New program launched aimed at Washtenaw County caregivers
Currently in the United States, 1 in 11 persons are age 65 and older, by 2050 that number will increase to 1 in 6. With this exponential growth comes an increased need for caregivers.
Ahead of the Curve is an innovative new web-based program by Catholic Social Services of Washtenaw County that aims to make Washtenaw County a caregiver-friendly community. The goal is to help traditional caregivers and community members identify at-risk, isolated older adults and link them to existing community resources before a crisis occurs.
This initiative is unique because it engages everyone. Whether you care for older adults, know an older adult or just see them in your community. The Ahead of the Curve program connects persons who care for or know seniors with resources to help them. Older adults can also take a hands-on approach by completing the online self-assessment that selects resources specific to their responses.
The Ahead of the Curve program is open to individuals who live, work, or care for someone in Washtenaw County.
Ahead of the Curve consists of a searchable online Senior Resource Directory website listing more than 300 county-wide resources for older adults, an online quiz to help older residents and their caregivers get connected with resources, and a blog that covers a range of topics from interesting older adults in Washtenaw County, and interviews with local agencies that serve seniors. In addition to the other web tools, a five-part caregiving training will be introduced in early 2020 that includes methods to identify and report elder abuse. Ahead of the Curve is a program of Catholic Social Services of Washtenaw County and it open to all persons in Washtenaw County.
Catholic Social Services of Washtenaw County, a leader in providing services to older adults for the past 25 years, strives to help people live safe, meaningful and independent lives with a focus on stewardship, acceptance, dignity, and caring for the disadvantaged.
Rachael Dawson-Baglien, Ahead of the Curve Project Coordinator will visit Third Thursday @ the J program at the Jewish Community Center of Greater Ann Arbor on Thursday, Jan. 16 at noon to discuss the new program in depth and lead attendees through the online caregiver training.
Ahead of the Curve is generously supported by the Michigan Health Endowment Fund (Healthy Aging).The Michigan Health Endowment Fund works to improve the health and wellness of Michigan residents and reduce the cost of healthcare, with a special focus on children and seniors.
For more information about this program, visit Ahead of the Curve or contact Rachael Dawson-Baglien at (734) 971-9781 or rdawsonbaglien@csswashtenaw.org.
