Transfer Training Class Coming up on June 8 @ AAAWM

Easter Seals and the Area Agency on Aging of W Michigan are conducting a comprehensive class on transferring in June.

Transfer Training Workshop 

If you have to help transfer your loved one into chairs, out of the bathtub, in the car, into bed or help them walk throughout the home then this is the class for you!

Who: Caregivers who want to learn how to transfer their loved ones safely and protect themselves from injury.

What: An interactive class that teaches caregivers how to use a gait belt for safe transfers, bed mobility, lower body dressing and a guide when walking. This class also gives brief instruction on how to use a sliding board and other transfer equipment using proper body mechanics to protect the caregiver and care recipient’s back and joints.

When:    Thursday June 8, 2017 from 1:00-3:00pm

Where:  Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan

                3215 Eaglecrest Dr NE

                 Grand Rapids, MI 49525

$5 suggested donation payable at the door

Register by emailing your name to kvandam@essmichigan.org or call (616)947-4809 

This class is funded through the Older Americans Act

Butterflies are Blooming again

The annual Butterflies are Blooming exhibition is open again at Meijer Gardens. If you haven't been to the gardens lately, consider planning a field trip for you and your receiver. 

We have an organizational pass that will get you and your client in free to the exhibit. Just let Danna know if you would like to reserve it for a day. 

Medicare Prescription Drug Plan - OPEN ENROLLMENT

FREE HELP - UNDERSTAND YOUR OPTIONS

OPEN ENROLLMENT IS OCT 15 - DEC 7 

Now is the time to review your Prescription Drug Plan and determine if you want to make changes. To help you in your decision making I want to share a service I recently came across. 

MMAP, Inc. is a local service that works through the Area Agencies on Aging to provide high quality and accessible health benefit information and counseling, supported by a statewide network of unpaid and paid skilled professionals. Too many of our seniors share stories of exorbitant medical and prescription bills. I breaks my heart to hear what they are dealing with when there are good options available, they just don't know about them. 

Please think about calling and having your plan reviewed and then sharing your knowledge with your Receivers.

CALL 1-800-803-7174 to get started.

This is a great link full of wonderful resources and additional Medicare and Medicaid information, from MMAP. click here

Home Energy Bill Help Available

The deadline to apply for help with your energy bill this winter is Sept 30. With so many of our seniors living on a limited income, it's quite likely some will qualify for the Michigan Home Heating Credit. 

The credit assists low-income people and qualifying senior citizens with winter energy bills. Customers do not need to file a Michigan tax return to apply for the Home Heating Credit, however, they do need to submit an application. The average credit paid out in 2015 was $132. 

The links below will take you to the Credit website and application. If you get the chance, you might think of mentioning the credit to your receivers.

Click here to learn more about the credit. Or here to get the application.