August Area Agency on Aging programs

Team:

Attached you will find:

1.      August’s caregiver calendar, with many support groups listed.

2.      August’s Family Caregiver University flyer.

We hope that all of you are having a great summer!

PLEASE CALL AHEAD to confirm time and place, as holidays may conflict with meeting dates. All meetings are open to the public and free of cost, unless otherwise noted.

Note: The Alzheimer’s Association provides a number of support groups for caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementias that meet monthly throughout the West Michigan region; a complete list is available online at: http://www.alz.org/gmc or by calling the Association’s 24/7 Helpline at 1-800-272-3900.

TRANSFER TRAINING CLASS

If you have to help transfer your loved one into chairs, out of the bathtub, in the car, into bed or help them walk throughout the home then this is the class for you!

When:    Thursday August 11, 2016  

2:00-3:30pm

Where:  Area Agency on Aging of West Michigan
          3215 Eaglecrest Dr NE
           Grand Rapids, MI 49525

Cost:  Suggested $5 donation          

An interactive class that teaches caregivers how to use a gait belt for safe transfers, bed mobility, lower body dressing and a guide when walking. This class also gives brief instruction on how to use a sliding board and other transfer equipment using proper body mechanics to protect the caregiver and care recipient’s back and joints. 

Register by emailing your name to kvandam@essmichigan.org or call (616)947-4809  

STAY SAFE! FALL PREVENTION

Is your home free from fall risks? Most serious falls occur in and around the home, but falls are not a natural part of aging. It’s important to understand ways you can protect yourself from falls, reduce your risk of falling, and be more safe in your home. Join us as we take a closer look at falls and home safety for seniors and caregivers.

Wednesday, August 17, 2016

1:00 pm to 3:00 pm

Location:     Area Agency on Aging
          3215 Eaglecrest Drive, NE, Grand Rapids

Speakers:     Kim Van Dam, COTA/L – Easter Seals
                        Lianna Riatini, COTA/L – Easter Seals

RSVP: Registration is required.  Email registration@aaawm.org or call 616-222-7032.  A $5.00 suggested fee per class, payable at door.  

Questions:     Call 616-222-7032 or visit www.caregiverresource.net.

Upcoming Community Event

Lunch and Laughter is on the menu on March 9 at the Plymouth Heights CRC Senior luncheon. Sr. Sue Tracy, OP known for her compassion and humor will be speaking as part of LaughFest. Sr. Sue's topic  "Laughter is Carbonated Holiness" is sure to bring joy to everyone. 

Sr. Sue has held many positions over her more than 50 years as a Grand Rapids Dominican, the latest as a chaplain at Spectrum Health Hospital.  Call Lois at 956-6742 to RSVP by Mar 4. Cost is $8.00.