February 2010

New Training Opportunity

The Grand Traverse Metro Fire Department in collaboration with the Area Agency on Aging of NWMI have participated in a special fire and fall safety training put on by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the CDC in Boston in October called Remembering When Program. Thanks to a grant proposal thru NFPA written up by Meredith Hawes, a representative from each agency was able to participate in this special training opportunity. Meredith represented the GT Metro Fire Dept. and Sandy Fritz was the representative for AAANM. This two-day seminar provided a wonderful opportunity for participants to learn more about fire and fall prevention that will allow these individuals to provide training and education that can be shared with the residents of this region. One of the goals of this program is to expand the training of staff at AAANM to inform and educate our clients on the importance of fire safety and planning in event of emergencies. This is especially critical for those clients of ours who have special needs and would need instruction beyond that of the average household. Packets have been put together to provide clients with an overview of the important steps to take to keep themselves safe.

Emergency Funds- Thanks to the generous contributions of the staff, the Boards of Directors and Advisors and special fundraisers at the AAANM an emergency fund has been helping out clients in great need. These clients may need help with expenses like utilities, special equipment, some costs related to medical emergencies and other critical areas. We feel very fortunate to offer this option to our clients when they have no other options available. Each case is reviewed and decided upon based on need. Thanks again for the generous support of all those involved.

Program Updates- The Area Agency on Aging of Northwest Michigan continues to strive to assist the elderly and disabled in our region with the MI Choice Waiver, Nursing Facility Transition (NFT), Care Management and MMAP programs. As the waiting lists continue to grow our agency works hard to assist those clients in need. We will be setting a goal the next few months to see additional Care Management referrals, and the NFT program continues to grow as referrals come in from nursing facilities from all over the region.

Deb Monroe, a social worker with AAANM, was recently approved (January 15, 2010) for certification as a Savvy Caregiver Program master trainer by the State Commission on Services to the Aging. She is now 1 of 11 master certified trainers through OSA’s Administration on Aging Alzheimer’s Disease Supportive Services Program (ADSSP) grant.

This update is a product of the AAANM Education Committee!