Mother's Day and Caregivers

It's Mother's Day this Sunday.  I'll be visiting my mom, but I'm not sure whether she will understand it's Mother's Day.  I feel fortunate that she continues to recognize me, and seemingly enjoys when I visit and spend time with her.  My mom has Alzheimer's Disease, a disease that erodes the brain.  There are a number of different types of diseases of the brain (dementia), and it is among the fastest growing health epidemics of our time. My mom worked as an RN for decades.  A proud and intelligent woman, she took care of herself, along with my father, and engaged in no unhealthy behaviors to bring this upon herself.

It's Mother's Day this Sunday also for my sister, who is my mother's family caregiver.  It is a critically important and thankless job.  She makes sure my mom doesn't get lost, tries to make sure she eats right, helps her find things she misplaces, gently but firmly intervenes in unsafe situations, drives her places because mom can't drive even though she thinks she can, listens to the same anecdotes and stories dozens of times in a day, tries to understand and tolerate my mom's mood swings, and repeatedly answers questions including the whereabouts of my father who passed away last year.

God bless all the moms, and especially god bless all the moms who are doing double-duty being a mom for their children, and a caregiver for one or both of her parents.

If you are a family caregiver and are interested in what support is available to you, call The Information Center at (734) 282-7171, and ask about the area Caregiver Support groups that are available at no charge to you.

Job Fair on May 11th in Livonia

If you or someone you know is looking for employment, you might be interested in an upcoming Job Fair in at the Livonia Michigan Works!  There is no charge to attend.  Positions that job seekers can apply for are:

General Assembly located in Novi, MI and Car Detailer/Auto Shuttler at the Detroit Metro Airport.

The Job Fair is May 11, 2012 from 9:00 a.m. - noon at the Michigan Works! Livonia One Stop office.

To be sent an email with a copy of the flyer with further details including job requirements, pay, and event location/address, send an email to jeffd@theinfocenter.info.

If A Loved One Is In A Nursing Home And Doesn't Want To Be

As people experience aging or disability they may find themselves cared for in a Nursing Home. This can be a special place for someone recovering from sickness or injury, and may be a temporary stopover for a period of time.  The Information Center's Nursing Facility Transition Team can be helpful as a liaison between the resident, the nursing home and the community.  While not all people in nursing homes can go back to living independently in the community, many are able to live with greater independence and can make that move with a little assistance.  The NFT program is a free program for those wishing to move out of a Nursing Home to reestablish their independent living in the community, and there is no waiting list.  You or your loved one may be eligible if the following eligibility criteria are met:

• A current Medicaid recipient or eligible for Medicaid
• A resident of Southern or Western Wayne County
• A resident of a nursing home for at least 6 months

For more information on this very helpful program call The Information Center NFT ("nifty") team at (734) 282-7171.  There is no charge for the assessment or the service.  Services are provided by licensed Registered Nurses and Social Workers.  Services may include: security deposit, furniture, household goods, groceries, utility deposits and hookups, housing assistance, home modifications, moving expenses, cleaning and other supports needed for a successful transition.

For information on this and other community services contact The Information Center at (734) 282-7171.