Page 13 - Senior Times South Central Michigan July 2022 - 29-07

Senior Times - July 2022
Page 13
Robotic Pets Improve Quality of Life for Those with Chronic Conditions or Dementia
By: Jen Rice, Marketing & Outreach Coordinator, CareWell Services SW
Pets are companions for a lifetime, but pet care treatment costs are not cheap. In fact, there are many pros and cons to owning a pet (according to environmental- conscience.com), like:
PROS:
If you are experiencing chronic medical conditions or caring
for a person with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, a live
sense of accomplishment, have a meaningful positive activity, and be able to care for something. The pet would also give them a chance to express love and other positive emotions, feel respected, and be empowered to make choices and have positive social interactions. The use of a companion pet has been shown to improve feelings of self-worth, mood, and physical response, as well as decrease anxiety, agitation, and burden on the caregiver. This leaves both
• Can help with emotional pain.
• Can reduce stress levels.
• Keeps you company.
• Good for people who live alone. • You can do good if you get
An assisted robotic pet may be just what you need! Interactive Companion Pets are proven to achieve all the benefits of owning a real pet but without the cost or burden of care.
pet may just be too difficult to navigate.
shelter pets.
• Can teach you patience.
A person with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease can love, think, respond, play, and have relationships. They experience and express human emotions, respond to music, access memories of
the caregiver and loved one with a sense of purpose after a happy and successful day.
CONS:
• Care can be time-consuming.
• You may need a veterinarian.
• You will be liable for your pet. • Can be unpredictable.
• Can hurt your sleep.
• Need to clean your home
long ago, respond to nature, and recognize facial expressions and gestures. They also understand the meaning of human touch.
If you think a companion pet would be a positive addition to your loved one’s life, CareWell Services has a number of dogs and cats available. The pet is free for the loved one suffering dementia. Please call us (269) 441-0930 for more information.
more often.
An interactive companion pet ensures a person’s well-being. They will feel useful, feel a
My Medicare Matters - Elder Financial Abuse Affects Health and Housing
By: Karen Courtney, MMAP Counselor, CareWell Services SW
Come See Us At The Fair!
By: Lynn Moss, Community Program Manager, MMAP Regional Coordinator
seniors and Veterans pay only $2.50 for admission. Senior activities will be held in the Expo Building beginning at 9:30am.
CareWell Services MMAP team members are trained
in Senior Medicare Patrol processes, to help detect, prevent, and report fraud related to Medicare. This may include fraud and abuse by medical providers, insurers, or medical product sellers. Reach MMAP at 1-800-803-7174.
Elder Abuse remains
a serious public health problem in the United
States. Per a recent MDHHS MiHealthLink newsletter, one in 10 Americans age 60+ have experienced some form of abuse. For every one case of Elder Abuse reported, 44 go unreported. The annual loss by survivors of Financial Abuse is estimated to be between $2.6 billion and $36.5 billion!
Are you looking for a fun activity this summer? Head to the county fair!
Senior Times at (269) 979-1410 to register. Senior Day activities will take place from 9am-1pm under the tent near the Belcher Building. See page 6 for more.
CareWell Services also administers the Safe Haven housing project, a program to address urgent housing crises for seniors over 60, whose needs are triggered by physical abuse, neglect, financial exploitation, or caregiver loss resulting in a loss of shelter. Utilizing PREVNT grant funds, and working collaboratively with local housing resources and funders, CareWell Services may be able to offer victim transportation, emergency housing/hotel, participant support/security deposit,
Both the Barry and Calhoun County Fair have Senior Days, where Seniors can enjoy all the festivities of the fair at a reduced ticket price.
The Calhoun County Fair is scheduled for August 13-20 at the Calhoun County Fairgrounds in Marshall. Senior Day at
the Calhoun County Fair is Wednesday, August 17. During Senior Day, seniors get in free with a voucher. You can call
Come see us at the CareWell Kiosk on Senior Day at both fairs! We’ll have information about our programs and services, as well as wellness checks. For more information about the Kiosk call (269) 440-0930. Call us, we’re here to help!
The Barry County Fair will take place July 19-23 at the Barry Expo Center in Hastings. Senior & Veterans Day is on Tuesday, July 19. On that day,
first month rent, assistive modifications, supplies or materials, and a variety of other intensive housing-related assistance.
CareWell Services can help survivors of elder abuse and neglect problem-solve to find creative solutions to their unique situations. Contact Karen Courtney, Community Health Worker and Elder Abuse Prevention Services Specialist at CareWell at (269) 441-0962 for information or referrals. Call us, we’re here to help!
PROMOTING
HEALTH
INDEPENDENCE CHOICE