Transcript Slide 1
Webinar Session Two
Meeting the Needs of Family
Caregivers in Maine:
Strategies & Solutions
June 30, 2011
3 pm
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Presenters
Ann O’Sullivan, OTR/L, LSW, FAOTA
Family Caregiver Support Program
Southern Maine Agency on Aging
Kathy Adams, OTR/L, ATP
AT Specialist
Maine CITE Coordinating Center
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Webinar Info &Tips for Attendees
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
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Objectives of this Webinar
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
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Effective Interventions
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
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Build a Partnership
Recognize experience
Understand perceptions
Value caregiver efforts
Facilitate problem solving
Respect limitations
Identify priorities
Incorporate into existing routines / values
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Communicate
Active listening
Privacy
Point Person
Provider inter-communication
Empowerment
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Facilitate Success
Respect task complexity
Clarify expectations
Train for safety
Teach adaptive strategies
Support meaningful occupation
Connect with resources
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Using Assistive Technology (AT)
Devices and Adaptive Equipment
To maintain or improve
Independence, Function, & Safety
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Assistive Technology (AT)
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
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Maine CITE’s Goal
to improve access to and acquisition
of AT for people of all disabilities and
all ages
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What is AT?
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)
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What is an AT service?
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
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Recycling…Reusing AT
An issue due to funding restrictions
Visit www.getATstuff.com
to buy, sell, donate used AT/equipment
Maine’s 1st equipment refurbishingrecycling program:
TEC-Assist
146 Center St, Bangor Maine
207-992-9270
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…more recycling of AT…
www.alphaonenow.org
Uncle Henrys…”senior solutions”
www.passitoncenter.org
Community loan closets
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AT can be Low Tech to High Tech
Cost more –
complex features
computerized
Low cost,
no mechanics
Low
Tech
Mid
Tech
High
Tech
Low cost – less
complex, may
involve some
mechanics or
electronics
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Low Tech AT
Modifying the home can be key
A single drawer pull assists
with a “step up” doorway
Affordable, easy to find
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AT for Safe Mobility
Safety bars are essential
for tub & toilet
Inexpensive, easy to install
This bed rail has a cushion
grip
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Safety Assists….everywhere!!
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Getting around in the Community
The “handybar”
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AT for Low Vision
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
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Hearing aids
TTY phones / relay
service
Captioned phones
Amplified phones
Visual phone ringers
Visual doorbell
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Maine Telecommunications
Equipment Loan Programs (TEP)
Maine Center on Deafness
www.mcdmaine.org
800-639-3884 V/TTY
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Pill organizers
Timer-equipped pill
dispensers
Paper schedules
Medication reminders
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Medication Management Devices….
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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
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Poll Question
What types of adaptive devices or AT have
you found useful for seniors?
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Physical
Time
Environment
Family history
Relationship changes
Emotional stress
Individual factors
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Training
Paid help
Assistive technology
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Respect
Scheduling
Counseling
Paid help
Assistive technology
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Assistive technology, adaptive equipment
Modifications
Acceptable risks
Dignity of risk
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Re-engagement
Grief
Navigating relationship changes
Support and/or counseling
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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
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Literacy / health literacy
Learning style & priorities
Support system
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Plan for follow up
Learn about tasks
Consider getting help
Organize care
Learn about community resources
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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
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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,
AAAs
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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
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Information and referral
Assistance accessing resources
Caregiver training
Individual and group support
Respite
Supplemental services
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Include family caregivers
Facilitate partnerships
Assess needs
Support efforts
Make connections…use your resources
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Poll Question
What topics would you like for
future education sessions?
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Ann O’Sullivan, OTR/L, LSW, FAOTA
Family Caregiver Support Program
Southern Maine Agency on Aging
207-396-6541
[email protected]
Kathy Adams, OTR/L, ATP
Maine CITE Coordinating Center
University of Maine
207-621-3195
[email protected]
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Thank you!
Please take a moment to complete the
Webinar Evaluation Form
After we receive the evaluation form,
attendance certificates will be sent.
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