Wednesday, November 18th, 2020
This holiday season is going to be different for almost all of us—and it may be a difficult one for many seniors and their families. Over the last eight months, the Area Agency on Aging 1-B's Information & Assistance team has been gathering information on resources to help older adults and family caregivers during the COVID-19 pandemic. (You can find these on our coronavirus updates page.) We have now turned ...
Continue ReadingTuesday, November 10th, 2020
The Area Agency on Aging 1-B (AAA 1-B) will be distributing free food boxes for people 60 and older at various locations during the month of November: Noon-2 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 18, at 301 W. Michigan Avenue (at Adams St.) in Ypsilanti Noon-2 pm Friday, Nov. 20, at the Costick Center, 28600 W. Eleven Mile Road in Farmington Hills (Parking Lot A – enter Gate 3) The boxes will be placed ...
Continue ReadingThursday, November 5th, 2020
A Special Message from Area Agency on Aging 1-B President and CEO, Michael Karson In recognition of National Family Caregivers Month, I want to thank all family caregivers who make it possible for older adults to remain independent, secure and safe in their own homes. Family caregivers are often unsung heroes. They deserve our profound gratitude. These are the daughters and sons, the husbands and wives, the sisters and brothers, and the ...
Continue ReadingWednesday, November 4th, 2020
Three Local Caregivers Share Their Stories Caregiving can be isolating and overwhelming in normal times. But during the Covid pandemic, it is even more so, upending the routines of family caregivers and creating barriers to connecting with their loved ones. The National Alliance for Caregiving says caregivers today are at greater risk for health, emotional, financial and work-related problems as a result of Covid-related restrictions. People who have shifted their office to their ...
Continue ReadingFriday, October 2nd, 2020
Medicare is the health care insurance program for Americans who are 65 and older. It’s not entirely free – most participants pay premiums and copays – but it covers hospitalization, doctor visits, medical equipment and supplies, prescription drugs and more. However, many people assume Medicare will also cover long-term care, like an in-home aide or unskilled care in a nursing home. It won’t. Because of the complexity of the program, you may not ...
Continue ReadingThursday, September 17th, 2020
Like getting married or having children, getting older is easier with a little knowledge. Enter Aging Mastery, a workshop offered by the Area Agency on Aging 1-B that helps you enter older adulthood with confidence. Aging Mastery is designed for baby boomers and beyond who want to learn more about advance care planning, nutrition, sleep, navigating Medicare, strengthening personal relationships, and more. The 10-week workshop is typically offered about six times a year ...
Continue ReadingTuesday, September 1st, 2020
You may be paying too much for your Medicare plan. Or you may want prescription drug coverage that works better for you. During Medicare Open Enrollment, from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7, you can change your prescription drug plan - or just have it reviewed at no cost by a certified, unbiased Medicare counselor to make sure it fits your health care needs and your wallet. It is the only time ...
Continue ReadingFriday, August 28th, 2020
Falls are a leading cause of hip fractures and brain injuries in older adults - and they are easy to avoid. Here are a few tips to keep you steady on your feet: Check Your Medication Talk to your doctor about reducing medication that causes dizziness or disorientation. In one study, the Centers for Disease Control found that more than half of all older adults used at least one medication whose side effects were ...
Continue ReadingThursday, August 13th, 2020
A Guide to Caregiving: Early, Mid, and Late Stage Knowing what to expect if you are a care partner with someone who has an Alzheimer’s diagnosis – whether you are family or a friend -- may help ease your fears about the future, along with the stress, anxiety, anger, frustration, grief and depression that you might experience through the stages of the disease. Early stage— A time to talk, plan and help ...
Continue ReadingWednesday, July 8th, 2020
When summer temperatures begin to climb, it’s dangerous for everyone. But what many people don't realize is that the elderly are especially vulnerable and are more prone to heat stress, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. They don’t adjust as well to changes in temperature, and chronic medical conditions or medications can interfere with their body’s ability to regulate temperature. What to Do Keep a close eye on older adults when temperatures start ...
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