Are you currently caring for a family member or foresee this happening in your future? Michigan State University Extension is collaborating with Sault Tribe Elder Care Services to provide programs for seniors and their families. The first series, titled Caring for Our Elders, will be 1-3 p.m. starting Thursday, July 19, 2018, at the Sault Tribe Elder Center in Sault Ste. Marie.

The series is an introductory training for families and home-based caregivers. The objective of the series is to help families better understand the transitions elders experience as they age and to help caregivers prepare for these changes to enable elders to age-in-place in the comfort of their own home with the help of their families.

The sessions are as follows:
July 19—Elder Health Transitions: normal age-related changes, sensory changes, adaptation and communication

Aug. 2—Chronic Health Conditions and Disparities: common chronic health conditions and health disparities among Native Elders

Aug. 30—Assessment Strategies: assessment of symptoms and day-to-day assessments

Oct. 4—Health Promotion and the Health Care System: health promotion for Native elders and caregivers, understanding the health care system and financing of health resources

Oct. 18—Navigating the Health Care System: navigating tips in health care and social services and caregivers contributions and stressors

Nov. 1—Caregiver Care and Elder Abuse Awareness: caring for the caregiver

Caring for Our Elders is a curriculum developed by the National Resource Center on Native American Aging and the Center for Rural Health at the University of North Dakota. The curriculum was developed for use as a resource for families and caregivers serving rural American Indian elders.

Those who are interested in participating in this six-session series or who can only attend one or two sessions, please register by contacting Tracie Abram, MSU Extension health and well-being educator, at 906‑235‑2985 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Registration is required.