Sixty Seconds Newsletter 
A Monthly Update from Senior Resources of West Michigan  
An Area Agency on Aging Serving Muskegon, Oceana & Ottawa counties
In This Issue
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National Area Agencies on Aging

 
Senior Resources staff members packed 146 personal care bags for participants, thanks to a grant from DTE Foundation that paid for the majority of the items in the bags. Bags included shampoo, soap, tissues, dental care items, night lights, grippy socks, and more.
Find out more about MI Choice Waiver program

MI Choice Waiver is a home and community-based program for eligible adults who meet financial requirements and  medically qualify for nursing home care. 

MI Choice Waiver lets someone access services in the community along with receiving support in their own home or other residential setting.  Participants can obtain basic Medicaid-covered services and must receive one or more MI Choice Waiver services.  The program includes pre-screening, assessments, case management, direct purchase of services, and re-assessment contacts.  MI Choice Waiver is a statewide program funded by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS).

Eligibility requirements include age (f rail adults 65 years of age or older, or   18 or older with a disability), financial, and medical.

For more information, call the Senior Resources Options department at 231-733-3585, or 800-442-0054.


Speak up! Anytime day or night. Report abuse and neglect.
855-444-3911

Senior Resources' Elder Care Specialists are available to assist with Options for Long Term Care
Call: 231-733-3585
or Toll Free:  1-800-442-0054. In Oceana: 231-559-0331.
January 2020
Be on the lookout for possible identity theft

Identity theft happens when someone uses your Social Security number or other personal information to open new accounts, make purchases, or get a tax refund.

Most people who experience identity theft must take several steps to recover. IdentityTheft.gov is the federal government's one-stop resource to help you report and recover from identity theft. The site provides step-by-step advice and helpful resources like easy-to-print checklists and sample letters.

Warning Signs
There are many ways that you might discover that someone is using your information. You might get a notice from the IRS or find unfamiliar accounts on your credit report. You might notice strange withdrawals from your bank account, get bills that aren't yours, or get calls about debts that you don't owe.

What To Do Right Away
If you see one of these warning signs of identity theft, act quickly. Taking these steps will help you limit the damage. IdentityTheft.gov will guide you through each step. 
  1. Call the companies where you know fraud occurred.
  2. Place a fraud alert on your credit reports and get copies of your report.
  3. Report identity theft to the FTC.
  4. File a report with your local police department.
Then, take a deep breath and begin to repair the damage. Depending on your situation, your next step might be closing accounts opened in your name, or reporting fraudulent charges to your credit card company.

Protecting Your Identity
While identity theft can happen to anyone, there are some things you can do to reduce your risk. Here are five ways to make protecting your identity part of your everyday routine:
  • Read your credit card and bank statements carefully and often.
  • Know your payment due dates. If a bill doesn't show up when you expect it, look into it.
  • Read the statements from your health insurance plan. Make sure the claims paid match the care you got.
  • Shred any documents with personal and financial information.
  • Review each of your three credit reports at least once a year. Visit annualcreditreport.com to get your free reports.
For more prevention tips - and resources you can share with others - visit ftc.gov/idtheft.

Senior Advocates Coalition meeting dates set for 2020

The Senior Advocates Coalition  represents  the interests of older persons by educating public officials, consumer advocates and the community about older adult needs. 

Meetings are scheduled for 2020. They are held at Tanglewood Park, 560 Seminole Road, from 1:30-3 p.m., unless otherwise indicated:
Monday, Feb. 10 - the Aging & Adult Services Agency seeking feedback on needs of older adults
Monday, March 9 - Congressional aides
Tuesday, May 12 - Older Michiganians Day in Lansing
Monday, June 8 - Congressional aides
Monday, Sept. 14 - state and federal representatives
Monday, Nov. 9 - state legislators

For more information, contact Pam Curtis, facilitator, at 231-733-3521, or 800-442-0054.
Dementia Friends offered monthly at Tanglewood Park

People with dementia sometimes need help going about their daily lives and to feel included in their communities. Dementia Friends works to give people an understanding of dementia, and the small things they can do to make a difference. 

There are monthly Dementia Friends sessions offered in Muskegon, at Tanglewood Park, 560 Seminole Road, Norton Shores:
  • January 16, 9:30-10:30 a.m.
  • February 11, 3-4 p.m.
  • March 9, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
  • April 22, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
You can register for these, or future sessions:  https://www.eventbrite.com/d/mi--muskegon/dementia-friends/. 
Senior Resources of West Michigan Inc