Caregiver Resource Network Programs 2002
Caregiver Resource Network Programs
Funded with Title IIIE National Family Caregiver Funds - 2002

Gerontology Network
Helping Helpers education and support groups held in area churches.
Get Away Day provides fun-filled days away for caregivers.
4065 Saladin Drive SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49546
Phone: (616)464-3665

Caregiver Appreciation Activities
Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan
(616) 456-5664
Programs sponsored around Kent County in celebration of National Family Caregivers Month (November).

Caregiver - Support Phone Service
Gerontology Network/CareTree
(616) 456-6135 or 1-800-730-6135 Ext. 714
Phone service in which a nurse makes regular contact with isolated caregivers to offer support, encouragement, education and skills training.

Caregiver Training Program
Sue Kolean, Alzheimer's Association - West MI Chapter
(800) 893-8365
Specialized skill-building workshops for both family and professional caregivers on topics related to Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia offered by the Alzheimer's Association.

Client Respite Accounts
Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan
(616) 456-5664
$150 certificates given directly to caregivers by outreach workers redeemable at various adult day care, in home respite and overnight respite locations in Kent County. Designed to encourage respite use by caregivers on a "as needed" and self-determination basis.

Employed Caregivers
Gerontology Network
Lunch hour training sessions for employed caregivers at area businesses in Kent County, designed to address the needs of employees who may be caring for a loved one.
4065 Saladin Drive SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49546
Phone: (616)464-3665

Community Caregiver Awareness Project
Hanni Epp, West Michigan Caregivers Alliance
(616) 235-8501
Presentations and coordinated publicity efforts by the West Michigan Family Caregivers Collaboration, targeting community professionals who work with caregivers. Ten workshops and a countywide caregivers resource calendar will be developed.

Get-Away Day
Gerontology Network
Helping Helpers education and support groups held in area churches.
Get Away Day provides fun-filled days away for caregivers.
4065 Saladin Drive SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49546
Phone: (616)464-3665

Overnight Get Away
Easter Seals Michigan, Inc.
(616) 942-2081
An expansion of the above get-away day, this will offer a weekend excursion for caregivers and their loved ones at a local accessible camp. Respite will be provided during some of the activities. Separate programming will be offered for the caregiver and care recipient.

Community Awareness Initiative
Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan
(616) 456-5664
Effective use of available media and community resources to coordinate and promote "caregiver" initiatives throughout Kent County.