Welcome To Our Newslwetter
As the Executive Director of the Dementia and Alzheimer’s Association of St. Clair County (DAASCC, I am thrilled to introduce this new communication tool that will serve as a valuable resource for our supporters, caregivers and community members. Our goal with this newsletter is to provide regular updates, insights, and stories that showcase the impact and progress we are making towards our mission.
In each edition of WE ARE HERE TO HELP, we will share inspiring feature stories of individuals impacted by our respite grants, provide resources, recognize volunteers and donors, and promote special events for readers to get involved and help us further our mission.
Our aim is to make WE ARE HERE TO HELP an engaging and informative publication to keep St. Clair County connected and informed about our activities and achievements. We encourage you to share this newsletter with your colleagues, friends, and family members.
To ensure you receive future editions of WE ARE HERE TO HELP please take a moment to subscribe by visiting our website at www.daascc.org. We value your support and want to keep you updated on the impact your contributions are making.
If you have any questions or suggestions, please do not hesitate to reach out to me directly at [email protected]. Your feedback is invaluable to us.
Lynn Wilhelm, Executive Director
Our Founder
Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are difficult illnesses to manage, and those who have experienced it firsthand can attest to the immense
burden it entails. Our founder, Marcia Haynes, saw this firsthand when her husband was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. As his caretaker and advocate, Marcia’s life was drastically altered until his eventual passing. Her unwavering support for research and assistance to families affected by these ailments led to establishing the Dementia & Alzheimer’s Association of St. Clair County before her death in 2022.
Did you know you can attend caregiver wellness programs online through the University of Michigan Alzheimer’s Disease Center (MADC)?
There are several programs to explore and most importantly, there are easy and simple ways to re-enter and begin again at any time. The MADC has been developing these skills-based and wellbeing connection programs for over a decade under the leadership of Laura Rice-Oeschger, LMSW.
“We recognize how the strongest act of wellbeing begins with the willingness to return to our own care, over and over. This isn’t easy and it is a practice, not a perfect! The Wellness Initiative is committed to offering caregivers continuous opportunities to learn from peers and professionals, to grow and heal through caregiving and to stay well through the many challenges of dementia care over many years There is always somewhere to return to do
the practices of restoration, maintenance and growth.”
These programs are free and intended to be a complement to disease-specific support group attendance and any other support services you may be receiving as a family caregiver.
Laura Rice-Oeschger
An overview of programs by title:
- Catching Your Breath – Virtual monthly
- Mitten Minds – Virtual monthly group for adults with a dementia
- Have a Seat – Virtual weekly drop-in meditation practice
- Mindfulness-based Dementia Care (MBDC) – Virtual seasonal 9 session class
- Mitten Minds Series – Virtual
- Bi-Annual Education series for adults with dementia
- Living Grief – Virtual Bi-Annual six week group series
- CALM Connections – Web based, Self-Guided Wellness Learning Space
PROVIDER HIGHLIGHTS
STARPATH ADULT DAY SERVICE
Hey everyone! We wanted to share some information about an amazing service in our community called Starpath Adult Day Service. If you or someone you know is in need of specialized care and support for older adults, this is definitely worth checking out! Starpath Adult Day Service offers a safe and nurturing environment for seniors during the day. It’s a fantastic option for families who want to ensure their loved ones receive the care they need while still maintaining their independence and staying connected to the community.
Here are a few key points about Starpath Adult Day
Service:
1. Comprehensive Care: The dedicated staff at Starpath provides personalized care plans tailored to each individual’s needs. From assistance with daily activities to medication management, they ensure that seniors receive the attention and support they require.
2. Engaging Activities: The program offers a wide range of activities designed to promote mental and physical stimulation. From arts and crafts to exercise classes, there’s always something fun and engaging happening at Starpath.
3. Social Connection: Loneliness and isolation can be a real challenge for older adults, but Starpath Adult Day Service aims to combat this by fostering a sense of community. Participants have the opportunity to socialize, make new friends, and enjoy companionship throughout the day.
4. Respite for Caregivers: Starpath also provides much-needed respite for caregivers who may need a break or have other responsibilities. Knowing that their loved ones are in a safe and supportive environment allows caregivers to recharge and take care of themselves.
If you’re interested in learning more about Starpath Adult Day Service, we highly recommend reaching out to the Council on Aging in Port Huron, Michigan. They can provide you with all the necessary details and help you determine if this service is the right fit for your family. The phone number is (810) 984-8970 or email Brian Larsen at [email protected] Let’s spread the word about this incredible resource in our community and ensure that our seniors receive the care and support they deserve.
Together, we can make a difference!
Eligible St. Clair County County Residents Can Now Apply For Respite Care Grants
An estimated 6.7 million Americans are living with Dementia and Alzheimer’s, with nearly 200,000 in Michigan and over 3,500 in St. Clair County. Thanks to the auspices of the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation and others, we are able to provide grants that enable caregivers to receive much-needed respite.
The grant is available to those who are not receiving free respite care from other agencies in the county. There are no income requirements for eligibility. Local healthcare agencies provide the care, which can be received at the caregiver’s home or at an adult day care center.
Grants are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis and the funds are provided directly to the agency offering care.
Applications are reviewed bi-monthly, and all applications remain valid for one year.
Apply For The
Respite Care Grant Today!
Save The Date
You may share the same memories from your youth with us time and time again, but the sheer joy you show in telling those stories with such a big smile goes beyond making up the loss of new stories.