Helping Hands

Helping Helpers moves to Wednesdays! Trinity’s education and support group for caregivers is moving to Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m. this fall! Why?   The church has many activities for all ages on Wednesday evenings, so more will have an opportunity to attend. The church will be well lit and well populated. Dinner is available beginning at 5:15 p.m. for only $2 per person! The 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. meeting time will get you home earlier, and sometimes while it’s still light out. If there is a need, we’ll look at providing adult care so their caregivers can attend. Please join us for one or more of the following meetings: Wednesday, September 9, 2009 Navigating the Maze of Medicare and Medicaid Jill Goodell, Medicare/Medicaid Assistance Program of the Area Agency on Aging This year’s hot Medicare and Medicaid topics include: upcoming changes in copays for Part B, Part D, Medigap and more; how to access more resources for low income seniors; who can help you figure it all out. Bring YOUR questions for real answers. Wednesday, October 14, 2009 Beating Boredom While Aging  Kristine Kading, Certified Recreational Therapist from the Wyoming Senior Center When the aging process curbs some of your loved ones’ favorite activities there are lots of creative ways to help them find meaning and fun. Learn about some imaginative solutions to common causes of boredom, and hear about Stepping Stones, a free Kent County program which provides a recreational therapist who will come to the home, assess each situation and give creative solutions for recreation that CAN be done. Wednesday, November 11, 2009 Alzheimer’s and Dementia: What You Need to Know Joy Spahn, Regional Director for the Alzheimer’s Association It might be your worst fear, but there is help and hope for families and individuals dealing with Alzheimer’s and dementia. What should you expect? How does the condition affect family relationships? What treatments are available, and how much good do they do? Is there a benefit to early diagnosis? Bring your questions and get real answers from one of the area’s best resources. Wednesday, December 9, 2009 Family Relations During the Holidays  Care giving situations can intensify normally- difficult family relations, and so can the holidays! Get ideas for how you can best cope with your specific situations and enjoy the season. • All meetings are on Wednesdays, 6:00-7:30 p.m. • Trinity Lutheran Church, 2700 East Fulton, Grand Rapids, Room 213/215 • Dinner available for $2 beginning at 5:15 p.m.!