Telephone reassurance programs give peace of mind to seniors who live alone and those who may be lonely. Programs vary and calls can be scheduled to come daily or weekly. These callers will chat about anything from gardening to the day’s news. The calls can also be a way for volunteer callers to identify needs and connect the older adult to additional support. The service is offered at no charge. If you know of a senior who is socially isolated, contact one of the following o

COVID-19 ushered in a long, grueling and lonely year of isolation and fear – but families and friends can now visit their loved ones in long-term care facilities. To ensure safety, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has set limitations and restrictions that are being strictly enforced. Here’s what those who wish to visit should know: Some facilities will provide point of entry rapid COVID-19 testing. Otherwise, visitors must provide proof of negative test re

Are you struggling at times with navigating the landscape of the aging process, for either yourself or a loved one? Would it help to have a guidebook for your journey? Now What? A Guide to the Gifts and Challenges of Aging is just that book. Chapters cover everything from downsizing to home safety, to staying active, to hospice care, Now What? provides helpful information that you can begin using today. Developed with input from several Detroit-based nonprofits and authored b

Seniors and people with disabilities who face challenges living in their homes often feel they want to do whatever is possible to stay in their comfort zone. They want to stay at home, living as independently as possible. A 2018 AARP study found that 76% of Americans age 50-plus say they prefer to remain in their own residence as they age. A Medicaid-funded program, the MI Choice Community Waiver, helps bring care into the home so people can do just that. “It’s designed to be

Great Lakes Legal Mediation Division, in conjunction with Neighborhood Legal Services Michigan-Elder Law and Advocacy Center presents The Caregiver Conversations podcast. It lets busy caregivers tune in whenever they choose to for legal and other resource information they will need to become more successful and effective in their responsibilities. Host, attorney Antonia Harbin-Lamb, is the legal services’ program manager and staff attorney. She and her guests provide a resour

Intentional communities are popping up all over America as a viable housing option for solo agers – single people without children or a spouse, or singles and couples whose children live far away. If this describes you, your sweet-spot for housing might be a little-known option called Elder Cohousing. Cohousing is an alternative to expensive housing, for boomers who yearn for continued independence but within a supportive community environment. “For middle income, solo-aging

An excerpt reprinted from Bridge Michigan in partnership with the Southeast Michigan Journalism Collaborative I have been a physician in Detroit for 33 years. I have seen patients every day of this coronavirus pandemic, even in the early days with scarce Personal Protective Equipment. Early in the pandemic, 10 percent to 15 percent of our patients were COVID-19 positive, and death rates were high. Several of our physicians and staff became COVID-19 positive, as we cared for p