Older Michiganians Day (OMD) is an annual rally that takes place at the Capitol Building in Lansing each year during Older Americans Month. However, since the pandemic began, the rally has changed in order to ensure the safety of all participants. This year, instead of a rally at the Capitol, the Area Agencies on Aging…
“I’ve lived here 40 years; no other place will seem like home.” “Since my wife died, I don’t cook and only eat cheese and crackers.” These are common issues for older people. You may share the often-heard wish—”I want to stay in my own home!” The good news is that with the right help you…
By Barry J. Jacobs, Psy.D., Active Daily Living Newsletter Home health aides have long provided the hands-on support and companionship to allow many older adults to remain in their homes. But during the pandemic, fear of the COVID-19 virus and its potentially harmful effects has led some of these adults and their children to decide…
Who is eligible for Medicare Federal Health insurance? Persons age 65 or older, or younger persons who might qualify due to disability of at least 24 months U.S. Citizens or permanent legal residents who have lived in the United States for at least five continuous years. Undocumented immigrants are not able to get Medicare. An…
Home safety is something that we are all concerned about. Falls, fires, security, and general home maintenance are factors we think about for ourselves, family members, friends, and loved ones. As time goes on, we are living longer and are often able to remain in our home longer as long as it’s a safe place…
from Active Daily Living There may come a day when your loved one – perhaps a parent – will need to downsize, either due to health or because they desire hassle free living. Moving is stressful for anyone, and for older adults the need to downsize can symbolize one of the last stages of their…
In December 2020, two COVID-19 vaccines were granted Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) by FDA. Produced by Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna, both vaccines use the same technology (mRNA) and are highly effective at preventing COVID-19 infection. In February 2021, a COVID-19 vaccine developed by Janssen Biotech, Inc. was granted an EUA by FDA. A comparison of key…
I recently had the honor and privilege of assisting the Calhoun County Health Department in the COVID vaccination clinics. These clinics have been taking place since mid-January, administering vaccinations to those in Phase 1 of the distribution plan. To date I have worked at clinics in Albion, Battle Creek, Marshall, and Tekonsha. I am so…
Assistive Technology (AT) is not only for people with disabilities, AT can also be for the caregiver to make their care easier. The Echo, a device that follows voice commands, could be useful as a caregiver. While assisting your loved one, a free hand is not always available to turn on a light or for…
There are many physical, social, and mental health benefits of pet ownership. Animals have been known to reduce stress and tension. Caring for a pet also increases feelings of social support and care. A person with a beloved pet is more apt to take care of themselves which builds their self-esteem. Confidence can increase as…
