National Family Caregivers Month
Issue 26
"I Am a Caregiver" Campaign
Our vision is an America where military
caregivers are empowered, appreciated, and
recognized for their service to our nation.
-- Elizabeth Dole Foundation

Hidden Heroes, and the "I Am a Caregiver" campaign, is a major part of the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, created to bring vital attention to the untold stories of military caregivers and seek solutions for their tremendous challenges and long-term needs. The

Hidden Heroes seeks to:
  1. Raise awareness of the issues military caregivers confront every day.
  2. Inspire individuals, businesses, communities, and civic, faith and government leaders to take action in supporting military caregivers in their communities.
  3. Establish a national registry, encouraging military caregivers to register at HiddenHeroes.org to better connect them to helpful resources and support.

Join forces to make change. Learn more at HiddenHeroes.org
Resources
Spot & Prevent Elder Financial Abuse with These New Guides

Get the Office for Older American's new guide on preventing and reporting elder financial abuse. It walks through four steps to fighting elder financial abuse: Prevent, Recognize, Record, and Report. The guide lists red flags to watch for, shares some common scenarios, and includes resources you can use to help your loved one. Download or order the new guide for free.

There are many legitimate lenders of reverse mortgages, but American Advisors Group (AAG), the largest reverse mortgage lender in the US, has been found guilty of deceptive practices and ordered to pay more than $1 million in fines. Be careful with your home and educate yourself before you sign anything. Read Reverse Mortgage: A Discussion Guide on all direct-mail solicitations to prospective borrowers, plus the CFPB’s Guide, You have a reverse mortgage: Know your rights and responsibilities.

Managing Someone Else’s Money lets you explore options when choosing a financial caregiver and better understand your role when acting as a financial caregiver.
Were You Scammed?
SAFE Counseling Could Help

Successful Aging thru Financial Empowerment (SAFE) provides free financial coaching to older adults and caregivers to help them manage money securely and accurately. If you've been a victim of fraud or exploitation let SAFE help you recover your money.

Schedule an appointment with Program Director LaToya Hall by phone or computer now: l.hall@wayne.edu or 313-664-2608. Assistance is safe, confidential and free. Brochure

Worried you might be vulnerable to financial exploitation?
Events & Activities
Caregiving for People with Dementia: Respite, Support and Resources

November 16 from 1:00 - 2:30pm

Learn about free and low-cost resources and support for you as you give care, including respite programs when you need a break. In partnership with the U-M Turner Senior Wellness Program, Wellness Initiative Director Laura Rice-Oeschger, LMSW, will present with Silver Club Memory Program Director Shannon Etcheverry, LMSW. A virtual presentation.

Free Virtual Programs for Caregivers
Henry Ford’s C.A.R.E. Program provides virtual support for family caregivers and the community. The program offers a variety of FREE classes to help you — the caregiver — and the person you care for. You do NOT have to be a Henry Ford patient or employee. Resources are open to everyone.
In the News
Odds are, you've seen those Medicare Advantage TV commercials featuring the likes of William Shatner, George Foreman, Jimmie Walker and Joe Namath touting "free" health insurance plans.
Can you believe them?

During the 15 years I spent as my mother's primary caregiver, I heard this story endlessly from strangers and friends: "I'm caring for Mom (or Dad) and none of my siblings is lifting a finger." To my shock, my own siblings did the same to me.
Caregivers Needed for Research Studies
COVID-19 Coping and Resilience Care Partners Study (CARE)
 
This study investigates experiences among couples living with dementia during the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic to learn more about ways to help both partners live well together. The study is looking for couples (married or living together) residing in Michigan in which one partner has received a diagnosis of dementia within about 5 years or has early symptoms of dementia. For more information, contact the study team at C19carepartners@umich.edu or 734-232-4565. 
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WeCareAdvisor: A Web-Based Tool to Improve Quality of Life for Military Veterans with Dementia and their Caregivers
 
This study is seeking caregivers to test the WeCareAdvisor, a web-based tool to help users learn about and manage behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia like wandering, repeated questioning, anger, depression or apathy. We are looking for participants who have access to a computer or mobile device with internet and are also the primary in-home caregivers for a military Veteran living with dementia. This study does not require any in-person visits; it will be completely virtual. Contact Barbara Stanislawski at bstanisl@med.umich.edu or 734-232-0323.