The Positive Voices

Unfortunately for many, hearing loss may prevent them from participating in activities they once enjoyed or may isolate them from family and friends. This doesn’t have to be the case; there are many resources to reduce the effects of hearing loss. Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services (DHHS) in Kent County can provide equipment to help those experiencing hearing loss. Most people just think about hearing aids, which are often rather expensive and may not be an option financially. Staff at DHHS can meet with an individual to help determine what hearing changes they have and how to adapt to them. Equipment is available at little to no cost, depending on income. “Technology has come a long way to assist those with hearing loss,” says Katie Prins, Executive Director at Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services. “There are many low cost equipment options that help individuals become independent or maintain independence in their own homes.” Often the devices help with tasks many individuals don’t realize are based on auditory ability, such as doorbell flashers or smoke alarms equipped with lights. Other equipment includes amplifiers for phones, televisions and even pocket amplifiers, which are less costly than hearing aids. Many older adults who experience hearing loss do not want to admit that their ability to hear clearly is unreliable. Since it can be a gradual process the extent of hearing change may not be realized initially. “It can be difficult to admit having trouble hearing, even though there are many ways to address this loss,” says Prins. “Sensitivity to the complexities that follow hearing differences is essential when working toward solutions and helping individuals to adjust to the changes they are experiencing.” DHHS offers other services including education and support groups. The Kent County Senior Millage provides funding for the equipment program. There may be a cost-share, depending on income. Donations are always accepted and are used to help more people access the services. The Kent County Senior Millage is administered by the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan. For more information on older adult services, contact AAAWM at (616) 456-5664, visit us on the web at www.aaawm.org or become a fan on Facebook.

The Michigan Medicare Medicaid Assistance Program (MMAP) is looking for volunteers and has opportunities available for a variety of skill levels and time commitments. Counselors, Counselor Assistants and Outreach Specialists will be trained and then help persons with Medicare/Medicaid concerns. More information on each opportunity listed below. If interested in any of the positions listed, contact (616) 222-7069. Counselor Assistant Enjoy using the internet for research? Do you like problem solving? If so, the Counselor Assistant volunteer position may be for you. We are looking for people to conduct internet research on Medicare and Medicaid plans. This information will be used to counsel people on what health benefit options are available to them. Each client’s situation is unique, so candidates need to have problem solving skills and the patience to help. Volunteers must complete an orientation and an additional 36 hours of training; flexible hours are available. Outreach Specialist Are you a “people person”? Do you enjoy helping people connect with community resources? We are looking for a volunteer Outreach Specialist to work at health fairs, conduct group presentations and network with community organizations to promote MMAP (Michigan Medicare/Medicaid Assistance Program). Volunteers must complete an orientation and 36 hours of additional training; flexible hours are available. Counselor Looking for a way to use your problem solving skills to help older adults? We are looking for volunteer MMAP Counselors who are patient and enjoy learning to help older adults and those who are disabled navigate the Medicare system. Internet, problem solving, phone and people skills are required. Volunteers must complete an orientation and 36 hours of additional training; flexible hours are available. The Michigan Medicare/Medicaid Assistance Program (MMAP) is a non-profit organization that helps those 65 and older and those who are disabled with their Medicare and Medicaid concerns. MMAP relies on volunteers to help people make informed decisions about their health care coverage. MMAP is housed at the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan, 1279 Cedar NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.

Owning a home can be a lot of work. Some older homeowners may be unable to complete these tasks themselves which can result in costly repair bills that threaten their ability to keep the home. The Kent County Senior Millage funds programs through Home Repair Services and Senior Neighbors to help with projects of all sizes. Home Repair Services provides roof or furnace replacement or other large repairs. There is also assistance for modifications to accommodate mobility issues like the installation of a wheelchair ramp or grab bars. Senior Neighbors can help with smaller projects such as door lock or fuse replacement, window repairs or minor yard clean up. Senior Neighbors operates many programs to help those in their upper years remain independent. “Many older adults have often completed these types of projects in the past, but now find themselves unable to due to physical or financial reasons,” says Robert Barnes, Executive Director for Senior Neighbors. “Smaller fixes can often prevent larger, more costly, repairs later.” While Home Repair Services teaches homeowners of all ages to do repairs and update their home, they also provide help for those who can’t complete the projects on their own. “A large project, like a furnace replacement, can often be too costly for seniors,” says Dave Jacobs, Executive Director for Home Repair Services. “By helping with these repairs we are able to prevent older adults from losing their home or living in an unsafe environment.” Both organizations utilize paid staff members and dedicated volunteers. Each program is available to Kent County residents 60 years of age and older. Depending on income, seniors may be asked to pay a portion of the service cost. These funds are put back in to the programs. The Kent County Senior Millage is administered by the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan (AAAWM). For more information on the millage, or senior services, visit http://www.aaawm.org or contact AAAWM at (616) 456-5664. For more information or to schedule repairs, contact: Home Repair Services: 241-2601 Senior Neighbors: 459-6019

Most people want to stay in their own homes as they age, but sometimes a nursing home stay may de-rail those plans. The Nursing Facility Transition (NFT) program can help those who have been in a nursing home for six months or more transition from a nursing home back to the commu-nity. There may be exceptions for those living in a nursing facility less than six months. After someone enters a nursing home it is possible that their home has been sold, apartment lease has expired or their former living ar-rangements are no longer an option for a variety of reasons. This often means many people stay in the nursing facility because they do not know there is a program designed to help them return to the community. NFT assists Medicaid eligible individuals with the transition pro-cess, including securing housing and coordinating in-home care. “There are many reasons some-one will enter a nursing home, in-cluding rehab after a major sur-gery,” says Laura Anderson, Social Worker Supervisor at Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan. “However, once they have been in the nursing home for awhile they may improve, or it may become evident that they could live inde-pendently again and that is when the Nursing Facility Transition program can help.” The program works closely with Social Workers at nursing facili-ties and relies on their expertise to help identify individuals who would like to return to the com-munity. Referrals are also accept-ed by a person living in a nursing facility or their friends and family. “We often receive referrals from family who wish for their loved one to return to the community. Maybe it’s to live with them or for the loved one to have their own residence. We are able to provide in home support in either of these situations” states Anderson. The Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan offers this pro-gram throughout a nine county region including Allegan, Ionia, Kent, Lake, Mason, Mecosta, Montcalm Newaygo and Osceola counties. To make a referral, contact the Area Agency on Aging of West-ern Michigan at (616) 456-5664 or (888) 456-5664. Or visit www.aaawm.org to find out more about Nursing Facility Transitions and other programs for older adults and those with disabilities. Think you or someone you know may qualify for NFT? They must meet the following criteria: Have been in nursing home for six months or more* Medicaid eligible Desire to return to their own home/apartment, the home of a friend or family member, or an assisted living residence *some exceptions may apply

For many senior homeowners the winter weather brings rising heating bills. There is a program in Kent County that helps older adults address problems that may threaten their ability to keep their homes. The weatherization program at ACSET, funded through the Department of Energy and Kent County Senior Millage, provides homeowners with a comprehensive overview of their homes energy usage. Trained and certified staff conducts energy efficiency tests to look for problems such as air leaks, appliance and furnace effectiveness, window and door seals and more. Independent contractors and ACSET employees fix problems that are wasting energy and increasing costs for the homeowner. Each home may require different solutions to problems, but all homeowners see reductions in their gas or electric bills. “Often the problems are in older homes that typically did not follow today’s energy efficiency standards,” says George Pattok, Project Supervisor-ACSET Energy Services. “Making changes can reduce gas and electric bills and help the homeowner save money.” Five Energy Saving Tips for every homeowner: Replace light bulbs with more energy efficient ones. We have all heard that the squiggly bulbs are more energy efficient and this is a fast way to reduce energy use. The light bulbs have come a long way since they were first introduced. Remove the clutter on top of the fridge. A refrigerator needs space in order to cool. Additional items on top or a fridge pushed too close to the wall make the appliance work harder. Be sure to clean the back, which will help too. Fix air leaks. Some air leaks are easier to spot, and fix, than others. Put your hand up to windows and doors, if you feel a draft coming in purchase weather stripping, a draft dodger for the door or an inexpensive window insulating kit. Shut heating vents to rooms you don’t use and keep the door closed. If you don’t use certain rooms, shut the heating vents in those areas and keep the door closed. There is no sense heating a room you are never in. Turn down the thermostat. Reducing the temperature can significantly reduce the energy usage even if it is only a few degrees at night. Kent County Senior Millage programs are available to Kent County residents 60 years of age and older. Depending on income, seniors may be asked to pay a portion of the service cost. These funds are put back in to the program. ACSET provides weatherization assistance to Kent County homeowners of all ages. Homeowners can also access free energy savings workshops at Home Repair Services for additional tips and tricks on how to reduce energy costs. For more information on class dates and times, visit www.homerepairservices.org or call (616) 241-2601. The Kent County Senior Millage is administered by the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan (AAAWM). For more information on the millage, or senior services, visit www.aaawm. org or contact AAAWM at (616) 456-5664.

This year, incorporate home safety with your spring cleaning regime. Quick and easy changes can help reduce your risk of falls and is a lot easier than washing the windows. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that more than one third of adults 65 and older fall each year and about half of falls happen at home. A few simple steps to remove fall risks from your home can decrease your risk of injury. So, break out the feather duster and use the following tips from the CDC to not only clean your home, but also make it a safer place for all. Be clutter free. Remove things you can trip over (papers, clothes, shoes, books, etc.) from stairs and walkways. Remove throw rugs. Get rid of small throw rugs or use double sided tape to prevent the rugs from slipping. Keep items in easy to reach places. Be sure items you use often are in cabinets you can reach without using a step stool. Install grab bars in the bathroom. Grab bars by the bathtub and toilet can make getting up much easier. These are easy to install and inexpensive. Improve lighting. Older eyes often require more light to see well. Hang light weight curtains or shades to reduce glare. Include nightlights in the hallway and bathroom for when you need to get up in the middle of the night. Install handrails for all stairways. Make sure all railings are safe and secure. Also check for adequate lighting at both the top and bottom of the stairs and install light fixtures if necessary. Remember, just a few small steps can help prevent injury and falls around the home. Incorporate these into your spring cleaning and encourage family and friends to do the same in order to stay safe. Assistance may be available for seniors who need help with minor modifications. For more information, or to find out about other programs available for seniors, contact Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan at www.aaawm.org or call (616) 456-5664.