Looking Back: Wolbers Shopping Center

Wolbers was located at the corner of S. Westnedge and Centre Streets. It was started in 1917 by Etta, Bill and Henry Wolbers. From 1916-1967 it was the place to go in Portage for groceries, toys, photo supplies, tires and gas. Many longtime Portage residents still talk about their great soda fountain.

Muffl er Man is located there today.

Provided by the Area Agency on Aging IIIA 311 E Alcott St., Kalamazoo, 269-373-5173 Do you or a loved one need help in your home? Has cleaning the house, taking a bath or making a meal become too diffi cult? Home care agencies can be a great resource to help people remain safe while living independently in their own home. However, connecting with the appropriate caregiver can be challenging. In the state of Michigan, there are no licensing requirements for private-duty home care agencies (agencies providing skilled medical services such as physical therapy, etc. are regulated). When deciding on an agency, consider the following: What do you need? Some of the tasks homecare staff can provide include: light housekeeping, personal care, bathing/showering assistance, help getting dressed, meal preparation, grocery shopping and errands, transportation, and medication management. Make a list of the tasks or daily activities you need help with, and how often you need that assistance. It may be helpful to talk with someone you trust who knows you well, and ask for his or her input. Decide if you will need to hire all of your care or if there are family or friends who might be able to help address these needs. Options for support: There are many quality agencies providing home care. Not all offer the same services or supports. Some employ registered nurses and/or licensed practical nurses; others hire aides that may or may not be certifi ed nursing assistants (CNAs). Here are important questions to consider when screening potential home care agencies: • How long has the agency been in business? • Are criminal background checks conducted on all employees? (Ideally before hire & every 5 years, or more). If a criminal history is found, what is the agency’s policy? • Are all employees drug tested? When and how often? • Will the agency provide professional and past/present client references? It is helpful to talk with someone who has had experience with the agency. • Who supervises the workers? Are the aides supervised by a registered nurse (RN) or a licensed practical nurse (LPN)? • How will my information be kept confi dential? • What is the charge? Most agencies charge by the hour, but there may be a minimum time required per visit, such as 2-3 hours. • How will you receive a bill? How often? You should never be asked to pay the worker directly. • What forms of payment do you accept? Is there insurance coverage? Medicare and/or most private health insurances do not cover this type of home care. However, long-term care policies generally do cover this service. If the need for home care is due to an auto accident, your auto insurance may cover. • What happens if my regular worker is not available or does not show up? • Are the employees bonded and insured? This protects the client if the worker is injured while providing care or something gets broken or stolen. The agency should carry professional and general liability insurance as well as fi delity bonds and worker’s compensation. • Is staff training conducted on a regular basis? Do they receive specialized training, such as CPR & fi rst aid, preparing meals, working with individuals with dementia, transferring and mobility, and engaging others in daily activities? • If I am not satisfi ed, what do I do? A plan for addressing any problem areas should be clearly defi ned in the initial meeting with the provider. • What if I have to change my scheduled time? Do I contact my worker directly, or call the offi ce? • If staff is providing transportation, are they trustworthy? Agencies should have a policy to ensure autos are properly insured and drivers are properly licensed. • How does the agency verify the time the worker is helping me? Some agencies use a telephone system and ask workers to call upon arrival and departure from the client’s home. Other agencies may request that the client sign a timesheet.