At Area Agency on Aging’s 50th Anniversary Celebration this week, the audience of over 200 people heard the story of Kurt B., a MI Choice Waiver client.
A videographer and I went out to his home on the Cass County side of Niles in early September to hear about his experience with Area Agency on Aging (AAA).
“I couldn’t do it without you,” he told us.
Kurt, 68, was hit by a car when he was 20 years old leaving him with extensive injuries. He was in a coma for a while, but eventually recovered, though he would have lasting health impacts for the rest of his life, including being in a wheelchair.
Kurt is able to live in his one-bedroom home by himself thanks to the MI Choice Waiver program, an alternative to nursing home care for those who qualify.
For Kurt and his late mother, it was important he did not end up living in a facility and remained independent as long as possible.
Until two years ago, Kurt’s mother was his primary caregiver, even lifting Kurt’s wheelchair into her car at the age of 89. When she passed away, his sister, Kim, became responsible for helping Kurt with his care.
“I had to learn everything from scratch,” Kim said. “Everyone at Area Agency on Aging was so patient with me as we were grieving and trying to figure out what was going on with Kurt’s care.”
Kim quickly realized Kurt and his AAA Care Manager Diane had a system and routine already set up.
Each week, on Tuesday and Thursday, a caregiver comes to help Kurt with bathing, chores around the house, meal preparation, medication management and more. On Monday, Wednesday and Friday, he’s transported to the Cass County Council on Aging (COA) where he receives lunch and participates in a variety of activities and socialization.
On the weekends, he’s able to enjoy his hobbies around his home, which often include rolling himself outside to work in his garden.
Kurt’s caregiver and transportation are all provided by the Waiver program. He also receives home-delivered meals, has an emergency fall button, and can request other items or services from Diane as needed.
One of the great things about the MI Choice Waiver program is it’s all about choice and what the individual needs to live independently in the setting of their choice.
Some people might need less services than Kurt; some might need more. But Kurt’s family agrees, he’s thriving.
“I live about two hours away and I don’t have to worry about him because I know his caregiver, his driver, the staff at the COA, and his care manager are always looking out for him,” Kim said.
Being able to share Kurt’s story with our audience at this week’s celebration, and with you now, is a joy.
One of the things I most admire about AAA is the village we are so often able to build for our clients and for the community.
As the late, great, Founder of AAA Bob Dolsen said, “You’ve got a friend at the Area Agency on Aging, and you can count on us to be on your side.”
For more information about the MI Choice Waiver Program, including Kurt’s video story, visit https://areaagencyonaging.org/mi-choice/ or call 800-654-2810.
Alexandra Newman is the communications and outreach coordinator for the Region IV Area Agency on Aging in Southwest Michigan. Interested in having an AAA representative speak to your group or organization? Email alexandranewman@areaagencyonaging.org. Questions on age or independence services? Call the Info-Line for Aging & Disability at 800-654-2810. The Generations column appears each weekend in The Herald-Palladium.