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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.

Where to find low-cost internet/phones/computers

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Technology is amazing and has made our lives much easier. While once seen as something nice to have, cell phones and computers have become necessities in the past decade. Today on the blog we’ll take a look at local programs to help get you connected with low-cost internet, phones, computers, and hot spots.  

Before we go further, let’s define what a hotspot is. Per Wikipedia, A hotspot is “a physical location where people may obtain Internet access.” Public hotspots are places like libraries and coffee shops where you can connect to the internet while enjoying lunch or working. Private hotspots usually use a person’s data plan to provide or boost WIFI connection.

Computers 

Hotspots 

  • Click here to view a map of free internet hotspots in Michigan. 
    • Here is a list that you can search by city. 
  • Spectrum Mobile and Internet customers get free, unlimited access to nationwide hotspots. Click here to search for hotspots near you
    • Can sign up for free 30-day trial 
  • Catholic Charities Washtenaw County offers free WIFI in our parking lot.  

Internet 

  • Emergency Broadband Benefit Program is a federal program that offers a temporary $50 a month subsidy towards internet connectivity and $100 towards a computer. 
    • Temporary program created in response to COVID-19 
    • Call (833) 511-0311 or email [email protected] 
  • The COVID Emergency Rental Assistance (CERA) program is designed to keep Michigan residents who fell behind on their rent and/or utilities during COVID-19 in their homes. The program provides Covid Emergency Relief Assistance (CERA) for housing (rent), utility, and internet assistance to qualifying individuals or families. 
  • Access from AT&T offers internet connection at $10.00 per month without an installation fee. 
    • At least one resident in the household participates in the U.S. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) 
    • For more information, call (855) 220-5211. 
  • Comcast Internet Essentials offers low-cost internet for new customers for 60 days. 
    • Includes option to purchase a low-cost computer. 
    • Visit the website to video chat with staff using ASL 
    • Call 1-855-846-8376 to speak to staff in English 
    • Call 1-855-765-6995 to speak with staff in Spanish 
  • Spectrum Internet Assist provides low-cost internet  for $14.99 per month, plus taxes and fees. 
  • Must have at least one student who participates in the National School Lunch Program 
  • CenturyLink® Internet Basics provides affordable Internet for $9.95 a month plus taxes and fees, with a 12-month contract. 
    • Must meet the income-based eligibility requirements OR if you, or someone in your household participates in one of the following federal or state assistance programs:  National School Lunch Program’s Free Lunch Program, Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA) or Section 8; Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps; Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicaid, or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF); Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance; Tribal TANF. 
  • Access from AT&T provides low-cost internet to qualifying households in Michigan for $5-$10 a month. 
    • At least one household member must participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) 
  • Lifeline is a federal program that lowers the monthly cost of phone and internet. Eligible customers will get up to $9.25 toward their bill. 
    • Can be used for phone OR internet, but not both 
  • PCSforPeople offers unlimited data and prepaid internet 
    • Three prepaid plans are available: 3 months of service-$45 ($15/mo) 6 months of service-$85 ($14.16/mo) 12 months of service-$135 ($11.25/mo) 
    • A household needs to be 200% or below of the federal poverty level or be currently enrolled in an income-based government assistance program (e.g., SNAP).  
    • For more information, call (651) 354-2552 

Phones 

  • QLink Wireless is a federal program provides those that qualift with free wireless service, free talk& text, and free data.
  • Lifeline is a federal program that lowers the monthly cost of phone and internet. Eligible customers will get up to $9.25 toward their bill. 
    • Can be used for phone OR internet, but not both 

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