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Taylor suffered two strokes which resulted in his placement in a nursing facility. His guardian, Jim, was his friend first, taking on the role of legal guardian after his facility placement to help Taylor manage his affairs. “He’s the best friend I’ve ever had,” is how Taylor described this relationship.

Jim recognized that Taylor could live more independently, but had no place to go, so he began with a call to the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan. “Don’t try to do it by yourself. Lean on others and have someone assist you with the finer points. Be sure to ask; is the place going to be a good fit? Do you have what you need to thrive?”, Taylor recommends.

This is where Community Transition Services with the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan (AAAWM) comes in! The Transition Navigator, Taylor, and Jim worked together to come up with a plan. Taylor was able to receive assistance for housing, furniture, meals, the first month’s cost of utilities, and more. Taylor also recently adopted a furry friend in his new home--a cat named Geno! Taylor is thankful for the friends he has made along the way and is especially thankful for the transition to his new home. Jim shares, “As far as the transition, you all at (AAAWM) are angels. There were so many moving parts and complicated paperwork to fill out, it was so great to have support in making this move happen for Taylor while leaning on your agency’s knowledge.”

About Community Transition Services:

Community Transition Services assist those wanting to return to the community by:

• securing housing and/or arranging equipment to make the current home more accessible.
• setting up groceries and other household goods.
• coordinate referrals for in-home services through programs such as MI Choice Waiver, Care Management, and more.

Qualifications for Community Transition Services:

• reside in a facility.
• currently on, or eligible for, Medicaid.
• desire to return home or secure other housing (i.e., Apartment or assisted living).
• has a barrier to discharging safely from a facility in one of our 12 CTS counties (Allegan, Ionia, Kent, Lake, Mason, Mecosta, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oceana, Osceola, Ottawa).

As a Local Contract Agency, AAAWM can also meet with those residing in a facility who indicate an interest in learning about community resources. The Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan helps older adults and individuals with disabilities remain independent and provides support and education to caregivers You can reach out to learn more at (616) 456-5664 or visit www.aaawm.org.