By Christine Vanlandingham
At a local hair salon this past weekend, a conversation floated across the room—one that’s becoming increasingly common. A woman in the chair across the way was sharing her struggle to care for her aging mother, who has mild cognitive impairment and needs nursing home-level care for her physical needs. “She doesn’t want to live in a nursing home,” she said, “even if she qualified for Medicaid. But she makes too much for PACE, and we’re stuck.” Then she added, “The Area Agency on Aging has been a godsend. They’ve helped us navigate this journey and find resources we didn’t even know existed.”
Her story is far from unique.
We all hope to live a long and healthy life with dignity and independence—to see our children grow, to welcome and support our grandchildren, to enjoy our communities, and to give back in meaningful ways. But aging well takes planning and support. That’s where the Area Agency on Aging comes in.
This year marks the 60th anniversary of the Older Americans Act (OAA)—a landmark law that has empowered generations of older adults to age with dignity, independence, and purpose. In celebration of this milestone, the Area Agency on Aging (AAA) is shining a light on the many free and low-cost services it offers to help older adults and caregivers in Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties live long and stay strong.
The agency provides a range of core services designed to support older adults and their caregivers, including:
- In-home assistance with daily living tasks like bathing, dressing, and housekeeping
- Home-delivered and congregate meals to support nutrition and wellness
- Transportation to medical appointments and essential errands
- Medicare and benefits counseling through unbiased SHIP counselors
- Caregiver support and respite care to provide relief and guidance for those caring for loved ones
For those who qualify for nursing home-level care but wish to remain at home, the MI Choice Waiver program is a powerful alternative. Through this Medicaid-funded service, eligible older adults and adults with disabilities can receive the care and support they need—right in the comfort of their own homes and communities. Services might include personal care, nursing, meals, home modifications, and more, all carefully coordinated to promote independence and quality of life.
For families navigating the challenges of Alzheimer’s or other dementias, AAA offers support through the GUIDE Model of Care—a nationally recognized approach that provides coordinated, person-centered dementia care. This model helps individuals with dementia remain in their homes longer while supporting caregivers with education, care planning, respite care, and access to community-based services.
As we age or face disability, navigating the maze of services, benefits, and care options can feel overwhelming—but the Area Agency on Aging can help. AAA offers the guidance of credentialed and experienced Care Managers and Care Consultants who are dedicated to simplifying this complex journey. Whether you’re planning for your own future or assisting an aging parent, these professionals can help chart a personalized course—matching needs with the right services, supports, and resources at just the right time.
Additional programs available to empower aging well include:
- Campus for Creative Aging: Offers classes, technology access, and lifelong learning opportunities for adults 50+
- Dementia-Friendly Initiatives: Builds inclusive communities for individuals living with dementia and their caregivers
- The Info-Line for Aging and Disability: A one-stop resource connecting individuals to thousands of services and supports—just call (800) 654-2810
- Volunteer Opportunities: Engage older adults and community members in meaningful service
- Advocacy and Policy Engagement: Empowers older adults to help shape the policies that affect their lives
As the nation celebrates six decades of progress under the Older Americans Act, the Area Agency on Aging continues to lead the way in delivering compassionate, community-based care.
For more information on how to support caregivers in your workplace or to request assistance with employee caregiver surveys, visit areaagencyonaging.org or contact Region IV Area Agency on Aging at info@areaagencyonaging.org.
Christine Vanlandingham is CEO of Region IV Area Agency on Aging in Southwest Michigan. Questions on age or independence services? Call (800) 654-2810 or visit areaagencyonaging.org to learn more and get connected to the support you deserve. The Generations column appears each weekend in The Herald-Palladium.