Learn about The Senior Alliance’s Arab American Caregiver Guide and ACCESS EXHALE program supporting caregivers in Southeast Michigan.
April is Arab American Heritage Month. It’s a time dedicated to celebrating the culture, accomplishments, and history of Arab Americans. At The Senior Alliance, we honor the incredible Arab Americans, past and present, who make a difference in our country today and every day.
Arab America Foundation launched the National Arab American Heritage Month initiative in 2017 and was formally recognized by President Joe Biden in 2021. Since then, organizations, school districts, state legislatures, and communities nationwide celebrate the rich heritage and contributions of Arab Americans every April through official proclamations and public events.
Embracing that spirit, The Senior Alliance provides resources and access to programs that benefit Arab American older adults, adults with disabilities, and caregivers. The Arab American Caregiver Guide is an invaluable asset to help with everything from cultural values and challenges to self-care and finding a support system you can lean on.
Along with our caregiver guide, Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services (ACCESS) EXHALE, in partnership with The Senior Alliance, offers support to caregivers caring for loved ones aged 60 and older.
Caregiving can be challenging, but having a place to start—a resource that will direct you toward what to consider and where to find help—is crucial. Our caregiver guide, designed for the Middle Eastern and Northern African (MENA) community, provides a breakdown on caregiving for each group within this community, as the experience for each individual can greatly differ.
The cultural values that come with caregiving in these communities lean on a strong familial responsibility, respect for elders, and dignity and privacy. The challenges are notable, too. While there are many hurdles, concerns for caregivers often include language barriers, mental health stigmas, or long-distance care.
Our Arab American Caregiver Guide includes:
Our caregiver guide provides not only understanding but solutions and resources for any obstacles you may face in your caregiving journey. We offer specific answers, long-term care options, and programs and community services in your area that can help with your day-to-day responsibilities. We are here to help you and your loved ones. No one has to face this experience alone.
Think of our guide as your first step, not your only step. Caregiving is a journey, and engaging with community resources can provide the extra hands and relief you and your loved ones deserve. As a caregiver, we know you carry the load of so much every day. Whether it’s general caregiving duties, appointments, or medications, we understand the stress and responsibility you may feel.
The Senior Alliance is proud to partner with the Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services (ACCESS) for a program that lifts some of the weight off a caregiver. EXHALE gives caregivers caring for loved ones aged 60 and older a chance to take a breath.
ACCESS has been around since 1971 and is the largest Arab American community nonprofit in the nation. Based in Dearborn, it provides health, education, employment, social, and cultural services to strengthen communities while honoring Arab and Middle Eastern heritage. Their deep roots and trust within the Arab American community make them an ideal partner for reaching caregivers who may otherwise be overlooked.
EXHALE, made possible through funding from the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation and Michigan Health Endowment Fund, provides:
Through outreach and awareness, The Senior Alliance links caregivers to:
Caregiving doesn’t have to be a solo journey. ACCESS’s EXHALE program can connect you with others who understand.
During Arab American Heritage Month and after, The Senior Alliance is committed to recognizing the Arab American community and communicating information about the support in place for our local neighbors and caregivers. Your caregiving journey doesn’t have to be one you face alone. Our entire team and our community partners are committed to advocating for you every step of the way.
Through our extensive caregiver guides, community resources, and services available through The Senior Alliance, support is just a click or call away. Learn today how our Arab American Caregiver Guide and ACCESS EXHALE can help you or a caregiver you know.
For more information, contact The Senior Alliance at 734-722-2830 or visit thesenioralliance.org.
What is Arab American Heritage Month?
April is Arab American Heritage Month, and it’s a time dedicated to celebrating the culture, accomplishments, and history of the more than 3.7 million Arab Americans who live in the U.S.
What resources are available in Southeast Michigan for the Arab American community?
The Senior Alliance and community partners offer a variety of services, programs, and resources for the Arab American community and caregivers. The Senior Alliance is a key partner to ACCESS EXHALE, a program that provides caregiver gatherings, professional guidance, an inclusive space, respite opportunities, and more.
The Arab American Caregiver Guide is an extensive resource provided by The Senior Alliance. The guide is designed for the Middle Eastern and Northern African (MENA) community and provides a breakdown on caregiving for each group within this community, as the experience for each individual can greatly differ. The guide will help caregivers with everything from cultural values and challenges to self-care, resources, services, and support.
September marks National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, a time to remember lives lost to suicide as well as raise awareness about this urgent public health crisis. The Senior Alliance has programs and services to support mental health for aging adults and their caregivers.
May marks an important occasion on our calendar: Older Americans Month. During this time, we recognize and honor the significant contributions, experiences, and resilience of older adults across the US. It’s a moment to reflect on the wisdom they impart, the challenges they’ve overcome, and the legacy they’ve built.
