Caregiver Resource Network

AAAWM has partnered with Help Texts to offer caregivers caring for an older adult a 12 month complimentary subscription to mental health support via text message. This is not therapy, but one-way communication with a mental health professional providing encouragement on your caregiving journey.

For eligibility and sign up information visit https://helptexts.com/aaawm

Happy Independence Day! 🇺🇸 Many of our community members are veterans and we’re thankful today, and every day, for their service!

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Family Caregiver University Family Caregiver University (FCU) offers monthly educational presentations for caregivers, providing education, support, and comradery to increase confidence in caregiving and decrease feelings of isolation.

This program assists local seniors in caring for their loved furry companions.
Visit our website to learn more!

https://seniorneighbors.org/services/pet-assistance/

Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan exists to help older adults and persons with disabilities live in their community with independence and dignity.

The Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan (AAAWM) is pleased to announce that Scott Russett has been promoted to the position of Chief Financial Officer.

“I’m happy to be continuing my work at AAAWM and managing the funds that do so much good for our region’s seniors and caregivers. The team at the agency is one I’m proud to work with, and I look forward to how I can bring my experience to build upon this agency’s financial goals and best support our community partners,” shared Russett.

You can learn more about Scott here: https://www.aaawm.org/article/scott-russett-announced-as-chief-financial-officer-for-the-area-agency-on-aging-of-western-michigan

In case you missed last month’s newsletter, here’s a quick look at what’s been happening at the agency! As a reminder, you can sign up to receive future monthly newsletters at www.aaawm.org/newsletter

Are you 60 and older? Do you reside in Kent County? Are you interested in volunteering for a civil rights non-profit?

Become a fair housing tester!

Testers play the role of a homeseeker and participate in tours, open houses, and other experiences to help us monitor fair housing practices in the housing market. Testers are of vital importance to the advocacy and enforcement programs of the Fair Housing Center.

As a tester, you may be asked to pose as a person who is interested in renting an apartment, buying a home, applying for financing to purchase housing, inquiring about property insurance for a home, or using other types of housing services. Testers must be at least 18 years old, objective, careful observers, accurate reporters, and truthful and credible witnesses. Testers are paid a stipend.

Testing is an investigative tool used to gather evidence. Testers simulate ordinary housing transactions in a variety of ways; in person, over the phone, and through emails.

Want to learn more or interested in signing up? Visit our website: www.fhcwm.org/volunteer

It is always nice to take time to reflect during the holiday season, we’re so thankful for our wonderful employees and the work we get to do for the community. Our office will be closed tomorrow Friday, December 23, and Monday, December 26 for the holiday, reopening Tuesday, December 27. We hope you all have a safe and joyful holiday!

AAAWM Newsletter Sign up for our monthly email newsletter!

Partner Spotlight: Transportation can be a barrier for many older adults. Through support from the Kent County Senior Millage, RideLink is able to take seniors where they want to go in Kent County. We're thankful for our RideLink Partners; Community Action Kent County, Hope Network, Senior Neighbors, The Rapid, and UMCH-United Methodist Community House for providing such a wonderful experience for seniors!

We are bringing back our wellness programs at Eaglecrest! In-person and zoom classes will be offered and we are re-branding our healthy aging programs in our region to engAging Wellness, more to come! Join us for our upcoming Kick Off Celebration on October 18, further details below.

As we get older the chance of our suffering a fall increases, in fact, according to the National Council on Aging (NCOA) 1 in 4 Americans aged 65+ falls each year*. The key to fall prevention is that because we know which factors contribute to falls we can work to prevent them. The National Council on Aging recommends a number of steps you can take to prevent a fall and build your confidence along the way!

You can read about these six steps here: https://www.aaawm.org/article/staying-active-while-aging-avoiding-falls

The Advocates for Senior Issues’ Sponsorship Day is just around the corner on September 16th! If you'd like to learn more about becoming a sponsor of Advocates for Senior Issues, you can visit https://www.aaawm.org/become-a-sponsor-afsi or contact Advocacy Coordinator, Sheri Harris at [email protected].

Could you use a bit of one-on-one support with your tablet, laptop, or cell phone? We will be hosting a drop-in technology event at Scottville Senior Center (140 S. Main Street, Scottville, MI 49454) on Tuesday, September 27 from 10:00 am-2:00 pm! Further details are below and any questions can be directed to Brandon Beck at (616) 222-7024.

The Caregiver Resource Network's website is full of great information. For example, you can find a list of support groups. A couple examples are listed below. For a full list, follow the link in this post.

Widows and Widowers Support Group
Intended for: Those who have lost a spouse
Dates: 3rd Thursday of each month from 7:00 - 8:30 pm
Location: St. Robert Church, Room 107, 6477 Ada Drive SE, Ada, MI
Contact: Kathy O’Bee at 616-862-9908 or [email protected]
Exceptions: No meetings in June, July and August

Living On
Intended for: Anyone dealing with grief and loss
Sponsored by: Hospice of Michigan
Dates: 1st Thursday of each month from 1:00 - 2:30 pm
Location: Hospice of Michigan, 989 Spaulding Ave SE, Ada, MI
Contact: Sue Glover at 616-356-5255
Website: www.hom.org

https://www.caregiverresource.net/support-groups

Home - Hospice of Michigan Leave this field empty.

Family Caregiver University classes through the Caregiver Resource Network will start up again next month! You can find the details of September's hybrid meeting below and via the link: https://www.caregiverresource.net/events/family-caregiver-university-roadmap-to-future-care-options.

“Sometimes life hits you in the head with a brick. Don’t lose faith.” —Steve Jobs, Entrepreneur

9 de agosto (5:30 PM-6:30 PM) Grupo de apoyo para cuidadores en Español del Alzheimer's Association. Cada segundo martes del mes (5:30 PM-6:30 PM) Grupo de apoyo para cuidadores en Español del Alzheimer's Association. Para cuidadores de personas que padecen de la enfermedad de Alzheimer o demencias relacionadas. Nos reunimos en el salón de multiuso de Exalta Health, 2060 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, cada segundo Martes del mes. Debido al COVID-19, nos estamos reuniendo por teléfono. Comuníquese con Teresa Cruz-Vega por teléfono al 616-589-2820 para obtener más detalles..

Contacto: Teresa Cruz-Vega

Teléfono: 616-589-2820

August 9 (5:30-6:30 PM) Alzheimer’s Association Caregiver Support Group: Spanish Language. For Spanish-speaking caregivers of individuals who have Alzheimer’s or related dementias. This group will be held at Exalta Health, 2060 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, on the second Tuesday of the month. Call 616-459-7423 or email [email protected] for meeting details.

Contact: Teresa Cruz-Vega

Phone: 616-589-2820

August 4 and 18 (12:30-2:30PM) Alzheimer’s Association Caregiver Support Group. For caregivers of individuals who have Alzheimer’s or related dementias. This group will be taking place in-person at SarahCare Adult Day Care, 2211 East Beltline Ave NE, Grand Rapids on the first and third Thursdays of the month. Call 800.272.3900 or email [email protected] to register.

Contact: Harlene Gedris

Phone: (616) 949-4709

Voting Day!!!!!

Temperatures are expected to rise this week. Hot weather can be dangerous for older adults. Click on the article for tips on how to stay safe.

https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/advice-older-adults-staying-safe-hot-weather

Advice for older adults on staying safe in hot weather With summer here and the temperatures rising, it is important to understand the health risks that excessive heat can bring and know the signs of heat-related illnesses. Older adults and people with chronic medical conditions are particularly susceptible to hyperthermia and other heat-related illness...

The Kent County Senior Millage network is made up of over 30 community partner agencies that help support older adults through 51 different services including senior center activities. You can learn more about the millage and its upcoming renewal on August 2nd at www.kentseniormillage.com

Our July email newsletter went out this morning! If you missed it, you can give it a read here: https://mailchi.mp/6a07411cfb42/july