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Senior Times - March 2026 Page 13PROMOTING HEALTH INDEPENDENCE CHOICEFamily Enrichment CenterRegional Resource 3 TeamRobyn Watson, EDKinship Care ProgramEmail: rwatson@fecfamily.comPh: (269) 234- 5434www.Fecfamily.comKinship KornerKinship Care: Helping & Getting InvolvedKinship families often step in during times of crisis, taking on complex responsibilities with little preparation and limited formal support. While this role can be incredibly meaningful, it can also feel isolating, as you navigate new legal, financial, and emotional challenges. Without strong social networks, caregivers can feel overwhelmed, and children may miss opportunities for community engagement and peer connection.Many caregivers suddenly find themselves navigating new responsibilities, paperwork, and emotional challenges without a built-in support system. When families feel disconnected, stress can grow and it may be harder to find the resources or encouragement you need.That%u2019s why connection matters. Building relationships through peer groups, community events, or informal social networks helps you realize you%u2019re not alone. Sharing experiences, asking questions, and learning from others in similar situations can provide reassurance, practical ideas, and emotional support. Even small moments of connection can make a big difference.Creating welcoming opportunities for families to engage with one another strengthens the entire community. When caregivers feel supported and connected, they are better able to focus on nurturing the children in their care %u2013 helping everyone grow, adapt, and thrive together.If you ever need to vent, meet new people, or stay connected, we%u2019re here for you. Upcoming events at the Family Enrichment Center include pottery, guest visitors for the whole family, and much more. Reach out to us to get the latest event information and opportunities to connect %u2013 we%u2019d love to see you there.appears as redundant laboratory tests or excessive office visits that are not required for patient care.Abuse refers to actions that are inconsistent with sound fiscal, business, or medical practices, resulting in an unnecessary cost. This includes misusing billing codes or providing services that are not medically necessary.CareWell Services takes a proactive approach to help safeguard our community. Action begins with prevention through initial and annual trainings offered to our contracted provider agencies to ensure all partners are aware of compliance standards. To detect potential issues, CareWell Services employs several rigorous methods, including data mining, comprehensive audits, and visits to service sites.When FWA is identified, CareWell Services takes decisive action. This may include the Protecting Seniors by Preventing Fraud, Waste, & AbuseBy: Lori Smoker Young, Quality & Compliance Director, CareWell Services SouthwestCareWell Services Southwest is dedicated to protecting community resources by focusing on the detection, prevention, and reporting of fraud, waste, and abuse. Fraud, waste, and abuse accounts for billions of dollars in losses within the Medicare and Medicaid systems annually. These losses are not just financial; they lead to higher premiums for everyone and can potentially compromise the quality of care provided to patients.To effectively fight these issues, it is important to distinguish between the three categories:Fraud is an intentional deception or misrepresentation made by an individual or entity with the knowledge that the deception could result in an unauthorized benefit. Examples include billing for services that were never provided or falsifying medical documentation.Waste involves the overutilization of services or other practices that result in unnecessary costs to the health care system. This typically recovery of misspent funds, referrals to state and federal authorities such as the Office of Inspector General (OIG), and the removal of providers from the service network.Protecting the integrity of our health care resources is a shared responsibility. If you suspect fraud, waste, or abuse, you are encouraged to report it immediately. Reports can be made anonymously and without fear of retaliation through the following:%u2022 MDHHS Office of Inspector General: 855-643-7283, michigan.gov/fraud%u2022 CareWell Compliance Hotline: 877-342-6495, compliancehotline@carewellservices.orgHelping our clients get the support they need for their best health, independence, and choice is very meaningful work that we%u2019re all grateful to do.%u201cI truly love the challenge of tackling complex problems and finding creative solutions that make a real, tangible difference for our clients everyday,%u201d said Davina Thach, another Community Living Coordinator.Not only do we have a passion for the work we do, but we work with the best people around! We sincerely do have a great work environment that helps us help others to thrive. %u201cI can%u2019t say enough good things about the people I work alongside. From my very first day, everyone treated me with such kindness,%u201d said Alisha. CareWell Services, Where the Emphasis is On CareBy: Kim Smallcombe, Community Programs Manager & SHIP Program Manager, CareWell Services SouthwestI%u2019m always talking about what a great place CareWell Services is, for our participants and as an employee. When you visit, you%u2019re met with warmth and genuine compassion. That%u2019s because the building is filled with warmhearted people, all of whom want to optimize your quality of life in every way feasible with the resources that are available to us. We live it every day, but occasionally some of our newer employees remind us, and it brings a smile, reinforcing the %u2018why%u2019 behind what we do. %u201cI feel so fortunate to be a member of the CareWell Services team,%u201d said Alisha Carr, Community Living Coordinator. %u201c This role has given me a meaningful outlet to help others, which I value deeply.%u201d%u201cI%u2019ve never experienced a work environment as friendly and welcoming as this one.%u201dDavina also praised our community within CareWell. %u201cWhat stands out most is the incredible collaborative spirit,%u201d she said. %u201cEveryone has been so welcoming, and it%u2019s clear that we value a supportive work environment where everyone pulls together for our members.%u201dIf you%u2019re looking for a great place to work, where you can impact your community, we%u2019re looking for a few more Supports Coordinators with social work experience in our MI Choice Waiver department. Learn about open positions at CareWell Services by visiting carewellservices.org/employment/.