By Lynn Kellogg
If you’re a caregiver, or wanting meaningful work, read on. AAA needs you.
Region IV Area Agency on Aging (AAA) is a local, private, not-for-profit corporation whose sole mission is Offering Choices for Independent Lives. Whether one is rich or poor, healthy or not, alone or surrounded by family, fostering lifelong independence and celebrating our individuality tends to be a universal quest.
AAA is about combating ageism and empowering people with knowledge, connectivity and information about services, products and tools to support continued independence. Calling the agency multi-faceted doesn’t do it justice. When people get involved, or hire on, they’re amazed and excited.
Hundreds of calls per month come in on the Info-Line for Aging & Disability where, for no charge, people can brainstorm solutions with a professional about issues they’re facing. AAA contracts with nearly 200 local organizations to provide a host of community services, is a funder of many, provides a variety of volunteer opportunities, runs a Computer Learning Center, the Campus for Creative Aging, many caregiver support services, intergenerational and counseling services, and more. There’s way too much to cover here.
AAA is also an award-winning national innovator, successfully advancing care through Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans, and private insurance.
How does AAA know what to do? The answer might seem overly simple, but it works. They ask people and listen to the barriers people face to maintain independence. All our lives are relevant.
Every few years AAA conducts surveys, examines studies through other sources, and reflects on the thousands of callers and people served through varied programs to determine where barriers or gaps in critical support exist. Multi-year plans are continually reviewed and refined.
AAA is in the midst of their planning cycle and next multi-year plan development. This is where being a caregiver or consumer comes in. They want to hear from you. It’s understood that in one’s lifetime, everyone will either be a caregiver, need a caregiver, or know a caregiver.
Some people don’t think of themselves as caregivers. They think if they’re not doing hands-on bathing, dressing or such, they don’t count. But they do. Caregiving also encompasses doing chores, running errands, transporting, attending key appointments, handling bills, keeping in touch regularly, and so on.
Are you a caregiver? If so, help AAA’s planning process and visit their website at www.areaagencyonaging.org. On the homepage, scroll down to see Multi-Year Plan and a blue clickable box that says Take Our Survey – Calling All Caregivers and Consumers.
Please click and take the survey. It’s short, maybe 15 minutes, and confidential, you don’t have to give your name, and questions are optional. Both Caregivers and Consumers can take it.
Who’s a Consumer? If you have one or more people helping you out regularly, you’re a consumer. Please take the survey. Your input is valuable and you will help AAA.
What about those of you looking for meaningful work? AAA employs 80+ people of varied professional levels and has terrific benefits. It’s a team culture where everyone’s job is important and the collective impact measurably changes lives for the better. You’ll find yourself relating to the goals and wanting them to succeed. I speak from experience. Check out www.areaagencyonaging.org and click the homepage tab Professionals. Openings will be listed there. AAA has been lauded as one of the 20 best places to work in Southwest Michigan and Reader’s Choice for Best Nonprofit. Well deserved.
Lynn Kellogg is former CEO of Region IV Area Agency on Aging in Southwest Michigan. Questions on age or independence services? Call the Info-Line for Aging & Disability at 800-6542810 or visit areaagencyonaging.org. The Generations column appears each weekend in The Herald-Palladium.