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Get to Know Your Local Area Agency on Aging

Discover Resources That Promote Independence and Support 

An older woman with gray hair smiles at a woman with brown hair next to an open laptop.

 

Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) coordinate essential services for older adults, people with disabilities, and their caregivers. Their mission is to support preserving the independence and dignity of those they serve through partnerships with local providers. Established under the 1965 Older Americans Act, there are over 600 AAAs across the U.S. to help meet the needs of our growing aging population.

Key Functions of AAA's

Service Coordination: Done over the phone and/or in the home, AAAs assess needs and connect individuals with the services they require.

Information & Referral: AAAs also provide information about available programs, benefits, and services in their community.

Direct Services: Many AAAs offer programs like meal delivery and transportation.

Advocacy: AAAs advocate for the rights and needs of older adults at the local, state, and national levels.

Caregiver Support: AAAs provide resources and support for those caring for older adults.

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Senior Resources of West Michigan

Located at Tanglewood Park in Norton Shores, Senior Resources of West Michigan is the AAA that serves Ottawa, Muskegon, and Oceana counties. Their goal is to help older adults and families connect with services and resources that will allow them to age-in-place at home. They offer many programs for older adults and their caregivers:

  • MI Choice Waiver: For older adults who are low-income and medically qualify for a nursing home-level of care, but want to remain in their homes.  See our article, MI Choice Medicaid Waiver Program.
  • Care Coordination Services: Support like adult daycare,  medication management, personal care, and more.
  • Primary Care at Home: Brings primary care visits to patients' homes for those with two or more chronic health conditions. This provides improved quality of life and comfort, allows patients more time with their PCP, and gives caregivers peace of mind. Patients must be enrolled in medicare and have a qualifying insurance plan to participate. Learn more by calling Senior Resources’ Primary Care at Home team at (231) 737-4041.
  • Other Programs: The State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) offers qualified adults medicare assistance, the Community Care Closet is a great resource for aging adults in need of consumables, and caregiving resources–including support groups–are a great resource for those who care for aging adults.

For more information about these programs and resources, contact Senior Resources at (231) 733-3585, email contactoptions@seniorresourceswmi.org, or visit www.seniorresourceswmi.org.

Area Agency on Aging of West Michigan (AAAWM)

Located in Grand Rapids, AAAWM serves Allegan, Ionia, Kent, Lake, Mason, Mecosta, Montcalm, Newaygo, and Osceola counties. Their mission is to provide older adults and adults living with a disability with services designed to promote independence and dignity in their homes and their communities–coordinating support and education for caregivers and leading advocacy efforts on behalf of older adults.  They do this through:

  • Planning and Advocacy: AAAWM develops in-home care programs that focus on those with the greatest social and economic needs.
  • Provider Partnerships: AAAWM contracts with local service providers for home-based care as people age.
  • Care Management: AAAWM provides care management services for older adults, where a nurse and social worker create personalized in-home care plans utilizing community resources.
  • Senior Millage Administration: AAAWM manages county funding for senior services.

If you want additional info about the Area Agency on Aging of West Michigan, contact AAAWM at (616) 456-5664, email aaainfo@aaawm.org, or visit www.aaawm.org.

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