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As Michigan ages, one woman has made it her mission to train family caregivers

Ted Roelofs

June 11, 2021 |

Bridge Michigan |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Michigan

After taking care of her own parents, Paula Duren started “boot camp” sessions for caregivers to share available resources, tips for self-care, and support. Drawing on her experience as a psychologist, Duren started the nonprofit Universal Dementia Caregivers to build and run the workshops, which have moved to zoom sessions because of the COVID-19. The all-day sessions provide information ranging from financial advice to how to access state and local services to stress-reduction tips. The overarching message throughout is that caregivers must take care of themselves to take care of their loved ones.

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Black Women Come Up Short On Funds And Food In COVID-19 Pandemic

Marissa Evans

June 01, 2021 |

Fierce for Black Women |

Multi-Media |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Chicago, Illinois

Village Minds was started by Natia Simone as a Facebook page to connect people in need of food and assistance, due to COVID-19 and grocery store closures after the protests following the murder of George Floyd. However, a broader issue of food insecurity led her to expand into a formal organization that has made more than 3,650 grocery deliveries. A partnership with a local produce store helps fill bags with fresh food and a food pantry provides other staples. With the help of friends and family, Simone uses a rented U-Haul to deliver the groceries to seniors throughout Chicago.

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What Robots Can—and Can't—Do for the Old and Lonely

Katie Engelhart

May 24, 2021 |

The New Yorker |

Text |

Over 3000 Words

Response Location: United States, New York

The Joy For All Companion provides lifelike robot pets to lonely seniors. These robotic pets provide much-needed company to a group of people most at risk of being impacted by the loneliness epidemic that was exacerbated by COVID-19.

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Crossroads Community Services partners with churches, public housing facilities and neighborhood centers to combat food insecurity

Michelle Aslam

May 18, 2021 |

Dallas Morning News |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Dallas, Texas

The Cities of Refuge church, in collaboration with other food banks like Crossroads Community Services, helps provide those in need with access to healthy food and groceries. The Crossroads’ community distribution partner model involves over 100 community partners that serve almost 32,000 people across Dallas and neighboring counties.

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Markham, Ont., vaccine initiative shows what happens when tech and faith team up

Diane Peters

May 07, 2021 |

Broadview Magazine |

Text |

Under 800 Words

Response Location: Canada, Markham, Ontario

A community effort spearheaded by a local church and a software company is helping senior citizens in Markham, Ontario secure Covid vaccine appointments. Ahead of the vaccine rollout, a reverend and a parishioner began collecting senior's information via an online form, which allowed them to streamline the signup process. The effort's success has attracted surrounding communities who are now working with the duo to reach their seniors as well.

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Shortage of paid caregivers keeps family members up at night, hoping for "something sustainable"

Tracy Samilton

April 30, 2021 |

Michigan Radio |

Radio |

5-15 Minutes

Response Location: United States, Oregon

Michigan is struggling to retain direct care workers due to poor pay, lack of benefits, and challenging work environments and responsibilities. In Oregon, however, an organizing campaign that allowed voters to have a say in approving a new state agency, "which would train direct care workers, and negotiate contracts with their union," has helped direct care workers in the state obtain raises and benefits. Michigan is now hoping to follow their model.

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Clues to makes resident life work found during pandemic

Roberta Baker

April 29, 2021 |

The Laconia Daily Sun |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Laconia, New Hampshire

Nursing homes adapted to COVID-19 so that they could protect residents’ physical well-being while also preserving their social and emotional health. Staff at Belknap County Nursing Home modified popular activities to make them safe, like hallway bingo, where numbers were called from hallways so that residents could stay in or near their rooms. Participation jumped 30% from pre-pandemic levels. An adaptation to another popular game, “Price is Right,” had staff bringing items, like snacks and toiletries, room-to-room so that residents could guess the price, with the person coming closest winning the item.

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A Program in Detroit Provides Urgently Needed Care for Caregivers

Christy McDonald

April 27, 2021 |

WTVS-PBS |

Broadcast TV News |

5-15 Minutes

Response Location: United States, Detroit, Michigan

Daybreak is a respite care program that offers daytime services for people with Alzheimer’s and dementia. The affordable alternative to long-term care facilities provides seniors a place to go during the day where they can engage in activities that stimulate their minds. It also gives caregivers a needed short-term break from the oftentimes stressful and emotional work of care giving, to focus on their own needs and obligations. The programming ranges from exercise programs to music and art therapy. The staff also provides direct support to the caregivers, helping connect them to available of resources.

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Co-Governing to Build Back Better

Hollie Russon Gilman Elena Souris Rebecca Rosen

April 09, 2021 |

Next City |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United Kingdom, York

The city of York trained volunteers to help identify causes and solutions to loneliness and social isolation, an issue with public health consequences. Volunteers conducted research and spoke to 1,000 fellow residents and 100 other stakeholders to identify community knowledge and priorities. Working closely with local partners, volunteers helped design and implement solutions, including pairing young runners with isolated older citizens to serve as coaches and provide motivation. Participants reported positive outcomes, like feeling less lonely and experiencing improved well-being.

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Michigan caregivers got a $2 hourly boost in COVID. Should it be permanent?

Robin Erb

March 22, 2021 |

Bridge Michigan |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Michigan

The Michigan state legislature temporarily boosted the pay of direct caregivers working with seniors and people that have disabilities by $2 an hour in recognition of their essential and sometimes risky services during the coronavirus pandemic. With about half of direct caregivers living at or near poverty, the pay bump was temporarily renewed at the slightly higher rate of $2.25 an hour, but it is set to expire again in September 2021. The governor has proposed making permanent a pay raise of $2 an hour, which helps the caregivers meet their own basic needs a little better.

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