Caregiver Conversations

Host:

• Kristie King – Executive Director, Southeast Michigan Senior Regional Collaborative
• Antonia Harbin Lamb – Staff Attorney, Elder Law and Advocacy Center, Neighborhood Legal Services, Michigan

Guest:

• Toi Dennis – Elder Staff Attorney, Crime Victims Legal Assistance Program, Washtenaw County

Topics Covered:

Introduction to Toi Dennis’ Work

• Toi’s role at the Crime Victims Legal Assistance Program.
• Helping elderly and vulnerable adults who have been victims of crime, abuse, and financial exploitation.
• Overview of the grant from the Victims of Crime Act and how the program operates under Michigan Advocacy Program.

Common Cases Toi Handles:

• Financial exploitation: Misuse of credit cards, fraudulent property transfers, and other severe financial abuse.
• Domestic violence: Physical abuse and denial of access to necessary resources.
• Housing issues: Unfair eviction threats related to disabilities or building renovations.

Restorative Justice for Elders Program:

• A new approach to handling elder abuse, focusing on mediation and repairing relationships between elders and their caregivers.
• Inspired by Native American restorative justice principles.
• How the program will help heal relationships while avoiding punitive legal actions that may strain family ties.
• Plans to begin accepting referrals by October 1st.

The Restorative Justice Process:

• Partnering with organizations like Meals on Wheels and nursing homes to identify elders in need.
• Restorative practice circles that involve both the elder and the person causing harm.
• How mediation sessions will remain confidential, with support services offered to both parties.

Alternatives to Guardianship:

• Toi’s advocacy for less restrictive alternatives to guardianship.
• Why guardianship should only be used as a last resort, and the importance of having powers of attorney in place to avoid guardianship.
• Real-life examples of guardianship abuse and how better support systems could have helped avoid it.

Closing Thoughts:

• Toi’s hope for the future of the Restorative Justice for Elders program and the impact it can have on families.
• Final recommendations on the importance of early planning with powers of attorney.
• Toi’s contact information for anyone interested in learning more about the program or seeking help with elder abuse cases.

Key Takeaways:

• Restorative justice offers an alternative to litigation, focusing on healing relationships rather than punitive action.
• Elders often don’t want to pursue legal actions against trusted caregivers who may have caused harm, making restorative justice an appealing solution.
• It’s critical for families to prepare early by setting up powers of attorney to avoid unnecessary guardianship.

Resources Mentioned:

• Crime Victims Legal Assistance Program – For those seeking assistance with elder abuse or exploitation, visit the program’s website or contact Toi directly at [email protected].
• Southeast Michigan Senior Regional Collaborative (SRC): www.semisrc.org | Phone: (888) 341-8593
• Elder Law and Advocacy Center (ELAC) : Phone: (313) 937-8291, nlsmichigan.org/elder-law/

Tune in to Episode 27 as hosts Kristie King and Antonia Harbin Lamb welcome Harlan Bivens, the visionary behind the Better Detroit Youth Movement and owner of Jay’s Fades. Harlan discusses how his work as a barber, mentor, and community leader positively influences the lives of Detroit residents, especially through his approach to caregiving. The conversation highlights his nonprofit work, the value of community involvement, and his personal experience caring for his parents.

Key topics include:

•  [00:02:00] The Origin of the Better Detroit Youth Movement
•  [00:05:00] Care from Behind the Chair: Transforming Conversations in the Barbershop
•  [00:09:00] Personal Reflections on Caregiving for Parents
•  [00:18:00] Addressing the Challenges of Balancing Community Work and Personal Caregiving
•  [00:24:00] Documenting the Wisdom of Elders through Mini-Documentaries
•  [00:34:00] The Importance of Accessing Resources in the Community

Connect with Harlan Bivens and learn more about his work:

• Better Detroit Youth Movement: www.betterdetroityouth.org
• Better Detroit Brownie Company: www.betterdetroitbrownies.com
• Contact via phone: (313) 460-6638

For more resources and support:

• Southeast Michigan Senior Regional Collaborative (SRC): www.semisrc.org | Phone: (888) 341-8593
• Elder Law and Advocacy Center (ELAC) : Phone: (313) 937-8291

Caregiver Conversations Podcast, Episode 27: "Planning for Peace of Mind: Legal Strategies for Caregivers"

In this insightful episode of Caregiver Conversations, Kristie King, Executive Director of the Southeast Michigan Senior Regional Collaborative, hosts a discussion with co-host Antonia Harbin Lamb, Staff Attorney at the Elder Law & Advocacy Center (a division of Neighborhood Legal Services Michigan), and guest Erma Thomas, Managing Attorney at the Elder Law & Advocacy Center. Together, they break down essential life and legacy planning strategies, focusing on the legal aspects that caregivers and their loved ones should consider to ensure a secure future.

Introduction and Welcome (00:00)

• Hosts: Kristie King & Antonia Harbin Lamb
• Guest Introduction: Erma Thomas, Managing Attorney, ELAC

Life Planning and Legacy Planning Basics (00:02:00)

• What is life planning?
• Understanding legacy planning and why it’s important for caregivers and care recipients.

Legal Documents You Should Have (00:04:00)

• Powers of attorney for healthcare and finances.
• Differences between durable power of attorney and springing power of attorney.

Guardianship and Conservatorship: What You Need to Know (00:09:00)

• Explaining guardianship and conservatorship.
• The court’s involvement in these processes and how they impact a care recipient’s autonomy.

Navigating Wills, Trusts, and Lady Bird Deeds (00:16:00)

• The role of last wills and testaments.
• Benefits of a Lady Bird Deed in avoiding probate and ensuring generational wealth.

The Importance of Preventative Legal Planning (00:25:00)

• Avoiding probate and estate recovery.
• How caregivers can protect their homes and assets.

Special Needs and Minors: Planning with Trusts (00:33:00)

• The importance of trusts for special needs individuals and minor children.

Wrap-Up: Key Takeaways and Final Advice (00:34:00)

• Actionable advice for listeners on legal planning.
• How to stay in control of your future and your loved ones’ care.

Contact Information and Resources (00:38:00)

• How to reach Southeast Michigan Senior Regional Collaborative (SMSRC).
• How to contact Neighborhood Legal Services Michigan (ELAC) for assistance with estate planning and other legal services.

Links to Resources:

• Southeast Michigan Senior Regional Collaborative
• Neighborhood Legal Services Michigan - Elder Law & Advocacy Center
• Contact SMSRC: [email protected] | Phone: (888) 341-8593
• Contact NLSM: Phone: (313) 937-8291

Social Media Channels:

• Follow SMSRC on Facebook
• Follow Neighborhood Legal Services Michigan on Facebook

This episode is packed with actionable tips and expert advice to help caregivers navigate the complexities of legal planning, ensuring peace of mind for both themselves and their loved ones. Tune in, take notes, and start planning today!

For any inquiries or further information, feel free to reach out to the Southeast Michigan Senior Regional Collaborative or Neighborhood Legal Services Michigan using the contact details provided above.

Remember to subscribe and follow us on your favorite podcast platform to stay updated on future episodes!

Introduction:

• Kristie King (Executive Director, Southeast Michigan Senior Regional Collaborative)
• Antonia Harbin Lamb (Staff Attorney, Elder Law and Advocacy Center at Neighborhood Legal Services, Michigan)
• Special Guests: Joshua DeLisle (President, Monroe Aging Consortium) and Dr. Emily Neal (Physical Therapist and Owner, Courageous Rehab and Wellness)

Key Discussion Points:

1. Overview of the Monroe Aging Consortium:
   • A network of agencies, businesses, and individuals dedicated to serving seniors in Monroe County.
   • Annual events like the Ms. Senior of Monroe Celebration that honor senior women in the community.
2. The Upcoming Caregiver Summit (August 22, 2024):
   • Focus on the emotional, mental, and physical challenges of caregiving.
   • Collaborating with AgeWell Services and featuring expert speakers like Dr. James Mang and Dr. Emily Neal.
3. The Toll of Caregiving:
   • Joshua highlights the physical, mental, and emotional impact caregiving can have, along with the importance of asking for help.
4. Stress and Wellness for Caregivers:
   • Dr. Neal explains the physical effects of chronic stress, including the risk of suppressed immune responses and chronic health conditions.
   • Simple exercises and activities that caregivers can incorporate into their busy schedules.
5. Fun and Interactive Activities:
   • Suggestions for enjoyable, adaptable activities caregivers and their loved ones can do together, such as gardening, cornhole, and memory games.
6. Transfer Training:
   • Dr. Neal discusses the importance of proper transfer techniques to prevent injury and the role of physical therapists in providing training.
7. Practical Steps for Caregivers:
   • Joshua emphasizes the importance of building a supportive team, finding joy in small moments, and being proactive in seeking help.

How to Connect with the Guests:

• Monroe Aging Consortium:
  • Facebook: Monroe Aging Consortium
  • Phone: (734) 240-3290
• Courageous Rehab and Wellness:
  • Phone: (734) 735-2421
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Facebook: Courageous Rehab and Wellness LLC

Timestamps:

[00:00] Introduction

• Kristie King introduces Dr. Paula Duren and the topic of dementia caregiving.

 [03:00] Dr. Paula’s Caregiving Journey

• Dr. Paula Duren shares her personal story of caring for her parents and how it led to the creation of Universal Dementia Caregivers.

[09:00] The Role of Positive Psychology in Caregiving

• Discussion on how focusing on strengths and positive aspects can help caregivers and their loved ones manage the challenges of dementia.

[14:00] Supporting Caregivers in Need-Based Communities

• The importance of providing resources and building trust in communities that lack access to proper caregiving support.

[20:00] Strategies to Engage Loved Ones with Dementia

• Dr. Paula discusses practical strategies for caregivers to connect with and support their loved ones with dementia.

26:00] Legacy and Life Planning for Caregivers

• The conversation shifts to the significance of having essential legal documents like wills and powers of attorney in place.

[34:00] Upcoming Caregiver Events and Workshops

• Information about the upcoming “Caregiver’s Passage through Dementia Bootcamp” and other events hosted by Universal Dementia Caregivers.

Guest Contact Information:

Universal Dementia Caregivers

• Website: universaldementiacaregivers.org
• Email: [email protected]
• Facebook: Universal Dementia Caregivers

Contact Information:
Southeast Michigan Senior Regional Collaborative (SRC)

• www.semisrc.org
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: 888-341-8593

Follow SRC on Social Media:

•  Instagram
• Twitter
• Facebook
• PeopleMovers
• YouTube

Neighborhood Legal Services Michigan (ELAC/NLS)

• nlsmichigan.org/elder-law/
• Phone: 313-964-1975

Enhancing Senior Lives with Innovation and Care

Topics Discussed:

Introduction to Hannan Center [00:01:00]

• Vincent Tilford provides an overview of Hannan Center’s role in the community and its evolution from Hannan House to a pivotal community resource.

Key Programs and Initiatives [00:05:00]

• Discussion on Hannan Center's innovative programs like Daybreak adult daycare and the 70 Over 70 Awards, which celebrate significant achievements of older adults in Michigan.

Daybreak Adult Daycare [00:10:00]

• Insights into how Daybreak specifically supports older adults living with dementia, and the comprehensive services offered to enhance their quality of life.

My Neighborhood Connections, AmeriCorps Program [00:15:00]

• Explanation of the AmeriCorps program's role in supporting seniors, with examples of direct impact on the community.

Centennial Celebration [00:20:00]

• Vincent shares the upcoming centennial celebration plans for Hannan Center, aiming to reshape the narrative around aging and promote community engagement.

Contact Information:

Hannan Center

• Address: 4750 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI 48201
• Phone: 313-833-1300
• Website: www.hannan.org
• Follow on Social Media: Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn

Neighborhood Legal Services Michigan

• The Elder Law & Advocacy Center (ELAC)
• Address: 7310 Woodward Avenue, Suite 301, Detroit, MI 48202
• Website: www.nlsmichigan.org/elder-law/
• Phone: 313-964-1975

Senior Regional Collaborative

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: 888-341-8593
• Follow SRC on Social Media: Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, PeopleMovers, YouTube

Welcome to Caregiver Conversations! In this enlightening Episode #23, we dive deep into how bilingual caregiver training is revolutionizing support for caregivers and celebrating the remarkable contributions of seniors in our community.

Episode Highlights:

• [00:00:00]: Kristie King introduces the episode and sets the stage for an engaging conversation on caregiver empowerment.
• [00:01:00]: Kristie welcomes Peggy Du, Executive Director of the Association of Chinese Americans (ACA), and discusses her role and recent appointment by Governor Whitmer.
• [00:02:00]: Peggy shares insights about ACA’s history and its mission to advocate for the well-being of the Asian Pacific American community.
• [00:03:00]: Peggy explains her inspiration for joining ACA and the organization's role as a "home away from home" for many.
• [00:04:00]: A detailed look at ACA’s bilingual caregiver training program, designed to address language and cultural barriers in caregiving.
• [00:05:00]: Discussion on the unique challenges faced by bilingual and multicultural caregivers, emphasizing the need for mutual understanding.
• [00:06:00]: Peggy describes the innovative curriculum ACA is developing for caregiver training, including ESL terms and regulatory considerations.
• [00:07:00]: Insights into ACA's partnerships with experts like Michigan State University School of Social Work to enhance the training manual.
• [00:08:00]: Information on the training program's cost (free for now) and its plans for long-term sustainability and broader reach.
• [00:09:00]: Peggy shares goals for the initial training sessions, including language-specific classes and recruitment targets.
• [00:10:00]: Peggy discusses the training duration and how it will be structured to avoid overwhelming participants.
• [00:11:00]: Kristie highlights the significance of the I Am Senior Strong Award and its alignment with ACA’s mission.
• [00:12:00]: Peggy talks about the awardee, Chew Ham, and his impactful work in ACA’s Community Garden.
• [00:13:00]: The conversation continues with how Mr. Ham’s gardening efforts contribute to community welfare and education.
• [00:14:00]: Peggy outlines plans for expanding ACA’s gardening program and involving the community in health and cooking events.
• [00:15:00]: Kristie and Peggy wrap up by discussing ACA’s ongoing community engagement and ways listeners can support or get involved.
• [00:17:00]: Peggy provides details on how to follow ACA on social media and sign up for their newsletter for the latest updates.

Additional Links and Resources:

• Association of Chinese Americans
  • Phone: 248-585-9343
  • Follow ACA on social media:
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
• Senior Regional Collaborative
  • [email protected]
  • ​888-341-8593
  • Follow SRC on social media:
    • Instagram
    • Twitter
    • Facebook
    • PeopleMovers
    • YouTube

Thank you for tuning in to another episode where we celebrate the strength of our seniors and empower caregivers everywhere. Stay tuned, stay empowered, and keep caring!