Category: FYI

Grandmother and granddaughter cooking
Celebratory Month, FYI, Health, MiCAFE, National Nutrition Month, Nutrition, Senior hunger

National Nutrition Month – Part 1

by Sheila Robison, Economic Security Team Member March is National Nutrition Month! MiCAFE, a program of Elder Law of Michigan, Inc., will be celebrating this important month by raising awareness of the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits. This post is the first in a series of posts this month highlighting this important initiative. Welcome March with good news about nutrition! Here … Continue reading National Nutrition Month – Part 1

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Keychain shaped like a house.
FYI, Housing, Housing Rights Center of Michigan, Legal, Legal Hotline, Legal Hotline for Michigan Seniors, senior independence, Uncategorized

“Get out of MY house”

by Ellen Mason, J.D., Hotline Attorney Your friend, Jane, has been living in your house with you. She hasn’t been paying rent and she didn’t sign a lease. Yesterday, you had a fight with her and now you want her out. Can you change the locks on your house or just toss her belongings out? No. Michigan law considers Jane a tenant even though she’s never … Continue reading “Get out of MY house”

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A couple in a hospital room
Celebratory Month, FYI, Health, Insurance, Medicare/Medicaid, MiCAFE, Money and Finances, Planning for the Future, senior independence

6 Simple Steps to be a Wise Healthcare Consumer

by Lyndsy Gamet, MiCAFE Outreach and Training Coordinator Wise Healthcare Consumer month is here, sponsored by The American Institute for Preventative Medicine. It aims to bring attention to being a good healthcare consumer. Are you taking the steps necessary to ensure your healthcare is working properly for you? Speak up. Self advocacy is crucial to getting the most from your healthcare. If you do not like … Continue reading 6 Simple Steps to be a Wise Healthcare Consumer

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Man wearing glasses.
Celebratory Month, FYI, History

Low Vision Awareness Month

by Nicholas Goodman, Intake Clerk When discussing vision loss, it is important to know that a person can have low vision but not be completely blind. According to the American Foundation for the Blind, low vision isn’t fully correctable with surgery, medications, contact lenses, or glasses. February is Low Vision Awareness month and there are many resources and great technology available for people with low … Continue reading Low Vision Awareness Month

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Daryl Thompson
FYI, Staff and Volunteers, Staff Spotlight, Uncategorized

Staff Spotlight – Daryl Thompson

by Sandra Wisnewski, J.D., Director of the Mid-America Pension Rights Project This month I am thrilled to be given the opportunity to write about one of our attorneys, Daryl Thompson. Daryl joined the Elder Law of Michigan, Inc. (ELM) team in January of 2015. Daryl is an alumnus of Michigan State University Law School and graduated magna cum laude. Daryl works within two programs at ELM, … Continue reading Staff Spotlight – Daryl Thompson

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Doctor with a patient.
FYI, Health, Medicare/Medicaid, MiCAFE, Money and Finances, Planning for the Future, seniors

4 Important Medicare Tips

by Pat Ocheltree, MiCAFE Application Assistant There is a lot of confusion about Medicare, what it covers, how individuals get coverage, etc. Generally, if you receive Social Security benefits, you will automatically become eligible to enroll in Medicare Part A (hospital coverage) and Medicare Part B (medical) during the 3 months before, the month of, and the 3 months following your 65th birthday. Medicare A is fully paid for unless you … Continue reading 4 Important Medicare Tips

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A hand putting house key into front door lock of house
FYI, Housing Rights Center of Michigan, HUD, Legal

Update on The Supreme Court’s Watershed Fair Housing Decision

by Jessica Sanchez, J.D., Housing Services Manager, Housing Rights Center of Michigan Even after the Supreme Court’s landmark decision against the Texas Department of Housing in the summer of 2015, some Texas state leaders are still opposing low income housing in their communities. Background In Texas Dept. of Housing and Community Affairs vs. The Inclusive Communities Project, the Inclusive Communities Project, a group that advocates for … Continue reading Update on The Supreme Court’s Watershed Fair Housing Decision

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Cat laying down
Aging in Place, FYI, pets, seniors

Tomorrow is National Love Your Pet Day

by Char Brooks, J.D. As we all know, February 14th is Valentine’s Day – a day of celebration for couples. Many of us extend this holiday to include celebrating our kids or special friends. It’s not too far afield to celebrate the ones most involved in our day to day lives. National Love Your Pet Day is a chance to honor your pets – whether furry, … Continue reading Tomorrow is National Love Your Pet Day

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Woman giving a gift of a flower
Celebratory Week, FYI, senior independence, seniors, volunteering

National Random Acts of Kindness Week

by Mary Beth Daley, Staff Accountant This post is in honor of National Random Acts of Kindness Week which runs February 15th through 21st. The dictionary defines the adjective “random” as, “proceeding, made, or occurring without definite aim, reason, or pattern.” Surprise a senior friend, neighbor or someone you meet this week with a random act of kindness. Below, I’ve listed several ideas. If none of … Continue reading National Random Acts of Kindness Week

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Senior with a concerned look on his face.
FYI, Mid-America Pension Rights Project, Money and Finances, Planning for the Future, senior independence

Should I take a Lump Sum Pension Payout?

by Sandra Wisnewski, J.D., Director of the Mid-America Pension Rights Project Since 1998, the Mid-America Pension Rights Project (MAPRP) has been assisting clients with pension issues. One question that we frequently receive is whether or not to take a lump sum payout of a pension benefit. Some employers offer a one-time lump sum payment in lieu of a traditional life-time annuity option. This option can be a … Continue reading Should I take a Lump Sum Pension Payout?

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