-B Senior Commumications Manager Scammers are busy people. Just when you think you’ve got their number—they think of a new, terrible twist. Older adults are some of their favorite targets. The FBI estimates that older adults lose over $3 billion a year to financial scams and fraud. I recently had my own experience with scams. My 91-year-old father got a phone call when I was ...

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Respite Care: Why You Need It—Where to Get It

Tuesday, February 7th, 2023

For family caregivers, getting some time to themselves to rest and recharge is crucial—but it can also be difficult. There can be barriers, including cost and getting your loved one to accept care delivered by someone other than you. Knowing what kinds of respite care are available—and where to find that care—can be an important first step. We’ve created a quick roundup of respite care options to help you understand what ...

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Tax Help Available for Southeast Michigan Seniors

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 ...

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Supports for Family Caregivers in Southeast Michigan: The List

Wednesday, January 4th, 2023

We know that caring for an aging parent, spouse or other loved one can be tough. We also know a little bit of help can go a long way. We put together a list of support resources available in our 6- county region of southeast Michigan to help spark some ideas: Meals on Wheels: Having a hot meal and a friendly visit for your loved one on weekdays might do a lot ...

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Shelter from the Cold (and Other Tips)

Thursday, 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 ...

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Handling the Holidays as a Caregiver

Tuesday, 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 ...

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