Region VII Area Agency on Aging
Caring
in Our Communities
What's New in the Region
Current Events
Seniors, is your power about to be shut off? Call Region VII for assistance or click here for a list of energy assistance programs.
Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC)
Executive Director's Monthly Report
PATH (Personal Action Toward Health)
Older Michiganian's Day - 6/10/2010
Public Presentation of Senior Services -
Calendar of Events
Fishsmart Eatsmart Health Fair - July 29 from 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at Morley Plaza, Saginaw.
PATH Workshop - Begins August 10 at Covenant Health Care in Bay City. Please call for more information or to RSVP.
PATH Workshop - Begins September 22 at Zauel Library in Saginaw. Please call for more information or to RSVP.
Medicare Part D open enrollment - November 15 - December 30, 2010 by appointment.
1615 South Euclid Avenue
Bay City, MI 48706
Region VII Increases Services
Region VII continues to show an increase in seniors served utilizing state/federal and local funding. State/federal/local funding supports our seniors with services through our core programs of:
Access Services which includes Care Management, Case Coordination and
Support, Information and Assistance, Medicare/Medicaid Assistance, MI Choice
Medicaid Waiver, Outreach and Advocacy, and Transportation.
In-Home Services which includes Chore, Emergency Respite, Homemaker,
Home Delivered Meals (HDM), Personal and Respite Care and Tobacco Settlement
Respite Care.
Community Services which includes Adult Day Care, Caregiver Supplemental
Services, Congregate Nutrition, Elder Abuse Prevention, Home Repair, Legal Assistance,
Long Term Care Ombudsman, Medication Management, Senior Community Services Employment
and other services.
MI Choice Waiver Program-Your Choice of Staying at Home
Region VII offers older adults and disabled persons over the age of 18 the option of staying out of the nursing home with this important program. In fiscal year 2008, 537 clients were able to remain in their homes and maintain a sense of independence. MI Choice Waiver provides in home care for those who meet financial criteria and are medically eligible for nursing home placement.
Conference/Training Room
The conference room, with internet hookup, is used for provider meetings such as Alzheimer's and Mental Health workshops, Medicare Prescription Drug Counseling, and in-house trainings and committee meetings. This space is available for trainings and small conferences for agencies in the aging network.
Three-Point Plan for Long Term Care Reform
Region VII is working with other regions to encourage legislation of the following reforms::
Money Follows the Person - Over three-fourths of Medicaid long-term care dollars goes to nursing homes. This has come about because of governmental policies restricting people’s choice of care, lack of awareness about choices, and ineffective screening. This proposal would increase the client’s care options and eliminate some of these issues. Restrictions would be lifted and public education to inform consumers about choices would be emphasized.
Most people still don’t know about long-term care options. A nursing home is not the only answer for a loved one who can no longer live independently. Many can be helped by in-home and community based services or assisted living.
Another option is long term care insurance. For information about planning ahead for long term care, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Center for Medicaid and Medicare Services is partnering with Michigan and five other states in an "Own Your Future" awareness campaign. A Long Term Care Planning Kit is available to help make those important decisions about future care needs, resources for insurance, home modifications, and legal issues. Download these materials on www.aoa.gov/ownyourfuture.
Stable and Respected Workforce Frail elders and people with disabilities need committed, competent, and honest workers to provide them with assistance. There is an alarming shortage of people willing to take these jobs. A state wide data base, a home help provider registry, has been developed. Call the Michigan Quality Care Council Home Help Registry at 800-979-4662 or
Link to Related Website
The primary focus of Region VII Area Agency on Aging is to provide for the independence of people as they age. With assistance from the Center for Independent Living Centers, Nursing Facility Transition Services make living independently more accessible.
The goal of the Nursing Facility Transition Service is to provide seniors and/or adults aged 18+ who have a disability an opportunity to choose community based living as a viable alternative to nursing facility placement. A care team, comprised of a Registered Nurse and Licensed Social Worker, may assist an individual with identifying and implementing the supports and services that will allow them to enter and/or remain in their independent living environment. Typical support services include advocacy, care management, personal care, and housekeeping.
The program is available to residents of a nursing facility who are Medicaid Recipients and desire to return to their own home or a less restrictive, more independent living environment like an Adult Foster Care Home or Home for the Aged. The Nursing Facility Transition Service may also assist in diverting a participant from a Nursing Facility Placement. For more information, or to make a referral, please call 1-800-858-1637.
For further information, contact Region VII Area Agency on Aging, 1615 S. Euclid Ave., Bay City 1-800-858-1637 www.region7aaa.org
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County Agency Programs
Bay County
The Bay County Division on Aging, in collaboration with Outpatient Rehabilitation Services for Bay Regional Medical Center - West Campus, sponsors periodic six-week classes that focus on strength training for the older adult. The class meets twice a week for an hour each session, and the course fee includes instructor costs, materials, use of the room, and lunch for the day. Class size is generally limited to 10 persons per class, to assure adequate time for the instructor. Before the class begins, each registrant is scheduled for an interview with the Instructor, who completes an assessment of each individual to determine strengths and limitations before class begins.
These sessions are completed by appointment at the West Campus of Bay Regional Medical Center. The classes are held at the Bay County Community Center, 800 J. F. Kennedy Drive in Bay City. Individuals who are interested in getting their name on the waiting list for the next class session are asked to please contact Debbie Keyes at 893-5834. There are reduced fees for Bay County residents age 60 or older, because the Bay County Division on Aging receives grant funding under the Health Promotion/Disease Prevention funding awarded by Region VII Area Agency on Aging. Senior citizens on a limited income also have the opportunity to apply for a scholarship for the class. Individuals under age 60 may enroll, but pay a higher fee because they are not age-eligible for grant funding. Classes are generally held in the fall, winter, and spring. Due to high demand, the Division on Aging maintains a waiting list and notified prospective candidates for class enrollment when the dates are scheduled. For more info, you may contact Debbie Keyes at (989) 893-5834.
www.baycounty-mi.govClare County
The File of Life™ is a program available in Clare County, along with 1400 cities in 49 states, which enables emergency personnel to obtain a quick medical history when the patient is unable to offer one. A large red, highly visible magnet with a plastic pouch that holds important medical information is posted on the outside of one's refrigerator. In an emergency, the file can easily be found and used by EMTs and emergency rooms.
Clare County also offers Individual Patient Assistance to receive free or reduced price medications from manufacturers. This is prescription drug counseling for persons with no prescription insurance. Help filling out applications is available at the Council on Aging in Farwell at 800-952-3160 or 989-588-9816.
www.councilonagingcg.orgGladwin County
The File of Life™ is also available in Gladwin County. The Gladwin City Housing Commission makes the File accessible to all public housing tenants. Call for help to fill out applications for these programs at 800-952-0056 or 989-246-0740.
www.councilonagingcg.orgGratiot County
The Gratiot County Commission on Aging offers three programs that stress safety: free emergency cell phone distribution, free reflective numbers at the end of driveways, and the Beacon Porch Light at the cost of $5 a bulb. Residents are encouraged to post reflective house numbers so their homes can be found quickly in an emergency. The Commission on Aging helps with installation. The Beacon Porch light blinks on and off when the switch is flipped twice. It helps to draw attention to a house in a crisis situation. For more information please call 989-875-5246.
www.co.gratiot.mi.us/coaHuron County
Huron County has an annual "Walk for Warmth", February 24, 2007. This is an opportunity to raise funds to help with fuel and utility emergencies.
An ongoing senior volunteer program in Huron County is the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), a part of the Senior Corps supported by funds from the Office of Services to Aging, Corporations for National and Community Service and local donations. These volunteers are involved in adult literacy, food collection and distribution, support to families in emergencies and friendly visiting. Call the Human Development Commission toll free at 800-843-6394.
www.hdc-caro.orgIsabella County
The Isabella County Commission on Aging spearheads the Foster Grandparent Program and the Senior Companion Program in Clare, Gratiot and Isabella Counties. These volunteer programs work with children or frail adults. The older adult must be over 60, meet income guidelines and be able to give 20 hours of service per week. The volunteer receives a small stipend and transportation reimbursement. Please call the Commission on Aging at 800-878-0726 or 989-772-0748.
www.isabellacounty.org/dept/coaMidland County
Senior Services understands the special needs of those with Alzheimer's/Dementia and their family members. Specialists in Alzheimer's care; Senior Services provides services, support and resources to enhance the quality of life for those affected and their families. "A Family Centered Approach to Alzheimer's Care" is a resource manual available to families working with Senior Services. Please call 800-638-2058 or 989-835-3041.
www.seniorservicesmidland.orgS
aginaw CountyThe Saginaw County Commission on Aging has an expanded, successful Kinship Care Support Service. If you are 60 or older, living in Saginaw County, and are the primary caregiver for a minor child, please call the Commission on Aging 's number 989-797-6884 or 866-763-6336. Help with legal issues, respite care, relief from emotional stress and financial and health problems is also available.
www.saginawcounty.comSanilac County
Sanilac County's yearly fundraiser, "Walk for Warmth". is an opportunity to raise funds to help with fuel and utility emergencies.
Adult literacy, friendly visiting, support to families in crisis, food collections and distribution and many more projects are part of the Senior Corps, the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) in Sanilac County. Dedication by senior volunteers help keep neighborhoods strong. If you are at least 55 and interested in giving to your community, please call the Human Development Commission toll free at 800-843-6394.
www.hdc-caro.orgTuscola County
Daily reassurance calls to isolated seniors are made by senior volunteers "to just check on how things are going". Calls are made from the volunteer's own home. They are trained in emergency contact procedures and resource information so they can offer support and assistance. This is one of the many programs in the Thumb that is supported by the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP). RSVP volunteers receive assistance with mileage, liability and supplemental insurance, training, and ongoing recognition.
The yearly fund raiser to help all ages, "Walk for Warmth" uses funds to help with utility emergencies. More information is available at 800-843-6394.
www.hdc-caro.orgCELL PHONES FOR SENIORS
Donated cell phones to be used for 911 emergency calls are available free to seniors. If you would like to donate your cell phone or if you are a senior who needs an emergency phone, contact your senior center:
- Clare County Council on Aging: 1-800-952-3160
- Gladwin County Council on Aging: 1-800-952-0056
- Gratiot County Commission on Aging: 1-989-875-5246
- Isabella County Commission on Aging: 1-800-878-0726
- Midland County Commission on Aging: 1-800-638-2058
- Saginaw County Commission on Aging: 1-866-763-6336
- Thumb Counties-Call your local Triad (Police) Organization
Reach us at our nationwide toll free number:
1-800-858-1637
or
E-mail:
1615 South Euclid Avenue, Bay City, MI 48706
1-800-858-1637