Guest: Natalie Joyner, nmdean@comcast.net
Hosts: Kristie King and Antonia Harbin Lamb
Topics Covered:

• The unique challenges of being an only-child caregiver
• Navigating emotional and financial hurdles in caregiving
• The impact of systemic barriers in healthcare and Medicaid qualification
• The effects of COVID-19 on caregiving and long-term care facilities
• The importance of self-care and community support
• Planning for long-term care and end-of-life decisions
• Advocacy within the healthcare system

Contact Information:

Southeast Michigan Senior Regional Collaborative (SRC): www.semisrc.org | Phone: (888) 341-8593

Elder Law and Advocacy Center (ELAC) : Phone: (313) 937-8291, nlsmichigan.org/elder-law/

• Guest: Danielle HueVine, founder of HueVine, LLC, skincare and med spa brand.
• Hosts: Kristie King and Antonia Harbin Lamb.
• Topics Covered:
  • Danielle’s caregiving journey, beginning as a child caring for her siblings.
  • How caregiving shaped her resilience, discipline, and entrepreneurial mindset.
  • The challenges of balancing caregiving with personal growth and business ownership.
  • The importance of self-care and how it has evolved for Danielle over the years.
  • Danielle’s commitment to giving back to caregivers and her community.
  • Her faith-driven approach to life and business.

Guest Information:

• Website: HueVine Med Spa
• Social Media:
  • Instagram: Danielle Huevine
  • Instagram: HueVine | Laser Hair Removal

Contact Information:

Southeast Michigan Senior Regional Collaborative (SRC): www.semisrc.org | Phone: (888) 341-8593

Elder Law and Advocacy Center (ELAC) : Phone: (313) 937-8291, nlsmichigan.org/elder-law/

In this episode, we explore the growing trend of kinship care with Lisa Grodsky, Program Operations Manager for Grandparents Raising Grandchildren at OLHSA. Lisa shares her extensive experience advocating for kinship caregivers and highlights the challenges they face, such as financial strain, emotional distress, and lack of resources. We also discuss the importance of community support and self-care for caregivers, along with practical advice for those who find themselves suddenly caring for grandchildren or other family members.

Lisa Grodsky Contact Information:
Email: lisag@olhsa.org
Phone: 248-372-1915
Website: OLHSA - Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Program

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Study Summary

GrandFacts Fact Sheets

Contact Information:

Southeast Michigan Senior Regional Collaborative (SRC): www.semisrc.org | Phone: (888) 341-8593

Elder Law and Advocacy Center (ELAC) : Phone: (313) 937-8291, nlsmichigan.org/elder-law/

In this post-holiday episode, Kristie and Antonia welcome Anjanette Davenport Hatter (AJ), founder and CEO of Harambee Care, to discuss how caregivers can prioritize emotional wellness and stress management as they enter the new year. AJ shares practical strategies for managing stress, preventing burnout, and integrating self-care into everyday routines. She introduces her CARES model, which focuses on mindfulness, self-compassion, easing stress, and finding balance. AJ also provides valuable advice for caregivers to start the year strong, setting realistic expectations and finding peace in the midst of their caregiving responsibilities.

Contact Information:

Southeast Michigan Senior Regional Collaborative (SRC): www.semisrc.org | Phone: (888) 341-8593

Elder Law and Advocacy Center (ELAC) : Phone: (313) 937-8291, nlsmichigan.org/elder-law/

In this special episode of Caregiver Conversations, hosts Kristie King and Antonia Harbin Lamb take the mic as guests themselves. They dive into their personal experiences with caregiving, reflecting on the challenges, lessons, and emotional moments that have shaped their journey. This episode offers a heartfelt look at the transformative role caregiving plays in both personal and professional life.

Kristie shares her experiences with caregiving for her brother, focusing on the moments that shaped her approach to the work, while Antonia reflects on her caregiving journey, particularly with her father. Together, they discuss the importance of self-care, community, and the sometimes overlooked emotional aspects of caregiving.

Join Kristie and Antonia as they open up about what caregiving means to them, how it has impacted their lives, and how these personal experiences continue to shape their professional work in supporting caregivers.

Contact Information:

Southeast Michigan Senior Regional Collaborative (SRC): www.semisrc.org | Phone: (888) 341-8593

Elder Law and Advocacy Center (ELAC) : Phone: (313) 937-8291, nlsmichigan.org/elder-law/

In this episode, we discuss:

• The definition and importance of mediation in caregiving.
• How to approach mediation as a solution to family conflicts.
• Zena Zumeta’s experiences and insights into effective mediation techniques.
• The significance of establishing trust and communication within families.
• Real-life case studies demonstrate the impact of mediation on family dynamics.
• Practical steps caregivers can take when considering mediation.

Key Takeaways:

• Mediation is a valuable resource for resolving conflicts related to caregiving.
• Creating a comfortable and safe environment is essential for effective mediation.
• Involving a neutral third party can help families communicate openly and resolve disputes.
• Mediation can be preventative and serve as a tool to foster healthy family relationships.

Resources Mentioned:

• Zena Zumeta's Mediation Training and Consultation Institute:
  • Email: zzumeta@igc.org
  • Web: www.learn2mediate.com, www.zenazumetamediation.com
• Southeast Michigan Senior Regional Collaborative (SRC): www.semisrc.org | Phone: (888) 341-8593
• Elder Law and Advocacy Center (ELAC) : Phone: (313) 937-8291, nlsmichigan.org/elder-law/

Host:

• Kristie King – Executive Director, Southeast Michigan Senior Regional Collaborative
• Antonia Harbin Lamb – Staff Attorney, Elder Law and Advocacy Center, Neighborhood Legal Services, Michigan

Guest:

• Toi Dennis – Elder Staff Attorney, Crime Victims Legal Assistance Program, Washtenaw County

Topics Covered:

Introduction to Toi Dennis’ Work

• Toi’s role at the Crime Victims Legal Assistance Program.
• Helping elderly and vulnerable adults who have been victims of crime, abuse, and financial exploitation.
• Overview of the grant from the Victims of Crime Act and how the program operates under Michigan Advocacy Program.

Common Cases Toi Handles:

• Financial exploitation: Misuse of credit cards, fraudulent property transfers, and other severe financial abuse.
• Domestic violence: Physical abuse and denial of access to necessary resources.
• Housing issues: Unfair eviction threats related to disabilities or building renovations.

Restorative Justice for Elders Program:

• A new approach to handling elder abuse, focusing on mediation and repairing relationships between elders and their caregivers.
• Inspired by Native American restorative justice principles.
• How the program will help heal relationships while avoiding punitive legal actions that may strain family ties.
• Plans to begin accepting referrals by October 1st.

The Restorative Justice Process:

• Partnering with organizations like Meals on Wheels and nursing homes to identify elders in need.
• Restorative practice circles that involve both the elder and the person causing harm.
• How mediation sessions will remain confidential, with support services offered to both parties.

Alternatives to Guardianship:

• Toi’s advocacy for less restrictive alternatives to guardianship.
• Why guardianship should only be used as a last resort, and the importance of having powers of attorney in place to avoid guardianship.
• Real-life examples of guardianship abuse and how better support systems could have helped avoid it.

Closing Thoughts:

• Toi’s hope for the future of the Restorative Justice for Elders program and the impact it can have on families.
• Final recommendations on the importance of early planning with powers of attorney.
• Toi’s contact information for anyone interested in learning more about the program or seeking help with elder abuse cases.

Key Takeaways:

• Restorative justice offers an alternative to litigation, focusing on healing relationships rather than punitive action.
• Elders often don’t want to pursue legal actions against trusted caregivers who may have caused harm, making restorative justice an appealing solution.
• It’s critical for families to prepare early by setting up powers of attorney to avoid unnecessary guardianship.

Resources Mentioned:

• Crime Victims Legal Assistance Program – For those seeking assistance with elder abuse or exploitation, visit the program’s website or contact Toi directly at tdennis@lsscm.org.
• Southeast Michigan Senior Regional Collaborative (SRC): www.semisrc.org | Phone: (888) 341-8593
• Elder Law and Advocacy Center (ELAC) : Phone: (313) 937-8291, nlsmichigan.org/elder-law/

Tune in to Episode 27 as hosts Kristie King and Antonia Harbin Lamb welcome Harlan Bivens, the visionary behind the Better Detroit Youth Movement and owner of Jay’s Fades. Harlan discusses how his work as a barber, mentor, and community leader positively influences the lives of Detroit residents, especially through his approach to caregiving. The conversation highlights his nonprofit work, the value of community involvement, and his personal experience caring for his parents.

Key topics include:

• [00:02:00] The Origin of the Better Detroit Youth Movement
• [00:05:00] Care from Behind the Chair: Transforming Conversations in the Barbershop
• [00:09:00] Personal Reflections on Caregiving for Parents
• [00:18:00] Addressing the Challenges of Balancing Community Work and Personal Caregiving
• [00:24:00] Documenting the Wisdom of Elders through Mini-Documentaries
• [00:34:00] The Importance of Accessing Resources in the Community

Connect with Harlan Bivens and learn more about his work:

• Better Detroit Youth Movement: www.betterdetroityouth.org
• Better Detroit Brownie Company: www.betterdetroitbrownies.com
• Contact via phone: (313) 460-6638

For more resources and support:

• Southeast Michigan Senior Regional Collaborative (SRC): www.semisrc.org | Phone: (888) 341-8593
• Elder Law and Advocacy Center (ELAC) : Phone: (313) 937-8291