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Help keep your loved one on their feet
It sometimes seems like caregivers do all the work, however, your loved one may welcome being more actively engaged in their care. Classes to help them gain the tools they need to stay active and help keep them well, help them and you. That’s why we want you to know about two great classes, A Matter of Balance™ and Diabetes Personal Action Toward Health (D-PATH), being offered throughout the year, in many communities, at no cost.
A Matter of BalanceTM is designed to help reduce an individual’s fear of falling and increase their activity level. Students learn exercises to increase flexibility, range of motion, strength and balance. They are taught to think of falling and the fear of falling as controllable, to set realistic goals for increasing activity, and look at ways to change their environment to reduce their risk of falling. The class lasts two hours a week for eight weeks and is led by two trained instructors. This class may help the one you’re caring for to be able to participate more in life, whether it’s taking a daily walk or taking the grandkids to the park.
In the D-PATH class, individuals with Type 2 Diabetes learn techniques to deal with their symptoms and emotional challenges. They learn about healthy eating, exercise, and ways to work more effectively with their doctor. Family members, friends and caregivers are also encouraged to attend so they have the tools to be supportive. The class lasts two and a half hours a week for six weeks.
Initially, these classes cost $15, but participants who complete the program receive a $15 gift card to a local retailer. To register for these classes, call the AAA 1-B at 800-852-7795.
There are many classes scheduled throughout the six counties the AAA 1-B serves. Check out the complete list of classes in the Senior Health and Wellness Programs section of our website. Here’s just a sampling:
A Matter of Balance™
Troy Senior Center
3179 Livernois Rd.
Troy, MI 48083
Wednesdays and Fridays, June 1 - June 24, 2016
1:00 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Sterling Heights Senior Center
40200 Utica Rd
Sterling Heights, MI 48313
Thursdays, June 2 - July 21, 2016
10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
D-PATH
Madison Heights Senior Center
29448 John R Rd.
Madison Heights, MI 48071
Tuesdays, May 10 - June 14, 2016
12:30 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Ypsilanti District Library
5577 Whittaker Rd.
Ypsilanti, MI 48197
Wednesdays, June 1 - July 6, 2016
10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
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 “The Key” to “No Waiting” in Michigan
The Area Agency on Aging 1-B is one of 40 organizations that make up the Silver Key Coalition, which is advocating a $5 million increase in state funding to support in-home services for older adults. Currently, there are thousands of people on the waiting list for these services across the state. While the Governor has proposed a flat funding budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 2017 for this area, it will not be enough to serve the people in urgent need of in-home services.
The Silver Key Coalition is earnestly campaigning to increase the budget and make Michigan a “No Wait State” for these services to seniors. The additional 7% increase would help get services to over 7,000 seniors who are waiting for in-home care and/or Meals on Wheels. You can help by writing your Representative or Senator and asking them to support this effort. You can find contact information here House of Representatives and here Michigan Senate.
These services may be ones that the one you care for is in need of; care that you are currently providing. If the senior you support qualifies for these services, perhaps with this additional help, you may be able to spend more quality time with the one you’re caring for or even take a little time for yourself.
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The cover of the Spring 2016 Fundraiser.
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Updates and News
The AAA 1-B is working for seniors, people with disabilities, and caregivers year-round. Here are a few highlights of what’s going on.
Wednesday, May 11, 2016 is Older Michiganians Day. Hundreds of seniors state-wide will converge on Lansing to meet with lawmakers, honor senior volunteers, and make critical issues known to the men and women of the Capitol. We’ll have more about it in the next issue of ACCESS, our print newsletter, coming out mid-May.
The Spring Fundraising Appeal is hitting mailboxes now. If you didn’t receive it, you can donate anytime on the Area Agency on Aging 1-B site. We send fundraisers twice a year to help us to continue programs that help enhance the lives of seniors and adults with disabilities in our communities.
Caregivers: Save the date! We know you’re always busy, but it’s important to make time for the annual Caregiver Expo on Saturday, October 15 at the Wyndham Garden® Hotel in Sterling Heights. Add it to your planner now. We’ll be sharing more news on what to expect at the Expo later this summer.
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Resources Available from Area Agency on Aging 1-B
The Area Agency on Aging 1-B (AAA 1-B) is a nonprofit agency that manages a wide variety of services to help seniors and adults with disabilities remain living in their own home or with family caregivers.
Serving Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair and Washtenaw counties, we can guide and connect you to a wide variety of services and resources available in your area, including:
Calling us is the first step. Our toll-free Information and Assistance Line is staffed by specially certified resource specialists who are trained to help connect you to the right programs and services. We'll listen, ask the right questions and get you started finding the help you need. We also manage several government programs and our resource specialists can help you determine if your loved one might qualify.
Our Information and Assistance Phone Line is available Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. through 5 p.m. at (800) 852-7795. You can also visit us on the web at www.aaa1b.com
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