As an older adult or a caregiver of one, it can be difficult to know where to find community resources.
"We have many great options to find support right here at U-M," says Barb Mulay, manager U-M Work-Life Resource Center. "When looking for options caring for an aging loved one, Michigan Medicine resources are a great place to start."
Michigan Medicine Resource Programs for Older Adults
The Turner Senior Resource Center houses three community programs of Michigan Medicine’s Geriatrics Center: The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, Silver Club Memory Programs, and the Turner Senior Wellness Program. The building also serves as a community resource center for older adults with staff who can talk to community members about resources for older adults, printed materials on a host of health topics and local resources, and a computer lab.
The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) was established to encourage adults to continue their learning long after formal schooling is done. OLLI is a volunteer-led organization with 1300 members, that presents several lecture series, as well as study groups, OLLI Reads and Special Events. Currently Olli is offering events virtually.
OLLI’s Assistant Direct Julie Brown shared, “OLLI provides many opportunities for older adults to socialize and continue learning through our lectures and study groups, all crafted and organized by a dedicated group of hard-working OLLI volunteers. We have a lot of fun and many friendships are formed through our programs and committees. OLLI is truly a wonderful place to be!”
Silver Club Memory Programs provides activities and socialization for people with mild to moderate dementia living at home with their family caregivers. Activities include music, fitness, games, art, gardening, discussion and more. Silver Club offers one day a week Mild Memory Loss programs (Elderberry- all women, and Mindworks-mixed gender) as well as the give day a week (10am-3:30pm) Moderate Day Enrichment Program.
Silver Club’s Director, Shannon Etcheverry, LMSW, said the following of the program, “Our programs at Silver Club are mutually beneficially for the person with memory loss and their family caregiver. While the member is laughing and having fun in an affirming and engaging social environment, their family member can take that space to care for themselves. It’s rewarding to work for a program that does so much good for the people we serve.”
The Turner Senior Wellness Program offers health and wellness programs to promote quality of life among older adults through social connection, wellness activities, health education and community resources. Individuals can schedule a Care Consultation with a Social Worker to discuss resources and to help put a care plan in place. The program also updates a comprehensive resource guide for older adults in Washtenaw County.
Turner Senior Wellness Program’s Director, Jennifer Howard, LMSW, says, “The Turner Senior Wellness Program provides a safe and inclusive space where older individuals promote their own health and wellness through exercise classes, cooking demonstrations, social groups, support groups, and health education programs. People often come in for information or a class and stay for the friendships they form.”
For more information on elder care support, contact the Work-Life Resource Center ([email protected]) or visit our Elder Care website at https://hr.umich.edu/benefits-wellness/work-life/elder-care.
Register for a Presentation Series on Aging
U-M Healthy Aging Series: The Art and Science of Successful Aging is a presentation series happening January-May 2022. The goal is to explore the latest research and strategies for aging well and living a long, meaningful life. The series will be offered in the winter/spring term over five months, with each month having its own theme and speakers. The series is virtual, free of charge, and open to the public. Pre-registration is required. More information is available on our Community Programs website.
