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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.

Spotlight: Volunteer Caregiver Respite Program (VCR)

Jeannette Matthews

Catholic Charities Washtenaw County is home to a wide variety of programs that help the community from birth throughout the aging process. One program that offer support to caregivers is the Volunteer Caregiver Respite Program (VCR), which connects caregivers with respite care. We sat down with Jeannette Matthews, a Resource Specialist in Caregiver Services. Jeannette shared the basics of the program, how to get involved, and what to do if you are a caregiver that could use extra assistance.  


Ahead of the Curve: If you had to give an “elevator speech” about what your organization does, how would you describe it? 

JM: The Volunteer Caregiver Respite Program (VCR) of Catholic Charities Washtenaw County (CCWC) matches trained volunteers with caregivers for companionship visits so that the caregiver can have a break. The volunteers offer socially supportive visits by playing games, doing puzzles, encouraging reminiscence, etc., but cannot provide hands-on care. Either the caregiver or the care recipient needs to be age 60 or older. Typically, the visits last 2-4 hours per week. 


AOTC: Walk me through the step-by-step process. What happens when you get a phone call/referral? 

JM: If a prospective volunteer inquiries about services, we send them information about the program. They then receive a packet of forms to complete, including an application, volunteer job description, names of two references, and authorization for background checks. An orientation that lasts about 45 minutes is scheduled once the background checks are cleared, which only takes a day or so. Once all that is done, we find the best match for a caregiver based on time availability, geographical distance, and personality preferences. The volunteer and I meet with the caregiver and if everyone wants to go forward, a Match Agreement is signed. 

When a caregiver seeks to enroll, I go to where the visit would take place, usually the caregiver’s home, and we discuss the caregiver and care recipient’s needs. Papers are signed. As above, an appropriate match is suggested and a “meet and greet” visit is scheduled, and then the Match Agreement is signed if everyone is on board. 


AOTC: What organizations do you work closely with? 

JM: Caregiver referrals often come from medical offices and from our own outreach efforts. With the caregiver’s permission, we make internal referrals to other CCWC areas of focus such as Home Maintenance/Safety and Behavioral Health departments. We work closely with a number of community organizations, including Jewish Family Services (JFS), Silver Club, and many senior centers. We are funded through the Area Agency on Aging and often cross refer with that organization. 


AOTC: What are some things you wish the public knew about your role? 

JM: I wish more Washtenaw County caregivers knew about the help offered through the Volunteer Caregiver Respite program, and I wish more people knew about the satisfaction of volunteering in this setting where long-term friendships often develop, and the rewards are well-worth the time invested. 


AOTC: What tips do you have for someone with a loved one that needs assistance? 

JM: I would strongly suggest that caregivers reach out to us for a volunteer caregiver so they can have a few hours to themselves per week. It is more than okay to let others help. 


AOTC: Is there anything you would like to add? 

JM: We need volunteers! Anyone age 18 or over can volunteer with the Volunteer Caregiver Respite Program. College students can earn community hours and possible internship experience. All adults can add meaning and purpose to their lives by offering a few hours a week so a caregiver can run errands, get a haircut, or even take a nap!


Thank you, Jeannette, for sharing about this unique program. Visit the CCWC website for more information on the Volunteer Caregiver Respite Program 

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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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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