This summer we have been blessed to have a wonderful young lady help us in the office. Jillian Stimson will be a Junior this fall at Hope College and plans on graduating with a double major in International Relations and Psychology. She enjoys working on projects for our providers, and is always happy to help, whether it is putting together files or taking a technology for seniors book over to one of our receivers. Her positive attitude and willingness to help with any project she can is greatly appreciated, and hopefully you all get a chance to meet her this summer.
Awesome Helper
A big thank you to Donna Keckler for all she has done for the seniors in her care! Donna has been working for Seniors Helping Seniors since before Nora and I purchased the company in 2014. She and her sister Judy attended a senior picnic sponsored by Seniors Helping Seniors in the early days and decided on the spot to join the team. Over the years, Donna has taken care of some very special people and says she enjoyed them all. Her latest client whom she takes care of 5 days a week, will be moving to assisted living this week. We want to express our appreciation for the quality of care Donna has given to all her seniors and share her sadness at this transition. God bless you, Donna. Thank you for being part of our team.
Dementia Caregiving Training program
We are excited to share with you additional training for assisting Alzheimer's clients that is available to all employees. Several employees have already completed this program and offered outstanding feedback on the program. Please consider making the time for the program.
This online program offers individual training in dementia care, as well as individual certification by the Alzheimer's Association to recognize those who complete the program and demonstrate knowledge of quality dementia care practices.
essentiALZ Dementia Basics: This certification can be earned after taking the approved prerequisite training, CARES® Dementia Basics (4 hours). The essentiALZ Dementia Basic exam covers the basics of Alzheimer’s and dementia care, understanding behavior, communication and person-centered care.
We have prepaid for several courses and will gladly offer a $40.00 bonus to each person who successfully passes the exam and becomes certified. Please call Danna or Nora to get started with this course.
Transfer Training Class Coming up on June 8 @ AAAWM
Easter Seals and the Area Agency on Aging of W Michigan are conducting a comprehensive class on transferring in June.
Transfer Training Workshop
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!
Who: Caregivers who want to learn how to transfer their loved ones safely and protect themselves from injury.
What: 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.
When: Thursday June 8, 2017 from 1:00-3:00pm
Where: Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan
3215 Eaglecrest Dr NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49525
$5 suggested donation payable at the door
Register by emailing your name to kvandam@essmichigan.org or call (616)947-4809
This class is funded through the Older Americans Act