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

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 Presenters 2

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 Webinar Info &Tips for Attendees 3

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 4

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 Effective Interventions 5

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

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

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

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

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 … Assistive Technology (AT) 10

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

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? 12

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? 13

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

…more recycling of AT… Uncle Henrys…”senior solutions” Community loan closets 15

AT can be Low Tech to High Tech Low cost – less complex, may involve some mechanics or electronics Low Tech High Tech Low cost, no mechanics Cost more – complex features computerized Mid Tech 16

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

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

Safety Assists….everywhere!! 19

The “handybar” Getting around in the Community 20

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 AT for Low Vision 21

Hearing aids TTY phones / relay service Captioned phones Amplified phones Visual phone ringers Visual doorbell 22

Maine Center on Deafness V/TTY Maine Telecommunications Equipment Loan Programs (TEP) 23

Pill organizers Timer-equipped pill dispensers Paper schedules Medication reminders 24

Medication Management Devices…. 25

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 26

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

Physical Time Environment Family history Relationship changes Emotional stress Individual factors 28

Training Paid help Assistive technology 29

Respect Scheduling Counseling Paid help Assistive technology 30

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

Re-engagement Grief Navigating relationship changes Support and/or counseling 32

Training Reduce excess disability Support Counseling Respite Plan for the future Information on Powers of Attorney (POA) from Legal Services for the Elderly 33

Literacy / health literacy Learning style & priorities Support system 34

Plan for follow up Learn about tasks Consider getting help Organize care Learn about community resources 35

Southern Maine Agency on Aging / ADRC Older Adult Resource (OAR) Toolkit 5 Aging & Disability Resource Centers in Maine

Connecting with Resources – cont’d Assistive Technology…..Adaptive Devices Maine Medical Equipment companies Loan Closets…faith communities, towns, AAAs 37

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 38

Information and referral Assistance accessing resources Caregiver training Individual and group support Respite Supplemental services 39

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

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

Ann O’Sullivan, OTR/L, LSW, FAOTA Family Caregiver Support Program Southern Maine Agency on Aging Kathy Adams, OTR/L, ATP Maine CITE Coordinating Center University of Maine

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