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MiCAP Experience

By on March 25, 2015 in Resources

A couple MiCAP success stories for you…

I recently heard back from my two clients who I worked with on MiCAP applications. Both met the qualification criteria (only SSI, independent living, etc). I educated both clients about the program and what is involved with the application process. They both decided to apply, completed the applications on their own, and contacted their local DHS worker to have their cases closed. Both applications were faxed into the MiCAP office in Lansing and in a little over two weeks, both clients received letters stating that they had been approved for the program and would be receiving $171 on their Bridge card starting in April.

One client was only receiving $16/mo and was overjoyed that she has now been approved for $171 a month. This client told me that she previously was getting some juice and water each month…she was speechless when she thought about what she could now buy each month.

I am educating my clients on the potential hiccups/risks associated with applying for the program, but am finding that most people are interested in applying. I just wanted to give you an update on what my experience with the program has been thus far. Hope you are having a good week!

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Some Facts About MICAP

By on March 3, 2015 in Resources

Please see the below facts regarding MICAP (Michigan Combined Application Program) which provides food benefits to individuals receiving only SSI. This information comes from Timothy Charron, Family Independence Manager at the Kalamazoo County DHS office.  I have attached the application to this post.  MICAP Application 0513

 

1) They must receive SSI only. No other type of income. So, if they are combination SSI and Social Security they are not eligible for MICAP.
2) They cannot be active FAP at the time they apply for MICAP so they will have to have their FAP case closed at the local office before applying.
3) The eligibility and the ongoing maintenance of the MICAP case is done by the MICAP unit in Lansing, not the local office.
4) The MICAP application is mailed to Lansing. There is no on-line application.
5) There is a 36 month certification period compared to only 1 or 2 years from the local office.
6) There are only two Issuance amounts for MICAP. $171/month if shelter costs are below $1000 or $185/month if shelter expenses are greater than $1000.
      Pretty cut and dry determination.
7) The MICAP group is always a group of one.
8) The benefits are put on same card so no need to use up the benefits.
9) My experience is that eligibility has been pretty quick
10) Application can be mailed to: MICAP, PO Box 30784, Lansing, MI 48909-4561 or faxed to  1 (517) 335-6454/

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Suicide Resources

By on December 24, 2014 in Health and Medical, Mental Health/Substance Use Concerns, Resources

Here is a list of information and resources that I collected while preparing for the discussion on suicide prevention.

http://www.aoa.gov/AoA_Programs/HPW/Behavioral/docs2/Issue%20Brief%204%20Preventing%20Suicide.pdf

http://www.dbsanca.org/docs/APA_Guidelines_for_Suicidal_Behavior.1783314.pdf

pages 20-22

http://www.idph.state.il.us/about/chronic/Suicide-Older_Adults.pdf

1-800-971-0016 (Friendship Line)

http://store.samhsa.gov/product/SMA10-4515?WT.ac=EB_20110505_SMA10-4515

http://www.ncoa.org/calendar-of-events/suicide-prevention-and-older.html

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3107573/

There is a sample safety plan that is attached.

 

 

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Financial Toolkit

By on December 24, 2014 in Educational Workshops, OTHER Educational Workshop Topics

Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services came to Royal Oak and did a great presentation on the different types of life insurance and annuities. While they were here, they gave every member a Financial Toolkit. It is available electronically at www.Michigan.gov/difs.

 

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Meet Dorothy Jaroszewski!

By on December 8, 2014 in Company News, SC Interviews

Dorothy Jaroszewski is the Service Coordinator at Flat Rock Towers in Flat Rock, where she has been since June 2014. Flat Rock Towers is pretty small compared to many buildings; there are 94 members, but Dorothy also works with a few community members as well.

Before become a service coordinator Dorothy has done many things. She always wanted to be a social worker, and is finally pursuing that passion. She has been a cosmetologist, a physician’s assistant, a supervisor at an adult day care center, and has worked at a nursing home. Recently Dorothy went back to school for her BSW and, after talking with a fellow WSU classmate, decided “What the heck! We’ve come this far, let’s go get a Masters. So we did.” Dorothy says she has really enjoyed almost every job she’s had.

Dorothy says that her family is her greatest passion. She loves animals and children, and she cannot wait to become a grandmother someday! She loves summer and will go anywhere, as long as there’s a pool or a beach involved. She loves to crochet and is learning to play the piano as well.

One of the biggest inspirations in Dorothy’s life has been her grandfather. She says, “I learned more from my maternal grandfather than anyone else in my life.  From him I saw tolerance and forgiveness.  I saw sacrifice and love.  I saw pride and being the best at whatever it is you do.  Whether digging a ditch or splitting an atom, as long as you did your best…you can hold your head up and be proud.  From him I saw dignity.”

Dorothy’s favorite quote is “There is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up” (John Holmes). As a social worker and service coordinator, this is something Dorothy tries to practice in her everyday life. Dorothy is excited to be a part of the service coordination team and to continue to learn from and work with the residents of Flat Rock!

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Meet Nicole St. John

By on November 24, 2014 in SC Interviews

Nicole works as the Service Coordinator at the Village of Our Savior’s Manor, a PVM facility located in Westland, Michigan. She began this work in August of 2014. Nicole’s favorite part of Service Coordination is having the opportunity to meet new people. She also loves all of the training she receives!

Nicole is one class away from her bachelor’s degree in Gerontology from Madonna University in Livonia, Michigan. She received her Associate’s degree in Liberal Arts from Washtenaw Community College. In addition, Nicole is a Certified Dementia Practitioner. Previously, Nicole worked in a caregiving role as a Nursing Assistant for 10 years.

Outside of work, Nicole stays busy with her three children, ages 14, 10, and 6. When she gets a spare moment, she enjoys reading.

At the age of 18, Nicole cared for her grandmother with end stage liver failure. This experience gave her a passion for caregiving and older adults—a passion that brought her to her career as a Service Coordinator. As a fairly new Service Coordinator, Nicole has set a professional goal to meet all of her residents within 6 months. She also hopes to ensure that all of her residents have the supports and services that they need. Additionally, Nicole works hard to promote Dementia awareness and education.

 

Blessed in Aging

Blessed are they who understand

My faltering step and shaking hand

Blessed, who know my ears today

Must strain to hear the things they say.

Blessed are those who seem to know

My eyes are dim and my mind is slow

Blessed are those who look away

When I spilled tea that weary day.

Blessed are they who, with cheery smile

Stopped to chat for a little while

Blessed are they who know the way

To bring back memories of yesterday.

Blessed are those who never say

“You’ve told that story twice today”

Blessed are they who make it known

That I am loved, respected and not alone.

And blessed are they who will ease the days

Of my journey home, in loving ways.

~ Esther Mary Walker

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Meet Lisa Harteau

By on November 11, 2014 in SC Interviews

“Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgment that something else is more important than fear.”  – Ambrose Redmoon

Lisa Harteau works as one of the Service Coordinators at Barton Towers, a CSI Co-Op in Royal Oak, Michigan. She began her work in this position in April of 2014. Her favorite part about service coordination is successfully connecting residents to the supports and services they need.

Social work is not Lisa’s first career, but has been serving others for several years. She was a family caregiver on and off for 20 years, served as a medical proxy for a number of individuals, and spent 15 years as a photographer. While studying in an accelerated nursing program, Lisa decided that she wanted to serve others in a different way, so she decided to pursue her degree in social work at Wayne State University. She went on to receive her MSW from Wayne State in April of 2014. Currently, Lisa is working on completing a Geriatric Certificate.

Outside of work, Lisa enjoys going to Bell Isle, taking her dogs for walks, gardening, reading and being around horses. While it is no longer her primary career, she still loves photography and enjoys the fine arts—especially music.

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Early Dementia and Mild Cognitive Impairment Recording

By on November 5, 2014 in Resources

For your viewing pleasure 🙂

 

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Meet Rebecca Ogrodowski

By on October 29, 2014 in SC Interviews

Rebecca works as the Service Coordinator at The Village of Sage Grove in Kalamazoo, Michigan. She began this position in October of 2013. Her favorite part of being a Service Coordinator is making sure that the residents get access to the benefits and services they deserve.  This means advocating for and with clients.  Many residents become scared or anxious when dealing with governmental agencies, so they are unsure how to deal with DHS, Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid.  Helping them to navigate the system successfully ROCKS!

Rebecca earned her bachelor’s degree in Art and Psychology at Barat College and continued on to pursue her MSW at Grand Valley State University. She enjoys combining her degrees by using art as a form of expression with her clients and residents. She finds that art can be very helpful in dealing with multiple situations that arise in her work. Rebecca’s own life experiences led her to use art as a way to cope with stress. These experiences eventually directed her into the field of Social Work.

Rebecca’s experience is vast. She has worked with populations across the life-span in her years of working in the field. She began working with older adults in a long-term care facility coordinating activities and social services in 2003.

Her personal interests include art, reading, and writing. In addition, Rebecca is an active member of her local LGBT organization and serves as the committee chair for the organization’s World AIDS Day Observance on December 1 every year.  While it was difficult to choose, Rebecca decided that 1984, by George Orwell is her favorite book. Her favorite movie is Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas. Rebecca encourages everyone to embrace who they are and shared a favorite motto:  “Being weird is wonderful.”

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Helping clients help themselves

By on October 20, 2014 in Case Management, Resources

Hi all,

I put together a question/answer list for a client who had a hard time remembering things, and expanded it into a list to help folks work with service coordinators. If it helps you, please feel free to print at will.

— Kari

 

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