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.

Online Grocery Ordering 101

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A number of grocery stores have released special shopping hours for older adults and those at high risk of contracting Covid-19, but what if you still can’t leave your home or feel safe going to a store for groceries? Today on the blog we’re going to walk you through ordering groceries through the two popular apps, Instacart and Shipt.  

At a Glance

Using Instacart

Go to www.instacart.com and enter your zip code. Click “continue” (if you have used the website before, click on “sign in”). 

The website will then take you to a screen with a list of participating stores. You can view this list organized by default or by biggest savings. Click on a store’s logo to select it. 

One you’re on the store’s page you can find items by using the search bar to find a specific item, clicking on “departments” to browse, or clicking on “savings” to view sales. 

Once you find the item you’re looking for, you can choose the amount you want and add it to the cart. You can also add items to your favorites by clicking on the green heart so they’re easier to find next time. 

When you’re done shopping, click on your cart. 

Double check that everything looks right, then click “go to checkout.”

In the checkout screen you can add your address for delivery, add instructions, choose a delivery time, and enter your payment information. 

When you’re done, click on place order and you’re all set!

Using Shipt

Go to www.shipt.com and enter your zip code.

Once you enter your zip code, a pop up will appear with participating stores in your area. Click the “get started” button. 

The website will ask you to create an account before you can go any further. If you already have an account, you can click “log in.”

Once you’ve created an account, enter your delivery address. If your address doesn’t pop up, you can add it manually. 

Next you’ll be prompted to choose grocery delivery or pickup. Click on a store’s logo to select it.  

One you’re on the store’s page you can find items by using the search bar to find a specific item, clicking on “browse” to view different categories, or clicking on “on sale” or “exclusive savings” to view sales. 

Once you find the item you’re looking for, you can choose the amount you want and add it to the cart. You can also leave instructions for the shopper.

When you’re done shopping, click on your cart. 

After hitting “continue” you’ll be prompted to sign up for a plan and enter your information.

After creating an account and double checking your cart, enter an address, payment method, and delivery window. Once everything looks good, click on “Get it Shipt!” and you’re all set!

For more information about Covid-19 resources, visit the Ahead of the Curve blog!

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Medication Safety 101

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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