Sixty Seconds Newsletter
A Monthly Update from
Senior Resources of West Michigan
An Area Agency on Aging Serving Muskegon, Oceana & Ottawa counties
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"Ageism makes grower older in America far harder than it has to be" writes author Ashton Applewhite in "This Chair Rocks: A Manifesto Against Ageism." Her book details the many ways that ageism permeates American culture, and is viewed as an acceptable "ism."
Some members of the staffs of Senior Resources, AgeWell Services, and LifeCircles PACE participated in a book reading from April-June as part of a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiative. They chose to read Applewhite's book as a different take on DEI, knowing the topic was especially important to three agencies serving older adults.
The book read ended with a Zoom session with the author on June 28. A few takeaways from that talk:
- Ageism can impact people at any age. "You're too young to know that" is as pervasive as thinking 'you can't teach old dogs new tricks.'
- Unlearning is hard. Olders are often the most ageist because they've had a lifetime of internalized bias.
- In combating ageism, we need to think about how we use "old" and "young." Break the habit of using 'old' to be negative. Ask "what do you mean by that?" if someone says something ageist. Saying someone is "still kicking" is both ageist and ableist.
- Changing your attitude ripples outward. Make an effort to be in groups with a variety of ages. Include age in diversity.
Some links to more information: thischairrocks.com - Ashton Applewhite's website, which includes links to her blog and videos she has done, her TedTalk, and oldschool.info, an anti-ageism clearinghouse. |
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Resources for caregivers available
Senior Resources provides assistance to persons caring for a loved one via information, education, support, training and respite services.
There are several support groups offered weekly, including in-person groups in Muskegon at Tanglewood Park on Wednesday afternoons, Montague at The Book Nook on Tuesdays, Thursdays at Four Pointes, and a Zoom virtual group on Fridays. All group meetings are from 1-2:30 p.m.
Senior Resources also offers an online resource, Trualta, and produces and distributes a monthly newsletter, The Caregiver Link.
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Become a Dementia Friend!
People with dementia sometimes need help going about their daily lives and to feel included in their communities. Dementia Friends works to give people an understanding of dementia, and the small things they can do to make a difference. We are currently offering Dementia Friends via Zoom video-conferencing. All sessions are about an hour.
We will also schedule sessions for organizations or groups of any size, either in-person or via Zoom. Email us at dementiafriends@seniorresourceswmi.org, or call 231-733-3509, to schedule a time.
Our next sessions:
Wednesday, July 20, 3 p.m.
Tuesday, Aug. 9, 10:30 a.m.
Thursday, Sept. 22, 9 a.m.
Tuesday, Oct. 11, 3 p.m.
Wednesday, Nov. 16, 1:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 13, 11 a.m.
For more information, contact Lisa Tyler, or call 231-733-3509.
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Options for staying home
Studies show that most older adults prefer to age in the setting of their choice. The MI Choice Waiver program is a great choice, and there are openings for adults who medically qualify for nursing facility level of care and have limited assets.
The MI Choice Waiver program allows individuals requiring nursing home level of care to receive that care in their or a family member's home or a community-based residence of their choice. MI Choice Waiver participants have supports coordinators who help coordinate the care they need, which can include adult day care, personal hygiene care, home delivered meals, respite care, medication management, and more.
If you or someone you know is interested in learning more, please contact Senior Resources options counselors at 231-733-3585, Monday-Friday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.
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If you suspect someone you know is being abused, call 1-855-444-3911 to report your suspicions, 24-hours per day. Please note that this centralized intake line is for the entire state of Michigan and you may be on hold for some time. In case of emergency, call 9-1-1 to report to your local police department.
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Senior Resources of West Michigan Inc
560 Seminole Road
Muskegon, MI 49444
231.733.3585
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