Webinar Session Two

1. Webinar Session Two Meeting the Needs of Family Caregivers in Maine: Strategies & Solutions June 30, 2011 3 pm

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. Build a Partnership Recognize experience Understand perceptions Value caregiver efforts Facilitate problem solving Respect limitations Identify priorities Incorporate into existing routines / values

7. Communicate Active listening Privacy Point Person Provider inter-communication Empowerment

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

9. Using Assistive Technology (AT) Devices and Adaptive Equipment To maintain or improve Independence, Function, & Safety

10. 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)

11. Maine CITE’s Goal • to improve access to and acquisitionof AT for people of all disabilities and all ages

12. 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?

13. 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?

14. An issue due to funding restrictions Visitwww.getATstuff.com to buy, sell, donate used AT/equipment Maine’s 1st equipment refurbishing-recycling program: TEC-Assist 146 Center St, Bangor Maine 207-992-9270 Recycling…Reusing AT

15. …more recycling of AT… • www.alphaonenow.org • Uncle Henrys…”senior solutions” • www.passitoncenter.org • Community loan closets

16. 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

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

18. Safety bars are essential for tub & toilet Inexpensive, easy to install This bed rail has a cushion grip AT for Safe Mobility

19. Safety Assists….everywhere!!

20. The “handybar” Getting around in the Community

21. Handheld Magnifiers TV/LCD Magnifiers Audio books/e books Big button phones Large print publications Large print playing cards AT for Low Vision • CCTV magnifiers • Talking clocks, calculators • Scanning/Reading software The Iris Network www.theiris.org

22. AT for Deaf & Hard of Hearing Hearing aids TTY phones / relay service Captioned phones Amplified phones Visual phone ringers Visual doorbell

23. Maine Telecommunications Equipment Loan Programs (TEP) Maine Center on Deafness www.mcdmaine.org 800-639-3884 V/TTY

24. AT for Organizing Medications Pill organizers Timer-equipped pill dispensers Paper schedules Medication reminders

25. Medication Management Devices….

26. 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 >> rememberthe Clapper ?! Install anti-scald faucets Use a tub safety rail & shower safety seat bench Ramps…..stair glides…elevators

27. Poll Question What types of adaptive devices or AT have you found useful for seniors?

28. Strategies for specific issues Physical Time Environment Family history Relationship changes Emotional stress Individual factors

29. Physical Training Paid help Assistive technology

30. Time Respect Scheduling Counseling Paid help Assistive technology

31. Environment Assistive technology, adaptive equipment Modifications Acceptable risks Dignity of risk

32. Family History / Relationships Re-engagement Grief Navigating relationship changes Support and/or counseling

33. Stress / Burden • 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

34. Individual Factors Literacy / health literacy Learning style & priorities Support system

35. Preparing for the Next Phase Plan for follow up Learn about tasks Consider getting help Organize care Learn about community resources

36. Connecting with Resources • 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

37. 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

38. Agency on Aging / ADRC • 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

39. Family Caregiver Support Program Information and referral Assistance accessing resources Caregiver training Individual and group support Respite Supplemental services

40. Recommendations Include family caregivers Facilitate partnerships Assess needs Support efforts Make connections…use your resources

41. Poll Question What topics would you like for future education sessions?

42. Contact Information Ann O’Sullivan, OTR/L, LSW, FAOTA Family Caregiver Support Program Southern Maine Agency on Aging 207-396-6541 aosullivan@smaaa.org Kathy Adams, OTR/L, ATP Maine CITE Coordinating Center University of Maine 207-621-3195 kadamsot@maine.rr.com

43. Please take a moment to complete the Webinar Evaluation Form After we receive the evaluation form, attendance certificates will be sent. Thank you!