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Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan Opens New Caregiver Training Center
The Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan (AAAWM) is excited to announce the opening of its new Caregiver Training Center, located at 3215 Eaglecrest Drive, Grand Rapids, MI. This dedicated space is designed to equip West Michigan caregivers with essential knowledge, tools, and support. Serving as a resource hub, the center will offer a variety of classes and workshops tailored to address the distinct challenges faced by both family and professional caregivers in our community.
Misconceptions on Aging
Aging is a reality we all face, yet there is often a negative stereotype attached to getting older. These misconceptions can lead to fear, limiting opportunities, and preventing seniors from enjoying their later state of life. Instead, aging should be seen as a time of embracing change, experiencing growth, and leaning into new possibilities. Let’s reframe the narrative by addressing some of these common misconceptions:
Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan Announces Office Consolidation and Move to Garden Level
To streamline operations and better serve our community, the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan is pleased to announce that we have consolidated our office and moved the majority of our agency operations to the garden level at our existing location at 3215 Eaglecrest Drive NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525. This move is designed to improve efficiency and foster closer collaboration within our team.
Age Your Way: Adult Day Center
At an adult day center, individuals can participate in activities, exercise, socialize with others, and receive personal care while their caregivers have respite. In this video, we visit The Day Center at Evergreen Commons to learn more about how this service benefits both caregivers and older adults!
New Year...New Home
A closer look at Carlos' story of transitioning home from a nursing facility with the help of the Community Transition Services program with the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan.
Holiday Scams: Protecting Yourself This Winter Season
As the festive season approaches, many look forward to celebrating with family and friends, exchanging gifts, and enjoying holiday traditions. However, it’s also a time when scammers ramp up their efforts, targeting vulnerable individuals, particularly older adults. Here’s what you need to know about common holiday scams in Michigan, how to protect yourself, and what steps to take if you suspect you’ve fallen victim to a scam.
Indigenous/ Native American Heritage Month 2024
November is Indigenous/Native American Heritage Month, where we pay tribute to the rich ancestry and traditions of Native Americans and Indigenous peoples. This is also an opportunity to bring awareness to the unique challenges Indigenous people have faced historically and in the present. It is important to recognize the lands we are on today were first inhabited by Native American tribes before being colonized by European settlers and to recognize the poor treatment of Indigenous peoples thereafter. Below are a few tools to help you engage and learn from this meaningful history and how you can be a supporter in the present.
National Family Caregiver Month
Caregiver.org defines family caregiving as "any relative, partner, friend, or neighbor who has a significant personal relationship with, and provides a broad range of assistance for, an older person or an adult with a chronic or disabling condition. These individuals may be primary or secondary caregivers and live with, or separately from, the person receiving care." Help us recognize the dedication of family caregivers this month!
Age Your Way- February 2023: How does funding work?
Our February Age Your Video is out now! AAAWM Executive Director, Kendrick Heinlein, joins Liz to discuss our various funding streams and our role in the administration of these programs that go to support seniors, persons with a disability, and their caregivers.
Age Your Way- January 2023: What is an Area Agency on Aging?
Introducing our new Age Your Way Video Series! We're excited to bring you a short video each month that covers services and supports to help you age with independence and dignity. This month's video covers this question "What is the Area Agency on Aging and how can it help?". Give the video a watch above to hear from Liz Barnett, our Outreach Specialist, and a special guest.
