Sixty Seconds Newsletter
A Monthly Update from
Senior Resources of West Michigan
An Area Agency on Aging Serving Muskegon, Oceana & Ottawa counties
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MI Choice Waiver supports Army veteran, gives wife peace of mind
Charlie Pardue is an Army veteran and a participant in the MI Choice Waiver program.
Charlie receives a Personal Emergency Response System (PERS) help button, which has been used when Charlie falls, according to his wife Mary. “I know he’s safe if I have to leave because of the help button,” she said. “He tends to not listen and does do things he’s not supposed to do.” Like picking up something from the floor. “He says he didn’t want to bother someone,” she notes with a sigh. “I tell him it’s easier to pick it up from the floor than to pick him up!”
Supports Coordinator Toni has also been an advocate for Charlie when needed during his almost six years in the Waiver program. When there was an issue covering a personal care aide through the VA, Toni went to bat and arranged help through the MI Choice Waiver program. A week later the VA changed its mind and approved the service, but Toni ensured there wasn’t a gap in the service, Mary said.
“If I have questions or concerns, that office is always there,” Mary said. “It’s not always Toni. If she isn’t available, anybody else has always been helpful. If they couldn’t help at that moment, they let me know they will call back – and they DO. It’s not just a phrase.” Senior Resources is “absolutely” a resource when she needs help, Mary said.
Despite the amount of paperwork she needs to do for Charlie – “there’s always something” she says of the multiple programs – “I’m grateful for the help it gets him and the backup we have.”
Charlie's story, and other stories, photos, and accomplishments, can be found in our most recent annual report on our website.
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Senior Action Week focuses on policy
May is Older Americans Month, and May 15-19, 2023, has been identified as Senior Action Week in Michigan.
Sponsored by the Area Agencies on Aging Association, Senior Action Week and Older Michiganians Day on May 17 focuses attention on public policy issues of importance to older adults, their families, and caregivers, including more than 1,500 service providers that directly deliver an array of supports and services annually to more than 250,000 seniors and persons with disabilities.
The Aging Network has prioritized five platform issues for 2023: Support Family and Informal Caregivers, Support and Strengthen the Direct Care Workforce, Support and Strengthen the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, Increase Access to Home and Community-Based Services, and Expand Access to MI Choice.
Senior Resources and other area agencies on aging have coordinated letter campaigns to urge lawmakers to support these issues. You can find a sample letter and more information here.
Click on this link for access to livestream the Older Michiganians Day event on May 17. For more information, visit www.4ami.org.
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Celebrating 60 years of Older Americans Month
Established in 1963, Older Americans Month (OAM) is celebrated every May. OAM is a time for us to acknowledge the contributions and achievements of older Americans, highlight important trends, and strengthen our commitment to honoring our older citizens.
This year’s theme, Aging Unbound, offers an opportunity to explore a wide range of aging experiences and to promote the importance of enjoying independence and fulfillment by paving our own paths as we age.
This month, join us as we recognize the 60th anniversary of OAM and challenge the narrative on aging. Here are some ways we can all participate in Aging Unbound:
· Embrace the opportunity to change. Find a new passion, go on an adventure, and push boundaries by not letting age define your limits. Invite creativity and purpose into your life by trying new activities in your community to bring in more growth, joy, and energy.
· Explore the rewards of growing older. With age comes knowledge, which provides insight and confidence to understand and experience the world more deeply. Continue to grow that knowledge through reading, listening, classes, and creative activities.
· Stay engaged in your community. Everyone benefits when everyone is connected and involved. Stay active by volunteering, working, mentoring, participating in social clubs, and taking part in activities at your local senior center or elsewhere in the community.
· Form relationships. As an essential ingredient of well-being, relationships can enhance your quality of life by introducing new ideas and unique perspectives. Invest time with people to discover deeper connections with family, friends, and community members.
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Save the Date - Senior Community Days coming!
The Senior Marketing Groups of West Michigan and the Lakeshore are again hosting Senior Community Days. Both events are free and open to older adults, caregivers, and anyone interested in topics related to older adults.
Friday, June 2 - Senior Community Day at Central Wesleyan Church, 446 W. 40th St., Holland, 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., sponsored by SMG Lakeshore. Click here for more information.
Friday, August 4 - Senior Community Day at Orchard View High School in Muskegon, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., sponsored by SMG of West Michigan. For more information, visit www.smgmuskegon.com. |
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Senior Symposium June 14
Senior Symposium - a day full of learning - is back. SafeSeniors is again offering a variety of learning topics for older adults, on June 14, at the Folkert Community Hub in Norton Shores.
Registration is required; it is free and includes a light breakfast and lunch, along with an expo and door prizes.
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Become a Dementia Friend!
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. We are currently offering Dementia Friends via Zoom video-conferencing. All sessions are about an hour.
Our next online sessions:
May 24, 10 a.m.
June 27, 1 p.m.
July 10, 3:30 p.m.
August 3, 2:30 p.m.
For more information, contact Lisa Tyler, or call 231-733-3509.
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If you suspect someone you know is being abused, call 1-855-444-3911 to report your suspicions, 24-hours per day. Please note that this centralized intake line is for the entire state of Michigan and you may be on hold for some time. In case of emergency, call 9-1-1 to report to your local police department.
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Senior Resources of West Michigan Inc
560 Seminole Road
Muskegon, MI 49444
231.733.3585
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