By EmilyArmstrong
Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan
It can be overwhelming to navigate the number of resources that exist for older adults and caregivers. At the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan (AAAWM), we work to streamline this process and lead you through your journey. It starts with a phone call to 616-456-5664, where our Information and Assistance team can help you learn about and understand the resources that are personalized to your needs. We do this because there is no “one-size-fits-all” for aging, and we know that many older adults want to stay living independently for as long as possible. Additionally, caregivers could take on some of this planning, and having one single source to contact and ask questions can be helpful as well.
So, what are some common themes to the questions our Information and Assistance team receives? They tend to fall into the three groups below, but of course, that doesn’t mean that any question is too big or small for our team to help with.
Personalized Options
Most older adults want to stay living at home and engaged in their communities. When looking for resources to support this goal, our team is able to help. AAAWM’s in-house programs vary based on need and care level. Our Care Management program is for those who want to stay living at home, but are having a little trouble managing a few things around the house on their own. Support through this program could include light housework and personal care. A step further in support is the MI Choice Medicaid Waiver program. The MI Choice program is designed for those who are at a nursing home level of care but wish to continue to live at home. It provides these supports in the individual’s own home for a sustained amount of time, such as personal care, home-delivered meals, transportation, and other services. And finally, if your loved one is in a facility and wishes to return to the community, our Community Transitions Services team may be able to help with this transition, aiding in housing, acquiring the necessary equipment, furniture, and more. If you or your loved one is interested in one of these programs, the process begins with a phone call to our Information and Assistance team who can help with an assessment to determine qualifications and which of these programs would be the best fit.
Connections to Community Resources
A one-time question is also common for our Information and Assistance team. Perhaps you are looking for food resources. Our specialists would be able to direct you to a local food pantry, congregate meal site, or home-delivered meal program in your area depending on what you are looking for. Or maybe your mom has a doctor’s appointment, but you are unable to take her, our team would be able to provide the contact information for a transportation service in the nine counties that we serve. We strive to be the source for seniors and connect seniors to a wide variety of community resources.
Education
In addition to the programs and resources mentioned above, the Information and Assistance team is able to connect caregivers and older adults to educational opportunities. For example, Medicare and Medicaid are confusing to navigate, the Medicare Medicaid Assistance Program has counselors who will help answer those questions. If you are a caregiver, our Family Caregiver University classes could be a good fit. Classes designed specifically for caregivers are offered monthly on a variety of topics to support the caregiver on their journey. If you’re looking to stay active from home, Healthy Aging offers evidence-based classes designed for older adults to help with strength, balance, and fall prevention. The Information and Assistance team can help identify and connect you to these classes and services.
Ultimately the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan is here to help and this assistance is available in many different forms. We encourage you to call 616-456-5664 to get started.
