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
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This webinar will be recorded/archived
The power point is on your computer screen
We are listening to the presenters over the phone
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Please mute your phone line:
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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
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to improve access to and acquisition
of AT for people of all disabilities and
all ages
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What is AT?
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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?
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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…
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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
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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
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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
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Assistive Technology…..Adaptive Devices
 www.abledata.com
 www.mpowerloans.org
 www.savvysenior.org
 www.mainecite.org
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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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