Webinar Session Two Meeting the Needs of Family Caregivers in Maine: Strategies & Solutions June...

Webinar Session Two

Meeting the Needs of Family Caregivers in Maine:Strategies & Solutions

June 30, 20113 pm

1

Ann O’Sullivan, OTR/L, LSW, FAOTAFamily Caregiver Support ProgramSouthern Maine Agency on Aging

Kathy Adams, OTR/L, ATPAT SpecialistMaine CITE Coordinating Center

Presenters

2

This webinar will be recorded/archived The power point is on your computer

screen We are listening to the presenters over the

phone Please mute your phone line: press * 6 The Chat box is on the left column

….this is where you will type in your questions/comments during the webinar

Webinar Info &Tips for Attendees

3

Provide information about resources in Maine to support the complex needs of family caregivers who assist seniors living at home

Review aspects of meeting the caregiver’s needs

Address the demands of care giving Review common assistive technology

adaptations

Objectives of this Webinar

4

Customize strategies Focus on specific needs Change modifiable factors to reduce

risk Target training and skill-building Reduce excess disability Focus on preserved capabilities Teach problem-solving strategies Promote well- being Connect with resources

Effective Interventions

5

Recognize experience Understand perceptions Value caregiver efforts Facilitate problem solving Respect limitations Identify priorities Incorporate into existing routines /

values

Build a Partnership

6

Active listening Privacy Point Person Provider inter-communication Empowerment

Communicate

7

Respect task complexity Clarify expectations Train for safety Teach adaptive strategies Support meaningful occupation Connect with resources

Facilitate Success

8

To maintain or improveIndependence, Function, &

Safety

Using Assistive Technology (AT) Devices and Adaptive Equipment

9

Maine CITE is Maine’s AT Program There are AT Programs in all states

AT Programs were created by the Federal AT Act: they are federally funded

There are many AT organizations in Maine’s

AT Consortia … www.mainecite.org

Assistive Technology (AT)

10

Maine CITE’s Goal

to improve access to and acquisition of AT for people of all disabilities and all ages

11

AT Devices are any item, piece of equipment, or product, whether acquired commercially or customized, that are used to increase, maintain or improve the functional capabilities of a person with a disability.(Federal AT Act Law of 2004)

What is AT?

12

AT Services help people learn about their AT options to help them decide if using AT will be of benefit.

AT Services include: AT assessment, AT demonstration programs, AT lending programs, AT funding, AT recycling …

Using AT can maintain, increase, maximize safety & independence

What is an AT service?

13

An issue due to funding restrictions

Visit www.getATstuff.comto buy, sell, donate used

AT/equipment Maine’s 1st equipment refurbishing-

recycling program: TEC-Assist

146 Center St, Bangor Maine207-992-9270

Recycling…Reusing AT

14

…more recycling of AT…

www.alphaonenow.org Uncle Henrys…”senior solutions” www.passitoncenter.org Community loan closets

15

AT can be Low Tech to High Tech

Low cost – less complex, may involve some mechanics or

electronics

Low Tech

High Tech

Low cost, no

mechanics

Cost more – complex features

computerized

Mid Tech

16

Modifying the home can be key A single drawer pull assists with a “step up” doorway Affordable, easy to find

Low Tech AT

17

Safety bars are essential for tub & toilet

Inexpensive, easy to install

This bed rail has a cushion grip

AT for Safe Mobility

18

Safety Assists….everywhere!!

19

The “handybar”

Getting around in the Community

20

Handheld Magnifiers TV/LCD Magnifiers Audio books/e books Big button phones Large print

publications Large print playing

cards

CCTV magnifiers Talking clocks,

calculators Scanning/Reading

software

The Iris Network

www.theiris.org

AT for Low Vision

21

AT for Deaf & Hard of Hearing

Hearing aids TTY phones / relay

service Captioned phones Amplified phones Visual phone ringers Visual doorbell

22

Maine Center on Deafnesswww.mcdmaine.org800-639-3884 V/TTY

Maine Telecommunications Equipment Loan Programs (TEP)

23

AT for Organizing Medications

Pill organizers Timer-equipped pill

dispensers Paper schedules Medication

reminders

24

Medication Management Devices….

25

Modifying the Home: Common Sense & AT!

Eliminate “scatter rugs” & create clear pathways

Use microwave, appliances w/auto shutoff switches

Raise or lower seat heights Install grab bars Lower the bed—slide in a safety rail Use remote switches >> remember the

Clapper ?! Install anti-scald faucets Use a tub safety rail & shower safety seat

bench Ramps…..stair glides…elevators

26

Poll Question

What types of adaptive devices or AT have you found useful for seniors?

27

Physical Time Environment Family history Relationship changes Emotional stress Individual factors

Strategies for specific issues

28

Training Paid help Assistive technology

Physical

29

Respect Scheduling Counseling Paid help Assistive technology

Time

30

Assistive technology, adaptive equipment Modifications Acceptable risks Dignity of risk

Environment

31

Re-engagement Grief Navigating relationship changes Support and/or counseling

Family History / Relationships

32

Training Reduce excess disability Support Counseling Respite Plan for the future

Information on Powers of Attorney (POA) from Legal Services for the Elderly www.mainelse.org

Stress / Burden

33

Literacy / health literacy Learning style & priorities Support system

Individual Factors

34

Plan for follow up Learn about tasks Consider getting help Organize care Learn about community resources

Preparing for the Next Phase

35

Southern Maine Agency on Aging / ADRC www.smaaa.org Older Adult Resource (OAR) Toolkit www.une.edu/mainegec 5 Aging & Disability Resource Centers in

Maine www.eldercare.gov

Connecting with Resources

36

Connecting with Resources – cont’d

Assistive Technology…..Adaptive Devices www.abledata.com www.mpowerloans.org www.savvysenior.org www.mainecite.org

Maine Medical Equipment companies Loan Closets…faith communities,

towns, AAAs37

Volunteer Programs Volunteer Connections - RSVP

Healthy Aging & Nutrition Meals on Wheels Community Dining Evidence-based health promotion programs

Information & Resources Resource specialists Partners in Caring Grant programs Family Caregiver Support Program

Agency on Aging / ADRC

38

Information and referral Assistance accessing resources Caregiver training Individual and group support Respite Supplemental services

Family Caregiver Support Program

39

Include family caregiversFacilitate partnershipsAssess needsSupport effortsMake connections…use your resources

Recommendations

40

Poll Question

What topics would you like for

future education sessions?

41

Contact Information

Ann O’Sullivan, OTR/L, LSW, FAOTAFamily Caregiver Support ProgramSouthern Maine Agency on Aging

207-396-6541aosullivan@smaaa.org

Kathy Adams, OTR/L, ATPMaine CITE Coordinating Center

University of Maine207-621-3195

kadamsot@maine.rr.com 42

Please take a moment to complete the Webinar Evaluation Form

After we receive the evaluation form, attendance certificates will be sent.

Thank you!

43