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Helpful Tips for Open Enrollment
The world of Medicare/Medicaid can be an extremely confusing one. Each year, open enrollment occurs from October 15-December 7. This process can be overwhelming—how do you know which option is the best fit for you? Here are a few tips for navigating the open enrollment season.
Over $24 Million In Funding Set to Positively Impact West Michigan Older Adults
The Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan is pleased to announce the approval of the 2025 fiscal year allocations for both Kent County Senior Millage (KCSM) and Older Americans Act (OAA) funding which begin today, October 1, 2024. These funding sources provide a wide variety of services across the nine-county region for older adults, persons with a disability, and their caregivers emphasizing independence and allowing seniors to stay engaged in their communities.
Celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month
The Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan joins the Hispanic community in celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month, which takes place from September 15 to October 15.
Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan Releases Needs Assessment Findings
In January 2024, the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan (AAAWM) completed a Community Needs Assessment for the nine counties in the Planning and Service Area (PSA): Allegan, Ionia, Kent, Lake, Mason, Mecosta, Montcalm, Newaygo, and Osceola. This assessment, by design, investigated the experiences and identified challenges of older adults in the region using primary and secondary data.
3 Ways Assistive Devices Help to Increase Independence
Change is a part of life and as human beings grow and evolve, so do their needs. In some seasons of life people benefit from the use of assistive devices. An assistive device is designed to assist a person in completing a particular task. These devices range from tools like hearing aids to power wheelchairs to sophisticated systems like eye-tracking software. Assistive devices empower users by enhancing mobility, communication, learning, and overall independence.
Bridging Generations: The Benefits of Intergenerational Programming
In today’s society it's common for people to be grouped together based on their age. From school-aged children to college students to working adults to seniors these groups are often based around a life stage. However this separation causes people of all ages to miss out on the benefits of intergenerational programming which offers a refreshing and beneficial approach to community building.
Help Texts: A New Tool For Caregivers
Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan has partnered with Help Texts to send you hopeful, practical messages to help you increase your well-being.
6 Ways to Prevent Elder Abuse
Elder abuse can take many forms, including physical, emotional, and financial. It’s estimated that one in six older adults experience elder abuse, yet only one in twenty-four cases are reported. As the population ages, the need to protect our elders from abuse becomes even more important.
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.
