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Michigan Immigrant Rights Center

By on May 30, 2013 in General information, Reference Information

Welcoming Michigan is an immigrant integration initiative of the Michigan Immigrant Rights Center. It is a statewide grassroots effort that aims to build mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among U.S.-born and foreign-born people who call Michigan home today.

In addition to general information, Michigan (all counties) and Detroit specific resources are available at:

http://www.welcomingmichigan.org/content/resources

The Detroit guide is too large to attach, but the Michigan resource list is accessible below.

They host trainings, give presentations, and support immigrants in many more ways.

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Medicaid Expansion and Michigan

By on May 17, 2013 in General information, Reference Information

To view a presentation regarding Affordable Care Act, Medicaid expansion and the state of Michigan’s thinking, follow link http://www.ustream.tv/channel/exec-to-exec–marianne-udow-phillips-5-14-2013.  A copy of the presentation with EXCELLENT statistics is attached as well.   Presentation runs about an hou

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Motivational Interviewing

By on May 11, 2013 in General information, Reference Information

“To Motivate Patients to Change, Doctors Stop Scolding”, Wall Street Journal, 4/30/13, http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887323528404578452862092810552.html#articleTabs%3Darticle

Article provided by Tim is a good explanation of how to utilize motivational interviewing to help members/residents acheive their own goals. Link includes both the article and a video.

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FREE legal assistance for naturalization

By on May 9, 2013 in General information, Reference Information
The Michigan Immigrant Rights Center is offering FREE legal assistance for naturalization applications. See flyer attached.
ARE YOU OR SOMEONE IN YOUR FAMILY ELIGIBLE FOR CITIZENSHIP?
WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? BECOME A CITIZEN NOW!
IT MAY BE YOUR BEST INVESTMENT.
Did you know, that as a U.S. Citizen:
 You can vote in the next election,
 You are safer from deportation,
 You may petition for more family members from abroad to join you
 Your minor children, who are legal residents, will automatically become citizens.
 You can travel as long as you want outside the country without consequences
You are eligible to apply if you have been a Legal Resident for 5 years
Or, only 3 years if married to a U.S. Citizen
For more information or to make an appointment, call: (734) 998-6100 x459
To arrange a FREE naturalization workshop for your community contact: rubyr@lsscm.org

—

Christine Sauvé
Welcoming Michigan
Southeast Communities Coordinator
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May is Healthy Vision Month

By on May 2, 2013 in General information, Reference Information

Check out the resources at:

http://www.nei.nih.gov/hvm/

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2013 Downriver Bless Fest

By on May 1, 2013 in General information, Reference Information

Bless Fest is at Wayne County Community College-Downriver at 21000 Northline (between I-75 and Telegraph) in TAYLOR!  This day networks the Downriver community with 45 agencies in Helps Expo & Workshops, churches with volunteers, Medical Care with staff from two Hospitals (Oakwood Care and Garden City Hospital), 35 employers hiring (1000 jobs opportunities-bring resume), kids zone staff, and groceries for 1000 homes!  Direct friends to our website www.Blessfest.info.

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Reflecting on Trauma Exposure & Self-Care

By on April 25, 2013 in General information, Reference Information

Hi All,

I wanted to share an article written by an ER physician who reflects upon the impact of witnessing the trauma of victims who were injured by the Boston Marathon bombings. I think it’s important to recognize that working with individuals who are suffering can also impact the helper. Although we are not emergency medical responders, some clients come to us in crisis, or have experienced trauma or suffering of some kind. This article reminded me of the importance of self-care for the helper and debriefing with other professionals after trauma exposure, even if it is of a secondary nature.

http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2013/04/24/178850615/boston-er-doctor-finds-marathon-memories-hard-to-shake

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Keeping tabs on Logisticare

By on April 16, 2013 in General information, Reference Information

If any of your clients are experiencing trouble with Logisticare, feel free to use this chart to help them keep track of the problems, in case they want to make a complaint.

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Finding DHS Contacts On-line

By on April 13, 2013 in General information, Reference Information

Answer:

If you go to State of Michigan site

http://www.michigan.gov/som/0,4669,7-192-29701—,00.html

and go to the bottom of the page, there is a “contacts” list, and you can do employee lookup that way. I have found it is best to use a last name and first letter/asterisk (Wilson, K*) even if you know the first name of the employee.

If you have the client’s birthdate and SSN, you can also call the automated MiBridges line at 888-642-7434 and find worker information using that system.

– From Kari Wilson

Question:

How do you find DHS Worker and Supervisor index online?

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Talking with Members/Residents about Personal Hygiene

By on April 12, 2013 in General information, Reference Information

Answer:

Lack of insight is really a challenge with residents! We want to be direct but diplomatic, firm but not offensive, helpful but not overbearing—always a balance, right?

For individuals who have little to no insight, its best to be concrete but diplomatic and not beat around the bush. I would wonder a bit about the cognitive issues of resident, dementia, mental health issues, perhaps? If you notice that hygeine has fallen by the wayside it may be indicative of depression or other mental health issues. Another issue may be rehabilitative too. So, if she has issues with weakness or cant get around, she proably cant give herself a proper shower other than a sink shower. 

If the resident becomes offended by your question or suggestion, just keep in mind that you cant take it personally and there will be a risk that they feel hurt.

So for example you can say (speak with that person in private–even if there are several of them)


“Ms Jones, I say this with much care, but I worry about you. I cant get used to the odor that I notice from you. Are you feeling OK? Is your faucet/shower in working order? I know that when I asked you before you indicated that you didn’t notice the odor. But usually, we dont notice our own odors (give example that people ask you what perfume you are wearing and compliment you that smell nice but your dont really nemsotice your owns smell–good or bad). This the same situation. We often dont notice our own odors –good and bad odors! Because its noticeable and others may have already expressed concerns about it. Is there some way we can work on it? I have some extra shower items and body spray items if you want to give these a try”

If she still denies it, and continues to not have insight then you have an issues with passive self neglect.  You may need to explain the building policy–eviction process etc. Option for APS to get involved to provide additional services.

If you want to be indirect ” Ms Jones, I need some direction about an concern that I have an I am wondering if I can get your suggestion”  If she cannot connect the 2, then you can be more direct

“Ms. Jones, I am concerned about your body odor. Please dont feel offended I say this with much care and love. When some of our residents experience this it brings up a lot of red flags like being sick, having issues with getting around, or they’ve lost someone special and they are depressed and cant bring themselves to shower up and take care of their hygeine. When this happens, we have to address it because it’s a sign that something is going on.”

Good Luck! I had to address this with a patient years ago, and it turned out she had complicated grief and had some aggitating signs of depression. We addressed depression, got her on meds and had enough energy to shower up and wash her hair. She was still offended but now that her depression lifted and was addressed and it was in the context of her depression she understood why it needed to be addressed.

Take care

Joanne

 

Joanne Cruz,MSW, LMSW, ACT

 

Clinical & Medical Social Worker

Home Health Partners, Inc (248) 358-1186

 

Question:

I’m looking for advice on how to talk with clients about personal hygiene that is being neglected to the point of being at risk of eviction, but reports not being aware that it is an issue (she is unaware of the odor of her body and apartment). How do you have this conversation?

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