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

information

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 (click to open/close)

     

    Covid-19 cases in Washtenaw County

    Covid-19 Testing

    COVID-19 screening is offered to anyone with at least one symptom, including: fever higher than 100 degrees, cough, shortness of breath, severe tiredness/fatigue, sore throat, muscle aches, diarrhea, loss of taste or smell, runny nose/congestion, or decreased appetite. Bring insurance information.

    Covid-19 Vaccines and Booster Scheduling

    • Washtenaw County Health Department
      • People 65+or who cannot use the online form can call (734) 544-6700 to schedule an appointment.
    • Costco (you do not need to be a member to receive a vaccine)
    • CVS
    • Kroger (Call 866-211-5320 to schedule via phone)
    • Meijer
      • Call local store to schedule via phone
      • Text “COVID” to 75049 to register and receive updates.
    • Packard Health (limited vaccines available; focus on existing clients)
    • Rite Aid
    • Sam's Club (you do not need to be a member to receive a vaccine)
    • Walgreens
      • Must create free Walgreens account
      • To schedule via phone, call your local pharmacy or 1-800-925-4733
    • Walmart
    • Detroit Area Vaccine Hunters
    • Nurse on the Run Program
      • Homebound individuals unable to go to a vaccination site can schedule home visits through the Nurse on the Run program. Leave a message at 734-544-6700 or email [email protected]
    • Pop up vaccine clinics - list on Washtenaw County Health Dept website

    Transportation to Covid Appointments

    Caregiving

    Food Assistance- Food Pantries 

    Please note that pantry hours/days may change. Find the most up to date information by visiting Food Gatherers' website: www.foodgatherers.org/needfood or calling them at (734) 761-2795

    • Aid in Milan offering grab and go groceries during business hours. Can call to schedule an appointment outside of work hours.
      • Also offers Pantry on Wheels grocery delivery for older adults (60+) who live in the 48160 Zip Code/Milan Area School district, are unable to leave their homes under normal circumstances, and are unable to obtain food or prepare complete meals. Call (734) 508-6229 to register. A suggested donation of $3.00 per meal is encouraged.
    • Bethesda Bible Church (2nd & 4th Wednesday of the month 10:00am-12:00pm)
    • Catholic Charities Washtenaw County Northside Food Pantry (Tu 2:00-5:30pm & Th 10:00am-2:30pm)
    • Community Action Network/Bryant Community Center (M-Th 10:00am-3pm, F 10:00am-2:00pm)
    • Faith in Action (M, W 11:00am-7:00pm & Tu, Th 9:00am-4:00pm).
    • Hope Clinic (M, W, F 9:30am-12:00pm, T, Th 12:30-3:00pm, Sa 10:00am-12:00pm)
      • Offers grocery delivery for homebound community members who do not have anyone to pick up groceries for them, live in the local area and are in need of food. Call Hope on Tuesdays from 10am-noon at (734) 484-2989. Groceries will be delivered on Wednesdays between 2-5pm.
      • Pantry appointments available! Call (734) 484-2989 weekdays, 9 AM – 5 PM to set up an appointment.
      • Walk up Pantry available at the Farm Stand located at 454 Harriet Street. Open Mondays 9:30am-12pm, Thursdays 12:30pm-3pm, and Saturdays 12pm-1pm. Dairy, meat, and personal care items are not available at the walk up pantry.
    • Jesus International Ministry Network (Sa, 10:30am- 12:00pm, 4th Sa of the month 11:30am-1:00pm)
    • Jewish Family Services Delivery and curb-side pickup available. Call (734) 769-0209 (prompt 6) or place a request online by the previous Friday to reserve. Requires medical documentation in order to receive grocery delivery.
    • Joyful Treats (Tu 2:30-4:30pm)
    • Manchester Community Resource Center (M, W 11:30am-2:30pm, T, Th 9:00am-2:30pm, F 9:00am-12:00pm)- Call the office at (734) 428-7722 or email [email protected] to make an appointment. Must complete intake forms.
    • Manchester Family Services (3rd Wednesday of the month 1:00-3:00pm)- Call (734) 428-8852 for location
    • Northfield Human Services (M, Tu 11:00am-1:00pm & 2:00-5:00pm)
    • Saline Area Social Services (M 10:00am-5:30pm, T-Th 10:00am-2:30pm)
    • Salvation Army- Ann Arbor (Tu, Th 10:00-11:45am & 1:00-3:00pm)
    • St. Andrews Church (Sa 7:30-8:30am)
    • SOS Community Food Pantry (Tu 1:00-6:30pm, W 9:00am-1:00pm)
    • Click here for a full list compiled by Food Gatherers

    Food Assistance- Home Delivered and Carry Out Meals 

    Health Services

    Home Services- Utilities 

    Housing Support 

    Laundry

    • Hope Clinic's Wash with Care program offers appointments (1.5hrs) available Mon-Fri from 9 - 11am, 11:15 am- 1:15 pm and 1:30-3:30 pm. To schedule a Wash with Care appointment please call (734) 961-3124 on Fridays.

    Mental Health 

    Senior Centers (call for information, including masking requirements)

    • Ann Arbor Senior Center- offers a variety of programs and drive through events. Call (734) 794-6250 for more information.
    • Chelsea Senior Center- offers programming and hot lunch. Call (734) 475-9242 for more information or to reserve lunch.
    • Dexter Senior Center- offers a variety of in-person programs. Call (734) 426-7737 for general information about the center. For information about the lunch café program, call (734) 253-2370.
    • Milan Seniors for Healthy Living- offers a variety of in-person programs. Lunch café is also available. Call (734) 508-6229 for more information.
    • Pittsfield Township Senior Center- offers a variety of programs and hot lunch. Call (734) 822-2117 for more information or to reserve lunch.
    • Saline Area Senior Center- offers a variety of in-person and virtual programs. Call (734) 429-9274 for more information.
    • Silver Club Memory Programs- offers a variety of programming, including a memory café. Call (734) 998-9352 for more information.
    • Turner Senior Wellness Program- offers a variety of in-person and virtual programs. Lunch café also available. Call (734) 998-9353 for more information.
    • Ypsilanti Senior Center- offers a variety of in-person programs. Lunch café also available. Call (734) 483-5014 for more information.
    • Ypsilanti Township 50 & Beyond Program- offers a variety of in-person programs. Lunch café also available. Call (734) 544-3805 for more information.

    Social 

    • JFS WISE Comfort Line- Call (734) 769-0209
    • GetSetup teaches older adults how to use videoconferencing, telemedicine, and other technology.
    • Well Connected offers activities, education, support groups, and friendly conversation over the phone or online (visit online or call 877-797-7299).
    • Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) offers a variety of in-person courses. Visit their website for more information.
    • Commun02 is a free social app. Contact Jewish Family Services at (734) 769-0209 for more information.
    • Senior Planet offers a wide variety of online courses and activities.

    Transportation

    Other Resources

     

    Hoping you stay safe, healthy, and connected!

    - The Senior Resource Connect team

    Printable Resource Guide

    This information is also available for download:

    Read more from the Senior Resource Connect Blog

    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

    466551930_10160553783055779_8355109071730817088_n

    Spotlight: Washtenaw Library for the Blind and Print Disabled

    katie-smith-uQs1802D0CQ-unsplash

    Nutritionist Services: Getting Coverage and Support

    Ash Wednesday (Facebook Post) (1)

    Wishing You A Blessed Ash Wednesday

    256px-Washroom_pictogram_sign_with_braille

    Guide to Finding Adult Diapers and Incontinence Supplies in Washtenaw County