Region IV Area Agency on Aging (AAA) staff routinely collect feedback from those we serve to make sure we’re providing quality care that meets our clients’ needs and preferences.
We do that through paper and phone surveys, quarterly meetings of a “Consumer Advisory Council,” as well as offering a 24-hour reporting hotline for any concerns clients, staff and care providers may have.
As we near the end of the year, I wanted to share some of the overwhelmingly positive feedback we’ve received from our MI Choice Waiver program clients and caregivers in 2024 that shows how the program improves the lives of those we serve.
“It lets me live at home (not nursing home) the way I want to live with those helping the way I need,” one client wrote.
MI Choice Waiver is an alternative to nursing home care for adults 18 and older. Participants must qualify by needing assistance with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing or feeding themselves, as well as financially.
“The quality of life has improved with the services of AAA,” one caregiver wrote. “I appreciate the support it gives me as David’s advocate, as David’s older sister. I am often overwhelmed with his needs. AAA is always a great, helpful resource to me.”
She added that AAA staff are always courteous and help her with ideas to improve David’s life.
I think that’s one of the many great things about our staff – from our eligibility and enrollment specialists to our care managers, service coordinators and community health workers – they love being problem solvers.
Some will help with complicated paperwork or finding a niche resource or support group for a specific health issue. Others, like in David’s case above, may find activities for their clients to do out in the community, like an adult day or senior center, to keep them active and engaged with others.
One client wrote that since joining the Waiver program, she’s been gaining weight (up from 104 pounds), and her health has improved.
“The food service is great! I had a problem with a FedEx driver, so I called my care manager. She listened to the problem and advised me on what to do. They are on the ball 100 percent,” she said.
Another client said, “(Staff) are very kind, thorough and available.”
But when asked their favorite thing about the program, the most common feedback we get is about being able to stay in their own home.
“My mother can stay in her home with her dog.”
“I don’t have to live in a nursing home.”
“Being able to stay comfortably in my own home because of the help provided by MI Choice Waiver Program.”
If you think MI Choice might be right for you or a loved one, we have no waiting list. Every applicant begins working with one of our three full-time eligibility specialists right away to begin the enrollment process. Reach out today: 800-654-2810.
The Generations Column appears each week in The Herald-Palladium.