Detroit Area Agency on Aging Takes a Stand to Prevent Older Adult Falls

National Falls Prevention Awareness Day brings Communities Together in Support of Healthy Aging

  

Fall is just around the corner, but falls shouldn’t be just around the corner for older adults. That’s why Detroit Area Agency on Aging is joining forces with the National Council on Aging (NCOA) and the Falls Free^® Coalition to celebrate Falls Prevention Awareness Day on September 23, 2015 – the first day of Fall.

While falls are the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injury for people 65 years of age and older, they are not an inevitable part of aging. This year’s Fall Prevention Awareness Day theme, Take a Stand to Prevent Falls, seeks to raise awareness about how to prevent fall-related injury among older adults.

Studies show that a combination of behavior changes can significantly reduce falls among older adults. Experts recommend:

• Participating in a physical activity regimen with balance, strength training, and flexibility components.
• Consulting with a health professional about getting a fall risk assessment.
• Having medications reviewed periodically.
• Getting eyes and ears checked annually.
• Making sure the home environment is safe and supportive.

The recent United States of Aging Survey polled older adults to find out about how they are preparing for their later years. It found that more than half of seniors questioned said they would be interested in the expansion of community-based health promotion programs, including falls prevention classes.

At senior centers and other community-based organizations across the United States, programs like A Matter of Balance, Tai Chi, and Stepping On help older adults gain strength, improve balance, and build confidence to help them live healthier lives and preserve their independence.

A MATTER OF BALANCE classes: A Matter of Balance is an evidence-based FREE program designed to reduce the fear of falling and increase the activity levels of older adults who have concerns about falls. For information about the next A Matter of Balance workshops call (313) 446-4444 Ext. 5348
Schedule of Classes, click here

About the Falls Free® Initiative
Led by the National Council on Aging, the Falls Free^® Initiative includes 43 states  and 70 national organizations, professional associations, and federal agencies working collaboratively to bring education, awareness, and evidence-based solutions to local communities. Falls Free^® seeks to provide hundreds of thousands of older Americans with the resources and education needed to reduce their risk of injury. For more information, please visit: www.ncoa.org/FallsFreeInitiative. Use #FPAD15 to join the conversation on social media.

About Detroit Area Agency on Aging

DAAA, whose mission is to promote healthy aging and enhance

the quality of life for older adults, is a private nonprofit agency

 established in 1980. DAAA serves more than 136,000 older adults

 age 60 and over and caregivers residing in the City of Detroit and

 metropolitan areas including the five Grosse Pointes, Hamtramck,

 Harper Woods and Highland Park annually. 

DAAA's services include Community Access, Wellness Services,

 Healthy Aging & Nutrition Services feeding about 6,000 home-

bound and disabled adults daily through the Detroit Meals on

Wheels program, Care Management Services for homebound

seniors, the Mature Workers Program for low-income individuals

age 55 or older, the Medicaid and Medicare Assistance Program,

Outreach Services, and the Senior Solution on WCHB AM 1200

 every Saturday at 10 a.m.  DAAA Location: 1333 Brewery Park,

Detroit, MI 48207  For further information call (313) 446-4444

 or visit www.DetroitSeniorSolution.com

 

Labor of Love For Detroit Seniors | #uawford

Labor of Love For Detroit Seniors

Detroit Holiday Meals on Wheels needs assistance with
the packing and delivery of 3,500 meals to home-bound seniors in the
Metro Detroit area on Labor Day, Sept. 7.

LABOR OF LOVE FOR DETROIT SENIORS -  VOLUNTEERS WANTED


Detroit Holiday Meals on Wheels
needs assistance with the packing and delivery of 3,500 meals to homebound seniors in the Metro Detroit area on Labor Day, Sept. 7

WHAT: The Detroit Area Agency on Aging and UAW Ford Holiday Meals on Wheels
program needs volunteers to help with the packaging and distribution and delivery of 3,500 fresh cooked hot meals to homebound seniors in
metro Detroit.

WHEN: The packaging of cold items will take place on Friday September 4, 2015 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. The packaging of hot meals will take place on Labor Day, Monday, September 7, 2015 from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. and the delivery of individual meals (from the 10 distribution sites) will begin at 8 a.m.

WHERE: Volunteers will meet at Valley Services to assist with meal packaging. The address is 1980 Bagley, Detroit, MI 48216, at the corner of Rosa Park Blvd, south of Michigan Avenue, near the old Tiger Stadium.

CONTACT: To volunteer, contact the Detroit Area Agency on Aging at (313) 446-4444, ext. 5605 or email hmow@daaa1a.org (mailto:hmow@daaa1a.org)

WHO: Holiday Meals on Wheels
feeds thousands of homebound seniors. Due to Federal funds being
unavailable during the holidays, campaigns, fundraisers and private
contributions help raise funds to feed seniors. This year’s holiday meal
deliveries are made possible by the contributions of UAW Ford, Detroit
Area Agency on Aging, and the hundreds of individuals, partnering
organizations, corporations, and churches.  These contributions allow
the Detroit Area Agency on Aging to feed a needy senior on Easter, Labor
Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.   www.DetroitSeniorSolution.com

Detroit Area Agency on Aging Holiday Meals on Wheels 2015 Labor Day delivery distribution sites:

·         Greater Emmanuel Church of God In Christ, 19190 Schafer Hwy, Detroit MI 48234

·         Detroit Association of Women’s Clubs, 5461 Brush St., Detroit MI 48201

·         Franklin Wright Settlements, 3360 Charlevoix St., Detroit MI 48207

·         Matrix Center, 13560 E. McNichols, Detroit MI 48205

·         New Light Baptist Church, 5240 W. Chicago Blvd., Detroit MI 48204

·         Alpha Phi Alpha/ Optimists, 293 Eliot, Detroit MI 48201

·         El Bethel Church, 25295 Grand River, Detroit MI 48240

·         New Prospect Church, 19951 Livernois, Detroit MI 48221

·         St. Moses The Black, 1125 Oakman Blvd., Detroit MI 48238

·         Greater Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church, 18751 Fenkell Ave., Detroit MI 48223



Labor of Love For Detroit Seniors | PRLog

Eight Natural Remedies for Seniors Suffering with Depression

Terrie Williams remembers waking up and thinking that something wasn’t right.

She didn’t know what it was or what to do. The powerful New York City-based public relations mogul, who had represented clients such as Janet Jackson, Eddie Murphy and Miles Davis as founder of the Terrie Williams Agency, ignored her symptoms. 

She wore a mask, pretending everything was normal but some days she didn’t want to get out of bed. It got so bad; she cut off communication with friends and family for days.

Williams was diagnosed with clinical depression. 

After revealing her story in Essence magazine, she received more than 10,000 letters from others silently suffering. She wrote “Black Pain: It Only Looks Like We’re Not Hurting,” the first book on African Americans and depression.  

“I saw a community that was literally dying, in crisis, and didn't know why,” she told Michel Martin during a National Public Radio interview. “We don't know what our pain looks like. We don't know what it feels like. We don't know what it sounds like, because everybody's walking around with the face. And so you think that people are fine when they really aren't.”

Dating back to slavery, she explained, black people have masked their pain. It’s inherited from parents and perpetuates. It shows up as anger, substance abuse, promiscuous sex, unprotected sex, excessive shopping, gambling, and hurting and killing one another.

If you know something is not right, it’s time to see a doctor.

A report published in the “Archives of General Psychiatry” says an estimated 14.8 million Americans ages 18 and older are affected by major depression every year.

The National Institute of Health reported that about 80 percent of people who try conventional treatment methods improved in four to six weeks. But half of these patients stop treatment because of side effects or fear of addiction.

Natural remedies to treat depression have shown promise as antidepressant therapy, or can complement medication. With any regiment, consult your doctor before getting started.

Here are some suggested natural remedies for depression:

 1. Eat clean. Maintain a healthy diet, avoiding junk food, white sugar and flour, fried or processed foods. Drink at least eight to 10 cups of water and eat at least eight fruits and vegetable daily.

2. Work out. Exercise for at least a half hour five times each week.

 3. Feel the sun. Get at least 20 minutes of sunshine and fresh air. Work in the yard, visit a park or sit on your porch. Being outside increases feel-good hormones, endorphins and serotonin, and will make you feel more optimistic.

  4. Supplement. Take a multi-vitamin and add Vitamin D, Vitamin B Complex and Omega 3 oils. Many depressed people often have vitamin deficiencies, which adversely affect us physically and emotionally.

 5. Get some sleep. Getting eight hours of sleep each night will reduce fatigue brain fog.

 6. Be grateful. Keep a gratitude journal; focusing on the great things in your life will help you have a more positive perspective.

7. Listen to music. Research has shown listening to favorite songs can uplift your spirits and help you feel better. Dancing and singing along will lower stress levels.

8. Say affirmations. Repeating positive messages such as “I am healthy and a reflection of divine love,” will help you believe it, and your body and mind will follow.

Paul Bridgewater, President and CEO, Detroit Area Agency on Aging (DAAA), hosts "The Senior Solution" on WCHB Newstalk 1200AM, Saturdays at 10 a.m. DAAA is located at 1333 Brewery Park Blvd., Suite 200, Detroit, MI 48207; (313) 446-4444;  www.detroitseniorsolution.com.

For more info on Senior Depression, click here 

SENIOR POWER DAYS ON BELLE ISLE FEATURES SENIOR HEALTH & SERVICES DAY ON AUG. 5

 
Partnerships with HFHS and HAP bring blockbuster speakers and activities to event

Senior Power Days on Belle Isle will partner with Henry Ford Health System (HFHS) and Health Alliance Plan (HAP) to focus on senior health issues on August 5, 2015 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Belle Isle Casino.  The event, entitled Senior Health and Services Day, feature exercising workshops, healthcare expert presentations and Walk with Docs – an opportunity for seniors to take a scenic walk on the park with doctors who can answer their health questions. 

“Senior Health and Services Day is one of the series most anticipated events,” said Stephanie Donaldson, Senior Power Days on Belle Isle spokesperson. “Seniors aren’t often exposed to the health information, exercise instruction and the access to leaders in medicine that this event will provide. We are happy to invite regional seniors to this interactive event that will introduce them to a healthier lifestyle.”

Program highlights will include:

§  Senior “Warm up” with EnhanceFitness presented by HAP

A warm up to get the blood pumping led by EnhanceFitness, a group exercise program that helps older adults at all levels of fitness become more active, energized, and able to maintain their independence.

o   Visit the HAP tent to see demonstrations of simple exercises to maintain flexibility and build strength.

§  Henry Ford Health Systems “Health Talks”

Learn how to be a healthier you from healthcare experts.

o   See crowd favorite Henry Ford Hospital Center for Senior Independence Medical Director Gwendolyn R. Graddy-Dansby, M.D. and HFHS Family Medicine expert Frances Hewitt M.D.

§  HFHS “Walk with Docs”

Don’t miss an opportunity to engage in healthy dialogue with physicians and medical professionals while exercising.  Bring your walking shoes and take part in a one-quarter mile walk around the Casino grounds.

o   Learn warm up tips first-hand from HFHS Center for Athletic Medicine trainers

§  “Lunch and Learn” with HAP

Enjoy a healthy lunch while learning tips on “Keeping Health Information Safe” from expert Joe L. Rivet, Director of Payment Integrity, Health Alliance Plan (HAP).

§  Visit products, services and health screenings exhibitors at Vendor Village.

§  Free respite care provided on-site by PACE Southeast Michigan.

PACE an agency that provides all-Inclusive care for the Elderly will provide on-site care options for caregivers attending the event. 

Recreation Passports needed for seniors attending Aug. 5 event

Recreation Passports are available for $11 for Michigan-registered vehicles. They can be purchased at the visitor contact station, located just past MacArthur Bridge, and provide access to all of Michigan’s 102 state parks and recreation areas, with many located in the Detroit area. Only vehicles are required to have passports; vehicle riders will not need individual Recreation Passports to enter the park. Recreation Passports for buses are also available. Bus passports are $16. Seniors riding buses will not need individual Recreation Passports to enter the park.   People riding bicycles or walking to Belle Isle also are not required to have passports.

Future Senior Power Days on Belle Isle events will include:

·        Wednesday, August 19, 10 am -2 pm- Belle Isle Crawl of Venues & Sights

·        Wednesday, September 9, 10 am - 2 pm- Exercise & Leisure Day

·        Wednesday, September 23- Special Detroit Icon Concert (Detail’s to be announced.)

·        Wednesday, October 7, 12 pm - 3 pm- Jazz on the Isle in the Casino

·        Wednesday, October 21, 10 am - 2 pm- Senior Arts & Crafts Day

·        Wednesday, November 11, 10 am - 2 pm - Veterans Day Celebration

·        Wednesday, November 18, 11 am - 3 pm - Interfaith Day

·       Wednesday, December 16, 11 am - 3 pm - Holiday & Senior Recognition Luncheon

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is Senior Power Days presenting sponsor. Other sponsors include Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Aging and Adult Services, American House Senior Living Communities, Detroit Area Agency onAging, , Bridging Communities, Inc., AmeriHealth Caritas, Area Agency on Aging 1-B/ Regional Elder Mobility Alliance, Presbyterian Villages of Michigan, Henry Ford Health Systems, HAP, Greektown Casino and the Michigan Chronicle.

Registration is not required but it is encouraged that all seniors arrive early to get prime seating. Breakfast snacks and light healthy lunch will be provided to all attendees. 

Call (313).872.2202

Ricky & Doris: An Unconventional Friendship in New York City. With Puppets!

Creating Confident Caregivers [Video with Anita Kanakaris]

Are you caring for someone with Alzheimer’s, dementia, or memory loss?

Creating Confident Caregivers (CCC)™ is an educational training
program for family members who are caring for a person with a dementia related illness, such as Alzheimer’s Disease. The CCC™  program has been proven to reduce caregiver stress by providing caregivers with useful tools and information.

Creating Confident Caregivers™ is not a support group, but an
opportunity to learn new information and strategies that will make the
job of caregiving easier and more rewarding. Caregivers will learn about
the progression of the disease, how it impacts their loved one, learn
strategies to manage difficult behaviours and the importance of taking
care of themselves.

Caregivers will learn how to:  

• Reduce caregiver related stress 
• Improve caregiver confidence 
• Create a positive caregiving environment 
• Plan daily activities for your loved one based on their strengths 
• Deal with behaviors caused by dementia and its effects on the brain  

The CCC ™ trainings are held for two hours, once a week for six weeks
(see below for training locations, dates and times). Respite care is
available to participants free of charge. All materials, flyers, and
training books are provided. There is no cost to attend this training
however donations are gratefully accepted. The class is limited to 12
participants. Up to three members from one family can attend a training
together. Caregivers should plan to attend all six sessions to get the
full benefit from the program.

The Creating Confident Caregivers™ Program utilizes training methods
from the University of Minnesota’s Savvy Caregiver Program. The CCC
program is supported, in part, by the U.S. Administration on Aging
through its Alzheimer’s Disease Demonstration Grants to States & the
Michigan Office of Services to the Aging...

For more info, call (313) 446-4444 or visit www.DetroitSeniorSolution.com