Page 14 - Senior Times South Central Michigan - January 2019- 26-01

Page 14 Senior Times - January 2019
Aging and Disability Resource Line: 1-800-626-6719 General Agency Telephone: (269) 966-2450
200 West Michigan Avenue Suite 102 Battle Creek, MI 49017
www.region3b.org
New Mobile Clinic to Offer Health and Education Support
By: Stacy L. Wines, Associate Director, Planning & Community Prog., CareWell Services SW
A group of local partners are working together to improve systems of care for rural, vulnerable or isolated seniors throughout Calhoun and Barry counties. The Community Approach to Care and Health for Seniors (CATCH for Seniors) recently received a grant of $477,000 from the Michigan Health Endowment Fund to support their initiatives to improve healthcare for seniors.
The grant will be used to fund the group’s two interconnected strategies to make healthcare more accessible to seniors: a roving mobile health clinic, and an expansion of integrated and technology-supported care in both primary and hospital settings.
connection to services that will help rural or isolated seniors
and their families sustainably manage chronic diseases, promote preventative health, and overall improves health outcomes.
Oaklawn’s chief development officer, Richard Lindsey, added, “We have a history of working with CareWell Services to create, sustain, and improve healthcare and education programming across the Calhoun county area. Oaklawn is thrilled to be a key partner in this initiative which supports
those they serve. The expansion
of technology-supported care will also streamline access to care by offering face-to-face encounters with people where they are – in the community and in their homes.
“We believe this mobile kiosk will help provide a bridge that will assist in our mission to improve the health of the people in the communities we serve throughout the Barry County area,” said Janine Dalman, Director of Spectrum Pennock Foundation.
our PRIDE pillars – people, resources, integration, delivery and excellence.”
CATCH for Seniors, organized by CareWell Services Southwest, includes partnering organizations Oaklawn and Spectrum Pennock hospitals, Calhoun County Public Health Department, MI Works, Marshall Public Schools, MSU Cooperative Extension, Summit Pointe, Willard, Albion, Delton and Marshall Libraries, and the Regional Health Alliance.
“The mobile health clinic will give easier access to medical
and social resources in the community, especially for those who are in more rural areas, or with conditions that tend to result in more frailty or isolation,” said Karla Fales, CEO, CareWell Services.
Both innovative interventions led by CATCH for Seniors will help to reduce unnecessary
and costly hospitalizations and readmissions. By placing a greater emphasis on health seeking- behavior, connections to resources, and focus on prevention, the organizations expect to see overall improvements in health among
The Michigan Health Endowment Fund works to improve the health and wellness of Michigan residents and reduce the cost of healthcare, with a special focus on children and seniors. More information about the Health Fund can be found at www. mhealthfund.com.
The mobile clinic will have a standard weekly schedule that will be shared with the community
as well as will appear at schools, fairs, and other community gathering points. The clinic is expected to create a more seamless
CareWell Services, Southwest/ Region 3B Area Agency on Aging was designated as an area agency on aging by the Michigan Office of Services to the Aging in 1996. We are a private, not-for- profit agency, serving Barry and Calhoun counties – www.region3b.org.
Upcoming Classes for Caregivers
By: Liz Lawson Young, Marketing Specialist, CareWell Services SW
As caregivers, it is important to understand how to best care for our loved ones, how to manage everyday tasks, how to effectively plan for the future, and more. CareWell Services
is happy to offer the following upcoming programs to assist you in providing quality care for your loved one.
stress and increase effective caregiving skills. This session will take place on Thursdays from 6-8pm beginning January 17.
Call (269) 441-0930 to register.
Savvy Caregivers
The Savvy Caregiver Program helps caregivers navigate the complex role of caregiving.
The in-home training provides information on the course of Alzheimer’s and the progressive impact on the person with the disease. The second part of the training helps the caregiver integrate activities to promote contented involvement with the person they are caring for into their daily life. This training is led by a specialist in the privacy of your own home. The specialist will come for one hour, once a
Creating Confident Caregivers, The Kool Family Community Center
week for six weeks. Call (269) 441-0930 for more information.
This free, two-part workshop is for families with children or loved ones with intellectual or developmental disabilities. The topics of discussion will include person-centered planning, where
to find support, estate planning, MiABLE, Social Security benefits, National Family Caregivers Program, alternatives to guardianship, and more. Register for one or both sessions by calling (269) 966-2575.
This university- tested program is for family members caring
for a loved one with dementia
at home. Two hour sessions
When We’re Gone Workshop
are held once a week for six weeks and led by dementia care specialists. This program provides participants with information, skills, and attitudes to manage
PROMOTING HEALTH INDEPENDENCE CHOICE