Page 8 - Spring 2017

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Information and
Assistance Service
Resource specialists can quickly answer questions and access information for callers using a computerized database listing over 5,000 senior services and 2,000 providers in southeast Michigan. Call toll-free, 800-852-7795.
Hours are 8 a.m.- 5 p.m., weekdays. You can also visit www.aaa1b.org
ACCESS: Your Link to Community Resources is published by the Area Agency on Aging 1-B, 29100 Northwestern Highway, Suite 400, Southfield, MI 48034, phone: 800-852-7795,
fax: 248-948-9691. Paid advertisers are not endorsed by the Area Agency on Aging 1-B. Questions and comments may be directed to
Jenny Jarvis, Director of Communications, or Margaret Topous, Communications Specialist/Editor. Access is written by Rebecca Rabano. Design and production by Northlight Design. Printing by Pinnacle Printing & Promotions.
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continued from page 7
different stages, helped her know what to expect and offered helpful, practical solutions.
April learned she could make things easier for her mom by labeling things. Sometimes her mom can’t find the words or she’s frustrated. April learned in the class that labeling things for her mom could make things easier for her to find or identify what she wanted. That solution is working now. “The class teaches you to be prepared with strategies. You know what’s needed, like offering help or giving simple choices.”
Not only do they use what they learned to help themselves, they’re teaching others when circumstances arise. During a holiday get-together, Norma was able to coach people to just go up and introduce themselves to Alice and not say, “Don’t you remember me?” She also reminds people to be patient.
“They taught us that it (Alzheimer’s disease) is not just about memory but judgement, and what’s happening to the brain.”
That’s just some of what Norma and April learned. They also learned they’re not alone in this journey; there is support. They hear from other caregivers and learn what’s worked for them. Caregivers leave with helpful reference materials to review when things come up. April liked the resources that were provided in the class. “They give you a list of resources in the community, as well as a book.” When she has questions, she still pulls out that book.
Another reason to attend this class is because caregivers of those with dementia are significantly more likely to have health problems compared to someone caring for a loved one without dementia. Both have stress and many challenges, but their situation can be especially difficult.
In addition to the CCC class, there’s a new class that will benefit
any caregiver; it’s called Powerful
Tools for Caregivers (PTC). Like the CCC classes, it also meets once a week for six weeks for ninety minutes. Class size is also limited and often respite care is available. What’s different about this class is the focus is entirely on the caregiver. The PTC classes focus on ways caregivers can be heard more effectively, how to ask for help, and ideas to help maintain their own health
Each session begins with a follow-up on last week’s homework (usually a small goal, like a walk or journaling) and ends with a relaxing visualization session. In between, there’s a lesson directed at the practical needs of the caregiver–along with some discussion about how they might apply it to real-life.
The CCC and PTC classes are being offered through the rest of this year. Early registration is encouraged. You can find more information at www.aaa1b.org or by calling 800-852-7795 and press “1” for Trainings. Also, we publish a FREE bi-monthly, digital newsletter that’s delivered straight to subscribers via email. It offers helpful information of interest to caregivers. Visit www.aaa1b.org/caregiver-resources/ caregiver-e-newsletter/
to sign up.