By Sara Duris
Q. Does your agency have any programs for veterans?
A. Yes! Michigan is twelfth in the nation in number of veterans, with approximately 500,000 veterans living here, most of whom are over the age of 65. Many individuals who have served in the military, as well as their family members, are unaware of some of the resources available to them.
Region IV Area Agency on Aging (RIVAAA) participates in a statewide network of healthcare, business, and community members as a Michigan Veteran Connector agency. As such, we have a variety of resources with which we can connect area veterans. Our goal is to connect service members, veterans and families to resources that screen for risk, promote connectedness, improve care transitions, and increase lethal-means safety and safety planning to reduce suicide risk.
One such resource is the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA) which is the central coordinating agency for Michigan veterans and their families. MVAA is not part of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), but as a state agency they work closely with the VA and other entities to serve veterans. MVAA and the Michigan Veteran Resource Service Center support veterans, members of the National Guard and Reserve, and their families.
Services through MVAA can include helping veterans obtain their DD-214 discharge documents to get connected to the federal VA, emergency financial aid, housing assistance, education and employment resources, connecting to VA health care and mental health resources, as well as other federal and state benefits. These services are offered at no cost. For more information, individuals can contact 1-800-MICH-VET (1-800-642-4838) or go online to Michigan.gov/MVAA.
Additionally, each county has a Veteran Services Office as follows: Berrien – 701 Main St, St. Joseph, 269-983-7111 ext. 8224; Cass – 120 N Broadway St, Ste 215, Cassopolis, 269-445-4472; and VanBuren – 226 E Michigan Ave., Paw Paw, 269-657-8200.
Our Agency also offers care management coordination for the Veteran-Directed Care program. Veteran-Directed Care is part of the VA Health Care Standard Medical Benefits Package and allows veterans of all ages the opportunity to receive Home and Community Based Services in a flexible, consumer-directed way. All veterans enrolled in VA Health Care are eligible if they meet the clinical need for the service and it is available in their area. The program is for veterans needing assistance with activities of daily living (e.g., bathing and getting dressed) or instrumental activities of daily living (e.g., fixing meals); those who are isolated; or those with a caregiver experiencing burden or burn-out. Individuals interested in learning more can speak with their VA Clinic doctor or go online to www.va.gov/GERIATRICS/Veteran_Decision_Aid.asp.
As always, Region IV AAA is also available to answer questions and connect individuals with resources through our Info Line for Aging and Disability at 800-654-2810.
A Note About Extreme Heat Safety:
As we begin our Michigan summer with extreme temperatures and humidity, the American Red Cross, and Region IV AAA, urges everyone to take these critical steps —
Stay Hydrated by drinking a cup of water every hour, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Avoid sugary, caffeinated and alcoholic drinks.
Stay Cool by spending time in air-conditioned places. If your home is too hot, go to a public place such as a shopping center, library, or cooling center. Using fans, wearing loose-fitting clothing, and taking cool showers or baths are all recommended for those without air conditioning. Area cooling centers can be located by contacting 2-1-1.
Stay Connected by checking on others and asking for help if you need it.
Especially at risk are older adults, children, pregnant women, people with chronic conditions or disabilities, outdoor workers and athletes. Make a call, send a text, or knock on their door to help look out for loved ones and neighbors during this extreme heat.
Sara Duris is community information liaison of Region IV Area Agency on Aging in Southwest Michigan. Questions on age or independence services? Call the Info-Line for Aging & Disability at 800-654-2810 or visit areaagencyonaging.org. The Generations column appears each weekend in The Herald-Palladium.