Grandparents’ Day: Sunday, September 9, 2018

By Michelle Jackson, MiCAFE Network Coordinator  Did you know September 9th is National Grandparents’ Day? Everyone should learn about this special day so we can honor and celebrate our grandparents.    President Jimmy Carter signed the bill for Grandparents’ Day in 1978. It was first introduced by Marian McQuade of Oak Hill, West Virginia who became the founder of National Grandparents’ Day. Marian made it her goal to educate youth about significant contributions that seniors have … Continue reading Grandparents’ Day: Sunday, September 9, 2018

Stethoscope and pen lying on a paper chart.

Tips on How to Prepare for Your Upcoming Surgery

By Ellen Mason, J.D., Hotline Attorney  Anne recently had hip replacement surgery. Because she had two total knee replacements, she thought she was prepared. While she is not a medical doctor, she has some useful tips to help you begin thinking about the recovery period after surgery.   Your doctor will probably give you some basic exercises to do in the days or weeks before your surgery. If … Continue reading Tips on How to Prepare for Your Upcoming Surgery

Seniors and Pets: Part 1

By Jadranko Tomic Bobas, J.D., Managing Hotline Attorney, and Angela Quinn, Legal Hotline Intern   Many people have a family pet that they cherished growing up. While many families own a pet for various reasons, such as teaching a child responsibility, pets can also serve a valuable role in the life of a senior. Pets provide social interaction and physical activity for older adult owners. Pets reduce depression and … Continue reading Seniors and Pets: Part 1

An older man and young boy use laptops while sitting together.

10 Powerful Ways to Use Social Security Online

By: Vonda VanTil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Chances are good that you use the internet or a cell phone app every day. Social Security has you covered. We’ve created online tools to make the lives of millions of people easier. We’ve put together a top ten list of easy-to-use resources for you. Want access to our latest news, retirement planning tips, and helpful information? … Continue reading 10 Powerful Ways to Use Social Security Online

Government Imposter Scams

Via Federal Trade Commission By Carol Kando-Pineda You get a text, call, or email from someone who says they’re with the government. They may claim to be a U.S. Marshal, saying you must pay a fine for missing jury duty. Or the IRS, saying that you owe thousands in back taxes. Some might threaten legal action, deportation, or arrest if you don’t pay up or … Continue reading Government Imposter Scams

Social Security Helps You Care for Seniors

By: Vonda VanTil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is June 15. This is an opportunity for everyone, all over the world, to voice their opposition to abuses inflicted on some of the most vulnerable members of our society. For more than 80 years, Social Security has provided for the elderly as part of our everyday mission. Sometimes a family member … Continue reading Social Security Helps You Care for Seniors

Elder Abuse Awareness Day

By: Rachel Autera-Polzin, Volunteer Intern Elder Abuse Awareness Day is June 15, but who comprises the elderly population? Anyone can become a victim, including your grandmothers and grandfathers, neighbors and friends. Elder Abuse Awareness Day was created to raise awareness of abuse and neglect of older adults. In Michigan, there are approximately 40,000-50,000 elder abuse cases annually; which include physical abuse, financial exploitation, and neglect. However, there are hundreds, if not thousands, of elder abuse cases that go unreported each year. Some of the abusers in these cases are family, caretakers, or medical personnel. Cases are unreported … Continue reading Elder Abuse Awareness Day

Share financial information with your spouse now to avoid problems later

Via Consumer Financial Protection Bureau By Erin Scheithe It’s common for couples to share their financial lives but not the responsibility for managing household finances. It might be time-consuming for both of you to review your bills, as well as spending and savings plans each month. But if responsibilities unexpectedly shift due to a sudden illness or loss of a spouse, getting up to speed quickly … Continue reading Share financial information with your spouse now to avoid problems later

May 2018 is Older Americans Month – The 2017 Profile of Older Americans

Every year, an annual summary of the latest statistics on the older population is compiled by the Administration on Aging (AoA). AOA uses the latest statistics from U.S. Census data and this data provides a Profile of Older Americans. The profile shows data on changes in demographics of the population over age 65. The profile is available in PDF format. Data tables are also available … Continue reading May 2018 is Older Americans Month – The 2017 Profile of Older Americans

National Crime Victims’ Rights Week

By Jennifer Blanck, MiCAFE Network Coordinator  National Crime Victims’ Rights Week will be celebrated this year during the week of April 8-14th. This is a week dedicated to raising awareness about victimization, the effect it has on the individual, their family, friends, and the community around them.   The theme for this year’s event is “Expand the Circle: Reach All Victims”. This is meant to emphasize the importance of communities, organizations, professionals, and … Continue reading National Crime Victims’ Rights Week