Free Zoom Program for Caregivers Outlining Michigan’s New Power of Attorney Act to Be Held Jan. 14, 2025

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Event presented by the Brown Program, an adult day program at centers in Southfield and West Bloomfield that provides activities and care for those living with dementia.

Michigan’s adoption of a new Power of Attorney Act in July 2024 has led to more powers but also some limitations of previous power of attorney laws for those taking care of loved ones. Caregivers in Michigan wanting more information can attend a Zoom meeting on Jan. 14 at 2 p.m. with a presentation by estate planning attorney Howard Collens of Collens Estate Law PLLC in Huntington Woods. The free event is being offered by The Dorothy and Peter Brown Jewish Community Adult Day Program, a joint initiative of Gesher Human Services and Jewish Senior Life,  which provides innovative and engaging activities, care, and socialization for those living with dementia along with support for their families at its two centers in West Bloomfield and Southfield. The Day Program welcomes people of all beliefs and faiths. For images of the Brown Program in action, click here.

Director of the Brown Program, Debi Banooni,

said that this event will also include information on patient advocate designations and a question-and-answer session. This will be the first in a series of educational open houses in 2025 to support caregivers, with funding provided by the Dee dee and Michael Perlman Caregivers Fund. Future programs will include a presentation by an activist and founder of a nonprofit for people living with dementia and a neurologist with expert knowledge of dementia.

“These open houses have been created as a support to caregivers in the community and participation in the Brown Program is not required to attend,” said Banooni. “The goal is to provide education and resources to family care partners caring for loved ones, and even professionals in the field of caregiving. With the change in the Power of Attorney Act we know there are many questions loved ones might have and we hope to provide answers, knowledge and reassurance with our first program.”

To register for the program, email Joanna Dorfman at jdorfman@jslmi.org or call 248.661.6390 ext. 1

About Gesher Human Services

Gesher Human Services is a non-profit organization providing a bridge to hope and opportunity for people at work, at home and in the community. It is dedicated to helping people across metro Detroit lead more stable and fulfilling lives through workforce development, career mobility, behavioral health, inclusion programming and residential services that serve all metro Detroiters while meeting the needs of the Jewish community.

The organization works with job seekers, people with disabilities, older adults, and the community at large to provide skills, support, and equitable opportunities for people to succeed. Uniting two of metro Detroit’s most influential Jewish human services agencies, JVS Human Services and Kadima, Gesher brings over 110 years of combined experience facilitating equitable employment opportunities and better mental health outcomes for residents.

With a network of more than 400 employees and volunteers across 25 locations in southeast Michigan, Gesher delivers a continuum of services and support that directly impacts the lives of over 26,000 individuals and families annually. More information at www.geshermi.org.

About Jewish Senior Life of Metropolitan Detroit

Founded in 1907, Jewish Senior Life of Metropolitan Detroit (JSL) provides six inclusive residential communities with a continuum of care on two campuses in West Bloomfield and Oak Park, Michigan. JSL enhances the lives of older adults, embraces Jewish values, nurtures a sense of community, and celebrates life through innovative enrichment programs and services that support the social, physical, cultural, and spiritual wellness of all participants. JSL is a nonprofit organization that welcomes people of all beliefs and faiths. Visit https://jslmi.org/.