Substance Abuse Among Older Adults Session

Hello caregivers,

On Thursday, July 27, from 1:00 to 3:00pm, Area Agency on Aging Western Michigan will be holding a class on the issue of substance abuse among older adults.

This class is very relevant and useful, since some older adults may believe that they are immune to developing a drug or alcohol problem later in life. However, current data shows the number of seniors with drug problems is on the rise. The causes are complex and the solutions aren’t easy. Thus, education about the scale and nature of senior drug abuse and misuse is an important issue, as well as seeing signs of dependence and addiction in older loved ones, and how to get help for a loved one with a drug problem. The speaker is Margaret Rose, LMSW–CAADC-CCS, an independent trainer at Rose Training & Education, LLC, and she will be looking closely at the misuse of drugs and alcohol among Seniors.

Location: Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan. 3215 Eaglecrest Drive, NE, Grand Rapids, MI

Registration:

1. Email registration@aaawm.org or
2. Call 616-222-7032. 

A $5.00 fee is required per class, payable at the door. 

If you have any questions, call 616-222-7032 or visit www.caregiverresource.net.

Dementia Friends Session- Grand Rapids July 18

Hello caregivers!

Would you like to learn more about dementia, how it affects people, and what actions you can take to make a difference for people living with dementia? If so, join Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan for a one hour session tomorrow, Tuesday, July 18 from 9:00am to 10:00am. You will learn how to recognize signs of dementia, how to effectively interact with people living with dementia, and how you can make our community a friendlier place through your daily work and community interactions by supporting people with dementia.

Location: Area Agency on Aging West Michigan. 3215 Eaglecrest Dr. NE Grand Rapids, MI 

Registration: $5.00 per person, payable at event

Ways to register:

1. Go to  www.dementiafriendlygr.com and under the tab "Become Dementia Friendly", select 'Upcoming Dementia Friend Session', and fill out the information required.
2. Call (616)-222-7036 and leave a message with your name and the session date you will be attending.

For more information, visit their website,  www.dementiafriendlygr.com, or check out their Facebook at Dementia Friendly Grand Rapids. I think this class will help you become more comfortable with some of our clients, as well as potentially some of your family members.

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.