One snowy Tuesday morning in early January my partner and I dug out the cars from the driveway and I drove to Benton Harbor to do an interview with a client.
I thought I’d just do the interview, write up the story and it would be submitted with some grant reporting and possibly be shared with Area Agency on Aging’s Board of Director’s. Not anything out the usual.
But as I was sitting there listening to the client, I knew this was a story that needed to be shared with a wider audience.
That morning, I met Warren, 75, who has lived in Benton Harbor most of his life, and mostly in the same house. He told me he hopes to live there at least another 25 years.
With the support of his son, who cares for him four hours a day, and Area Agency on Aging, Warren says he thinks it’s possible.
“Whenever I need them, they’re there. They call to check on me and if I need something, I give them a call,” he said.
After two strokes and a variety of other health problems, Warren chose to get the support of Area Agency on Aging and the MI Choice Waiver program about 10 years ago.
MI Choice Waiver helps those 18 and over remain living independently in their homes while receiving nursing facility level of care. The program allows individuals to make their own decisions about where to live, how to direct their care, and what services they need.
Services Warren has chosen include transportation to his regular doctor’s appointments; a fall button to wear around his neck to aid with his frequent falls; meals delivered through Meals on Wheels; and more over the years.
Many of you read about how I lost my grandfather in November and how close I was to him. Sitting there listening to Warren share about his life brought up a lot of feelings for me.
He was sitting in his recliner surrounded by photos of his family, his three sons who he is so proud of, a “Veteran” hat that belonged to a brother, wedding photos from all those years ago, and a calming painting of waves crashing against a beach.
Images of my grandfather in a similar chair, surrounded by similar things flashed through my mind. This is what aging can be. It can be at home surrounded by all those things we love.
But it was when Warren began sharing about the new service he is receiving that I was just overwhelmed by how human each one of us are.
Most recently, he began receiving mental health counseling through Integrated Care at Home. This program brings primary care, behavioral health counseling and nutritional counseling to people who are hound bound or would benefit from receiving services in their home.
“It’s the best part of my week,” Warren said about his counselor, Kolleen Bennett.
“She makes me feel good. She is nice and gentle. Sometimes I’ll cry and she’ll cry with me,” he said.
Kolleen visits Warren every few weeks and during their sessions, Warren shared that they typically talk about the loss of his wife, mother and brothers, and how it can be lonely with two of his son’s living out of state.
“They bring my grandchildren to visit, but sometimes when they leave, I can’t sleep. It can be lonely,” he said. “Kolleen helps me want to go ahead on. I really love her.”
My grandfather had a lot of anxiety toward the end of his life – something he was open about. Hearing this other older gentleman share about his experiences with mental health made me hopeful that more people can start talking openly about this topic.
People of all ages can feel these feelings, and as Warren told me, “my neighbor is seeing Kolleen now too. It doesn’t hurt to talk to someone.”
Warren says he has a goal of getting a ramp installed at his home to assist with his mobility, and so he can get out more and spend time with old friends.
“I hope I get better, but until then, I’m glad I have Kolleen and Area Agency on Aging. I’ve enjoyed it,” Warren said.
If you’d like to find out more about Area Agency on Aging’s programs like MI Choice Waiver and Integrated Care at Home, visit www.areaagencyonaging.org 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 800-6542810. This column appears each week in The Herald-Palladium.