Blog

Welcome to the Senior Resource Connect blog. You can visit the blog each Wednesday at 10am for the latest information about aging, caregiving, COVID, and local resources.

COVID-19 Resource Guide

This information was originally published in March 2020, and was most recently updated in January 2024. Information changes frequently, so please call to confirm hours and availability before visiting a resource. Jump to a section below … Continue Reading

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Travel Adventures for Seniors

As the days grow longer and the weather warms up, spring is the perfect time to embrace new travel adventures, especially for seniors looking to get out and explore. Whether you’re looking to get out … Continue Reading

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Where to Turn for Car Repairs

Cars are an essential part of our daily lives—providing freedom, convenience, and the ability to get from point A to point B. However, as much as we depend on them, they can also quickly become … Continue Reading

EMMA

Spotlight: Senior and Retired Volunteer Program (RSVP)

April is National Volunteer Month! Did you know that Catholic Charities Washtenaw County has a program to connect older adults (age 55+) with meaningful volunteer opportunities? In this blog post, we sit down with the … Continue Reading

Monica

Spotlight: Ypsilanti District Library Bookmobile

For many older adults and caregivers, getting to the library can sometimes feel like a challenge—whether due to limited mobility, time constraints, or other responsibilities. That’s where the library’s Bookmobile comes in! In honor of … Continue Reading

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Medication Safety 101

How many medications do you take each day? 81% of older adults in America (age 65+) take at least one prescription medication each day. 36% of those on Medicare take five or more prescription medications. … Continue Reading

March 26th is Epilepsy Awareness Day. You may have heard of Epilepsy, but did you know that it affects an increasing number of older adults? Today on the blog we’re going to explore Epilepsy- what it is, how it affects older adults, and what resources exist in the community.  

 

What is Epilepsy? 

According to the Cleveland Clinic, Epilepsy is a chronic disease where the cells in the brain produce abnormal electrical signals, causing seizures. Approximately 3.4 million people in the United States live with Epilepsy. Epilepsy can be treated with daily medication.  

 

Epilepsy & Older Adults 

Older adults (age 55+) are the fastest growing group of epilepsy patients. It's estimated that there are nearly 1 million older adults living with Epilepsy in the United States. In older adults, strokes may cause symptoms that resemble other health conditions, such as wandering, confusion, dissociating, or the inability to speak (all of which can resemble Alzheimer’s Disease or Dementia). Unfortunately, many antiseizure medications put older adults at an increased risk of falling due to side effects including dizziness and loss of balance. Talk with your doctor if you have any concerns about your medication (we’ve also covered basic fall prevention tips on the blog in the past). 

 

Managing Epilepsy 

While seizures can be unpredictable, there are some small steps people with Epilepsy can take that may improve their seizure control and overall health. 

Stay on top of medication. 

Missing medication is the leading trigger for seizures. 

How Can You Make Sure You Take Your Medicine As Directed? via Senior Resource Connect 

How to save money on prescription medications via Senior Resource Connect 

Get a good night’s sleep. 

Sleep deprivation can also trigger seizures.  

Stay active. 

Eat a healthy diet and know how certain foods or drinks (e.g., alcohol, caffeine) affect your seizures.  

Reduce stress. 

Keep a record of your seizures- what happened before, during and after the seizure, any triggers you can identify, and any patterns you notice. 

Develop a Seizure Action Plan and share it with loved ones.  

 

What To Do If Someone Is Having a Seizure (Stay-Safe-Side) via Michigan Medicine 

STAY with the person until they are alert and the seizure has passed. 

Make sure to time the seizure. 

Make sure the person having the seizure is in a SAFE place. 

Turn the person on their SIDE to keep their airway clear. 

Also make sure to loosen any clothing/jewelry that may be tight around their neck. 

Make sure there’s something soft under their head.  

When to call 911: 

If the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes. 

If the person has multiple seizures one after the other. 

If the person has difficulty breathing, chest pain, or does not regain alertness after the seizure. 

If the person became injured during the seizure. 

If the seizure occurs in water.  

 

Local & National Resources 

Epilepsy Foundation’s 24/7 Helpline: 1-800-332-1000 

Spanish hotline: 1-866-748-8008 

Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan’s Here For You Helpline: 1-800-377-6226 

Project UPLIFT via the Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan 

Evidence-based depression management program for adults with Epilepsy. This program runs for 8 weeks and is conducted over the phone. 

Seizure Response Dogs via Paws With A Cause ($50 application fee) 

Seizure Smart Mental Health Professional Network- this is a list of therapists that have completed the Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan’s training on seizures and mental health. 

Steve Metz Memorial Grant via The Defeating Epilepsy Foundation 

Offers a one-time grant in the amount of $1,000 towards a seizure alert dog.  

University of Michigan Comprehensive Epilepsy Program (734) 936-9020

Supporting Older Adults with Epilepsy

March 26th is Epilepsy Awareness Day. You may have heard of Epilepsy, but did you know that it affects an increasing number of older adults? Today on the blog we’re going to explore Epilepsy- what … Continue Reading