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Comfort Keepers News for Seniors, Caregivers, and Their Families in Northwest Michigan from from
The Walk To End Alzheimer’s
How serious are we about walking to end Alzheimer’s? Very.
Since the first local Walk To End Alzheimer’s in 2010, Comfort Keepers has consistently participated as a top fundraising team and served as the local presenting sponsor every year. In 2024, our local walk team was named the top Comfort Keepers team, raising an impressive $26,836. Additionally, our owner, Russ Knopp, serves as Chairman of the Board of the Michigan Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association.
“We provide senior home care in counties with a notably large and growing population of older adults. We see firsthand the impact of this devastating disease on Northern Michigan families, and commit significant employee volunteer hours, professional support, and resources to ending Alzheimer’s while serving families,” says Knopp.
In the United States, one in three seniors dies with Alzheimer’s or other dementia. The number of related deaths has nearly doubled in the last 20 years. With new treatments emerging in the fight against Alzheimer’s and other dementia, now is the time for hope and action.
This year, we are honored to have Kristina Butler, the founder of Comfort Keepers, walking with our Traverse City team on October 4th. Kristina has been a trailblazing advocate for seniors to live as independently as possible in their own homes.
We ask that you walk with us or donate to our Comfort Keepers team of caregivers, staff, friends, and family. Seriously.
To take action now, visit alz.org/walk or call Mary Maison, Walk Team Captain at (231) 929-9044
2-1-1
In a life-threatening emergency, you call 911. But what if you can’t pay your electric bill, are struggling with loneliness, need help with an addiction, or need legal assistance?
211 is the one number you call or text to get answers to life’s many challenges. In northern Michigan, United Way makes it possible. United Way has partnered with local organizations and companies that offer free or discounted social services, providing you with a fast and straightforward way to access the specific help you need, as quickly as possible.
to a Groove Routines are your secret rhythm.
Don’t Go hermit Text, call, meme-share your fun friends.
the Little Stuff A morning without chaos? Victory! Know Your “Nope.” Boundaries are pro moves, not weaknesses.
FAMILY MATTERS
Tips for Caregiving with Kindness
Start with a Chat
Experienced caregivers start most tasks with a chat. Rather than walking a person to the bathroom and starting to undress them, tell them the whole bathing plan from start to finish, estimate how much time is involved, and answer any questions the person may have. Along the way, say what you are doing and what will happen next. Give them every opportunity to help as much as they are able. Tasks take much less time if you are working together.
Personal Hygiene with Comfort and Dignity for all
Assisted Showering
Maintaining personal cleanliness can become challenging as people age and is a common concern for family members when Mom or Dad lives alone. Managing hygiene is one of the most personal aspects of caregiving, and with planning, patience, and the right tools, everyone’s comfort and dignity are preserved.
Protect Their Privacy
Modesty matters. Offer a towel, or better yet, a bath cape, to help them stay covered during the shower. Always explain what you’re about to do before assisting. You might say: “Let’s start by washing your back. You let me know if anything feels uncomfortable, okay?”
A shower is the safest and most comfortable option, especially when a few simple precautions are in place. Whether you’re new to caregiving or looking for a refresher, here are some gentle tips to help make bathing safer and more comfortable for everyone involved.
Safety and Proper Tools
• Place non-slip mats inside and outside the shower
• Use grab bars near the toilet and in the tub or shower
• Use a handheld showerhead and a shower chair
• Use a shower cape, like a barber’s cape. The Blue Hug Garment is a popular choice.
• Adjust water temperature before entering the shower
If they can safely wash certain areas on their own, let them. You can help with harder-to-reach spots by providing a soapy washcloth. Allowing them to do what they can builds confidence and protects their dignity.
Don’t Rush
A calm, steady pace, without distractions, helps them feel safe and relaxed—and makes the process easier for both of you. You can finish with comfort, gently patting them dry, applying moisturizer, and helping them to dress if needed.
What About a Bath?
While showers are safer for everyday hygiene, some older adults still enjoy a relaxing soak from time to time and may only need assistance getting in and out. With the right setup of a nonslip bathtub mat, a gentle hand, and a little patience, bathing can be a safe and even soothing part of care. And sometimes, these quiet moments turn into the most meaningful.
Consider a Bidet
Redesigned for the American market, a bidet enables more seniors to stay clean and remain in their homes than any other technology, and its popularity is growing rapidly. Americans
The Blue Hug Shower Garment
Example of bidet/attachment.
have never fully embraced the bidet, which uses water jets for thorough cleaning after using the toilet. The thought of transitioning from the toilet to straddling a separate porcelain fixture is an unlikely trick for a frail senior.
Protect Your Back
The good news is that home bathrooms are now commonly equipped with a simple, affordable bidet attachment that fits onto your existing toilet. This bathroom upgrade could mean the difference between maintaining independence and needing assistance with toileting. Many seniors refuse help because it involves a loss of privacy and dignity; however, poor personal hygiene can lead to unpleasant odors, an increased risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs), skin breakdown, and overall irritation.
For caregivers who need to assist with toileting and personal hygiene, a bidet is very
CARING FOR THE CAREGIVER No matter how much you want to help, it becomes impossible to assist others when your own back is in pain. Here are some essential caregiver tips for protecting your back while helping to move or assist seniors. Simple habits can prevent injuries and keep both you and the person you’re helping safe. Fatigue and stress can cause sloppy movements, leading to injuries. Stay rested, hydrated, and attentive to your body’s needs.
SPOTLIGHT ON PARTNERS
Accelerate the Care
We are delighted to put the spotlight on our friends at Accelerating The Care, a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for caregivers and those affected by Alzheimer’s and other types of Dementia. Their programs and initiatives offer compassionate support, resources, and education to caregivers, empowering them to deliver high-quality care while maintaining their well-being.
Unfamiliar with their work? Here’s what we love:
First, they accept applications from caregivers in need of assistance with automotive repairs, getting them back on the road, and caring for those in need.
Second, their dedication and work in providing training to family members, caregivers, and facilities in the highly regarded Positive Approach to Care (PAC). This approach teaches caregivers simple techniques based on understanding the areas of the brain that are no longer functioning and utilizing the parts of the brain that are still active. Positive approach to care gives highly effective, practical dementia care education while empowering caregivers and the those whom they care for.
helpful. Most families opt for the warm water and heated air-drying features, which eliminate wiping. It may take some practice to get used to using a bidet seat attachment, but it will be easier and more hygienic than using toilet paper or wet wipes. Even better, proper cleansing after toileting can help ensure cleanliness between shower or bath days, which both caregivers and seniors often find challenging.
Prices vary based on features such as a heated seat, warm water, air dryer, adjustable jet settings, and an electric plug. Expect to pay $250 - $700 for an easy-to-use bidet seat attachment for your current toilet.
If something hurts, stop and reevaluate. Keep your muscles strong with daily core and leg exercises, like squats or gentle stretches, to support your spine and reduce injury risk. Even 10 minutes a day can make a big difference. Doing yoga or simple stretches for your neck, hips, calf muscles, and hamstrings will help you respond better to physical accidents, such as falls or tripping.
Throughout the year, Comfort Keepers lends financial support to Accelerate The Care, such as sponsorship of this summer’s Drive To Remember Fundraiser, and hosts free PAC workshops at our Traverse City training center.
How you can help:
Purchase a limited availability $100 raffle ticket with a spectacular single prize: a 1999 Porsche Boxster. The lucky winner will be announced on September 21st at the Traverse City Horse Shows. For more information on upcoming workshops, the Automotive Assistance Program, or to purchase a raffle ticket, visit: acceleratethecare.com
FACES OF CARE
Janice Rehkopf
Director of Client Service
Janice’s Journey from Providing Care to Shaping It
When people see Janice Rehkopf today – composed, confident, and leading as Director of Client Services – they see a seasoned professional who carries both wisdom and heart. What they may not see right away is where it all began: in the quiet, meaningful spaces of caregiving, sitting side-by-side with clients, helping them live with dignity and connection.
Janice began her career in senior care as a certified nursing assistant in her hometown of Traverse City. After gaining experience in Detroit and Ann Arbor, she found herself missing the community and personal connection that came with caring for people close to home.
In 2005, she joined Comfort Keepers of Northern Michigan as the company’s first full-time employee – a decision that would shape not just her career, but her life. “It felt like home from the start,” she says. “Every new client and team member felt like an extension of family.”
In those early years, Janice wore many hats – caregiver, scheduler, trainer, mentor. But at the heart of it all was the care itself. The deep relationships she built with clients and families still guide the way she leads today.
Care That Stays With You
Some of those early clients remain unforgettable.
A client, and respected business owner in the community, was a quiet teacher in Janice’s early career. “I was in my twenties, still figuring things out,” she recalls. “John kept his old pill bottles above the phone table, filled with pennies, nickels, and dimes. I asked him once why he did that, and he said, ‘Pennies add up to nickels. Nickels add up to dimes.’”
“Every small act of kindness, every moment of presence, adds up.”
That small statement left a big impression. “It reminded me that the little things matter – in caregiving and in life. Every small act of kindness, every moment of presence, adds up. That’s how trust is built. That’s how people feel safe.”
John had a woodshop where he loved to build. One year, he handcrafted small wooden boxes as a birthday gift for my daughter. It was such a thoughtful gesture – and it meant the world to me. He would talk often about his late wife, how much she loved to garden and cook. He showed me some of her favorite recipes, and
together we recreated them. I’ll never forget how proud he looked when we got a dish just right – the way his face lit up.
Those moments weren’t just tasks or time spent – they were a gift. I learned so much from him about grace, patience, and the joy of helping someone reconnect with what they love. Being part of his life, even for a short time, brought so much meaning to mine.
Why Home Care Matters
“I entered this field because I care about people. But I stayed because I fell in love with what home care really is,” Janice says. “It’s not just about providing help – it’s about preserving identity, honoring relationships, and helping families stay close in ways that feel natural and meaningful.”
Over the years, Janice has helped Comfort Keepers grow from basic homemaking and companionship to a full circle of care –including private duty nursing, wellness technology, and holistic support tailored to each client’s needs. “We’re helping people stay independent longer, and we’re giving families the tools to stay lovingly involved. That’s powerful.”
Leading from Experience
Today, as Director of Client Services, Janice continues to walk with families through some of life’s most complex seasons. She helps build personalized care plans, leads a team of dedicated professionals, and strengthens the systems that support clients and caregivers alike.
Because she’s done the work — deeply and personally – she leads with a rare kind of empathy and insight.
Why She Cares
“I believe in what we do,” Janice says. “This isn’t just about providing care – it’s about connection. It’s about helping people live the way they want to, with dignity and joy, while making sure families feel supported and seen.”
20 Years, 10 Counties, Countless Smiles
To celebrate our 20th Anniversary on June 25, which also happened to be the National Day of Joy, our administrative team hit the road with Gift Baskets of Joy.
It was our way of saying thank you for the care, the dedication, and the community that makes these 20 years so meaningful.
Community Matters
Senior Palooza at the Grand Traverse Bay YMCA.
Free dementia training workshop provided by Accelerate the Care.
Russ Knopp at the Grand Traverse Band Health Fair.
Senior In-home Care
1755 Barlow Street
Traverse City, MI 49686
from Comfort NewsKeepers® News
OWNERS’ MESSAGE
20 Years of Earning Your Trust
This year marks 20 years since Comfort Keepers of Northern Michigan began serving our community, and we’re feeling deeply grateful.
Over these two decades, one thing has remained at the heart of everything we do: trust. Trust isn’t something that comes quickly in this line of work. It’s something we earn through listening, showing up, and staying true to our values.
Over the past 20 years, we’ve gained a deep understanding of the complexities of senior care in northern Michigan's communities, having had the privilege of walking alongside families through some of life’s most difficult and meaningful moments. We’ve built strong relationships, not only with our clients and caregivers, but with local healthcare providers, community leaders, senior care partners, and legislators. These relationships directly benefit our senior clients and their families when urgent needs arise.
No matter how our services evolve and expand, one thing remains constant: our commitment to care that is personal, respectful, and built on trust.
Thank you for trusting us with what matters most.
Russ & Leslie Knopp Owners, Comfort Keepers of Northwest Michigan