South Haven Area Senior Services (SHASS) and South Haven Nursing and Rehabilitation Community have organized a support group for those dealing with all types of care giving, not just Alzheimer’s. The support group is self-governing and run on a “self-help” model with the assistance of trained facilitators.

Often the needs of caregivers are overlooked even by the caregivers themselves. The "Caregivers Support Group" will provide support and information with emphasis and tips to help caregivers take care of themselves first.

The group meets the last Tuesday of each month, from 1:00-3:00 p.m. at The Warren Center, to explore common difficulties and experiences in being primary caregivers. Support will be available from group members, community resources and experienced facilitators, Ray Llorens and Terri Dotson.

For more information call SHASS at (269) 637-3607 or South Haven Nursing and Rehabilitation Community at (269) 637-5147.

Check out Caregivers Emotional First Aid Kit at, Caregivers First Aid

On July 4, 1776, we claimed our independence from Britain and Democracy was born. Every day thousands leave their homeland to come to the "land of the free and the home of the brave" so they can begin their American Dream.

The United States is truly a diverse nation made up of dynamic people. Each year on July 4, Americans celebrate that freedom and independence with barbecues, picnics, and family gatherings.

Through the Internet we are learning about and communicating with people of different nations, with different languages and different races throughout the world. Bringing the world closer with understanding and knowledge can only benefit all nations.
We invite all nations to celebrate with Americans online this Fourth of July.

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself to the staff, residents and family members associated with the South Haven area.  As many of you know, the last couple of years have not been great for Michigan fiscally.  The state is experiencing a major structural deficit problem, which is having a dramatic effect on facilities throughout the state.  The faltering economy has forced the state to make significant cuts to government spending, including cuts to colleges and universities, local units of government, prisons, road maintenance projects and health care for our most vulnerable populations.  Combining that with rising costs, especially as related to health care means that this is a difficult economic time for the state.


I will continue to work hard to balance the budget and ensure that our seniors and the individuals caring for them, like many of you, begin to see some changes in quality of living.  I believe the main objective for the Legislature and the Governor is to preserve funding, especially for the elderly and younger individuals with disabilities in need of long term care. Expanding home and community based care continues to demonstrate a more cost effective means of providing care, while making the recipient more comfortable in a familiar setting.  Nursing staff must have the resources to provide the best possible care; therefore, it is essential to improve their quality and quantity of care.


We are still in the proposal stage of next year’s budget; therefore, I can assure you I will communicate with my colleagues and most especially Gov. Granholm the needs of providers in my district.  While I can not guarantee funding increases, my office can provide resources and advocacy to long term care recipients and staff dealing with certain bureaucracy.  Finally, my office can provide families with information on several different prescription drug programs available throughout the state.  Please do not hesitate to contact me with questions or comments and I look forward to working with you in the future.
 

• Dress for the heat...
  Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. Light colors will reflect away some of the sun’s energy.  It is also a good idea to wear a hat or to use an umbrella.
   

• Drink water...
  Carry water or juice with you and drink continuously even if you do not feel thirsty.  Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which dehydrate the body.
   

• Eat small meals and eat more often...
  Avoid foods that are high in protein which increases metabolic heat.
   

• Slow down...
  Avoid strenuous activity. If you must do strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day, which is usually in the morning between 4:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m.
   

• Take regular breaks...
  When engaged in physical activity on warm days.  Take time out to find a cool place.  If you recognize that you, or someone else, is showing the signals of a heat-related illness, stop activity and find a cool place.

• Heat Wave:
  More than 48 hours of high heat (90°F or higher) and high humidity (80% relative humidity or higher) are expected.
   

• Heat Index:
  A number in degrees Fahrenheit that tells how hot it really feels with the heat and humidity.  Exposure to full sunshine can increase the heat index by 15°F.
   

• Heat cramps:
  Heat cramps are muscular pains and spasms due to heavy exertion.  They usually involve the abdominal muscles or the legs.  It is generally thought that the loss of water and salt from heavy sweating causes the cramps.
   

• Heat Exhaustion:
  Heat exhaustion is less dangerous than heat stroke.  It typically occurs when people exercise heavily or work in a warm, humid place where body fluids are lost through heavy sweating.  Fluid loss causes blood flow to decrease in the vital organs, resulting in a form of shock. With heat exhaustion, sweat does not evaporate as it should, possibly because of high humidity or too many layers of clothing.  As a result, the body is not cooled properly. Signals include cool, moist, pale, flushed or red skin; heavy sweating; headache; nausea or vomiting; dizziness; and exhaustion.  Body temperature will be near normal.
   

• Heat Stroke:
  Also known as sunstroke, heat stroke is life-threatening. The victim’s temperature control system stops working. The body temperature can rise so high that brain damage and death may result if the body is not cooled quickly.  Signals include hot, red and dry skin; changes in consciousness; rapid, weak pulse; and rapid, shallow breathing.  Body temperature can be very high--sometimes as high as 105°F.

Heat-related illness usually comes in stages.  The signal of the first stage is heat cram ps in muscles.  If you have heat cramps, stop activity and rest. If fully alert, drink small amounts of cool water.  Gently stretch the cramped muscle then gently massage the muscle.

The signals of the next, more serious stage (heat exhaustion) of a heat-related illness include:

• Cool, moist, pale skin (the skin may be red right after physical activity).
   

• Headache.
   
• Dizziness and weakness or exhaustion.
   
• Nausea.
   
• The skin may or may not feel hot.

The signals of the late stage of a heat-related illness (heat stroke) include:

• Vomiting.
   
• Decreased alertness level or complete loss of consciousness.
   
• High body temperature
   

• Skin may still be moist or the victim may stop sweating and the skin may be red, hot and dry.
   

• Rapid, weak pulse.
   
• Rapid, shallow breathing.

This late stage of a heat-related illness is life threatening.  Call 9-1-1

• Care Watch managers to help identify your needs
   
• Information about services/agencies in your community
   
• Variety of services and support, and to serve as liaisons between your family members, both near and far, and health care professionals.
   
• Access to many city, state, and federal grant programs for eligible seniors.
   
• Medicare/Medicaid Assistance Program
   
• Call us with your questions and or concerns, we are here to help you!