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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: Ypsilanti Township 50 & Beyond Program

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Last week on the blog we covered the benefits of Parks and Recreation programs for National Park and Recreation Month. It’s common for cities and townships to run their senior center/senior programming through their Parks and Recreation departments; Ypsilanti Township is no exception. Today we’ll be exploring all that Ypsilanti Township’s 50 & Beyond Program has to offer with Nichole Passmore, Ypsilanti Township Recreation Coordinator.  

 

Senior Resource Connect: If you had to give an “elevator speech” about what your organization does, how would you describe it? 

Nichole Passmore: The Ypsilanti Township 50 & Beyond program serves over 800 adults, ages 50 and up, in Ypsilanti Township and the surrounding areas. We provide many opportunities for our members to stay physically and socially active through various programs in recreation, leisure, continued education, health and volunteerism. From the world traveler to the casino lover, the card player to the crafter, the yoga enthusiast to the line dancer, we strive to offer something for everyone. 

We serve lunch daily here at our Community Center as part of Washtenaw County’s Senior Café Program. Ypsilanti Township 50 & Beyond also connects older adults to community resources. In cooperation with local agencies, we work to inform and aid older adults in finding the services they need. Everything from tax help, insurance needs, locating food pantries, obtaining transportation, and tracking down the medical equipment they need are just some of the things for which we provide assistance. 

 

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

NP: When we receive an inquiry, the first step is gathering basic information from the person as well as determining the services they are seeking. From there we work together to determine what the best course of action will be, if we are able to provide assistance or connect them with another agency. We then provide them with the necessary contact information and then follow up later to ensure they have found the help they were seeking. 

 

SRC: What organizations do you work closely with? 

NP: The Ypsilanti Township 50 & Beyond program partners with local agencies and organizations such as Focus Hope, Catholic Charities Washtenaw County, AgeWays (formerly Area Agency on Aging 1b), Turner Senior Wellness Program, Hope Clinic, and the Housing Bureau for Seniors, just to name a few, as well as other area senior centers and senior living communities. We are always seeking new ways to work together with community partners to provide our members and our community with the best support possible. 

 

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

NP: I entered this role on the tails of the pandemic, and I think one of the most important things I can share is how vital our services are in supporting older adults in our community. Social, emotional, and mental health are just as important as physical health and Senior Centers play a vital role in providing all four. I think one of the most moving things about our Community Center is how it is more than just a gathering place; every day we work to connect older adults to vital community services to help them stay healthy and independent. 

 

SRC: What tips do you have for someone with a loved one who could benefit from attending a senior center? 

NP: If your loved one is reluctant to join a Senior Center, take a day and visit together. Call ahead and see what day might offer the activities your loved one most enjoys. Or make an appointment with the Center’s director to receive a tour and ask questions. Walking into a new place with someone you know can often make it feel more comfortable and less intimidating. 

 

SRC: Is there anything you would like to add? 

NP: The Ypsilanti Township 50 & Beyond program is open to anyone ages 50 & up and it is not required to be a resident of Ypsilanti Township. Our members are some of the warmest and most welcoming people you will ever meet and we strive to make everyone that enters feel like part of our family. Our yearly membership fee ranges between $15-$20 for individuals and $25-$35 for households. Membership benefits include discounts on classes, special member-only events, free drop-in clubs and activities, access to our fitness center, monthly newsletter, use of our game room, group travel discounts and so much more! 

 

Thank you to Nichole for sharing information about this important community resource! You can learn more about the Ypsilanti 50 & Beyond program by calling (734) 544-3800 or visiting their website.  

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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