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.

New Name, Same Mission

Black and white photo of the front porch of Catholic Social Services of Washtenaw County when it first operated out of a residential house.

Catholic Social Services of Washtenaw County is now Catholic Charities Washtenaw County!

We are excited to announce that Catholic Social Services of Washtenaw County (CSSW) is changing our name to better align with similar organizations dedicated to serving their vibrant communities. Most Catholic Social Service agencies have changed their names to Catholic Charities and are members of a nationwide Catholic Charities network of 160+ agencies. This decision comes from a deep appreciation for the shared mission we have with these groups and a desire to strengthen our ties and enhance collaboration. 

Why are we changing our name? 

Our new name reflects not just our mission but also our commitment to creating a sense of belonging and shared purpose. By aligning ourselves with like-minded organizations, we aim to foster collaboration that benefits everyone we serve. As part of the national Catholic Charities organization, we look forward to bringing the organization into better alignment with our peers across the Diocese, State, and nation, many of which bear the “Catholic Charities” name.    

Celebrating Our Community 

The mission of Catholic Charities Washtenaw County is to share the love and presence of Christ in our community through acts of compassion and mercy in a manner that respects the inherent dignity of every person. At the heart of our agency is a profound love for the community we serve. Your resilience, creativity, and spirit inspire us every day. This name change is not just about rebranding; it’s about focusing on charity, on the love that informs all that we do.  

What to Expect 

With this change, you can expect the same dedication and passion from our team. We remain committed to providing the high-quality services and support you’ve come to know and trustPlease note that these changes take time; over the coming months, you will notice our logo and name changing on all our communications, including information about our services, our website, and all print materials. The name may be new, but our core values of solidarity, empowerment, and sustainability remain the same. 

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

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Spotlight: Washtenaw Library for the Blind and Print Disabled

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Nutritionist Services: Getting Coverage and Support

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Wishing You A Blessed Ash Wednesday

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Guide to Finding Adult Diapers and Incontinence Supplies in Washtenaw County