We’ve Changed Our Name! And It’s Our Birthday!

The Area Agency on Aging 1-B is ringing in its 50^th birthday with a name change! We are now known as AgeWays Nonprofit Senior Services, a name that reflects our mission: helping people to age in the ways they choose.

Like other Area Agencies on Aging, ours was designated by the region we cover – “1B”: Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair and Washtenaw counties. Other AAAs have also changed their name to make it easier for older adults and family caregivers to find the help they need.

As we celebrate our 50^th year with a new name, we are proud to have added important new initiatives that support family caregivers, including a respite services voucher for family caregivers and a comprehensive, free online educational platform.

AgeWays continues to expand its offerings to help older adults age in place with dignity and independence and provide tools to family caregivers to reduce stress and gain confidence.

We will continue serving older adults, adults with disabilities, and family caregivers by connecting them with services and resources and offering classes and counseling.

New programs

AgeWays has been preparing for the dwindling number of unpaid/family caregivers in Michigan with programs that provide support.

• Our new Respite Voucher Program (funded with a grant) offers up to $575 per family per year to hire a caregiver of their choice to provide respite care.
• Trualta is an online, interactive educational platform geared to busy caregivers. It has a deep trove of content on a wide range of topics that are of interest, including managing dementia behaviors, contacting doctors, managing pressure wounds, using technology in caregiving.
• Caregiver Coaching is an innovative program designed to help caregivers navigate issues and challenges and find resources with the assistance of a trained volunteer coach. One-on-one communications, typically by phone, enable the caregiver to ask questions or just talk to someone else who’s “been there.”

Other facts about AgeWays

• In fiscal year 2022-23, our budget was $76.4 million.
• In 2022, we and our community partners served 108,000 people in southeast Michigan.
• AgeWays has approximately 150 employees.
• AgeWays’ Board of Directors is comprised of individuals drawn from the six counties we serve and representatives of county boards of commissioners. We also have an advisory board comprised of individuals who are active in the aging services community.

The next 50 years

The number of older adults we serve is growing:

According to the Census, in 1980, under 10% of Michigan’s population was 65 and older. In 2020, the percentage went up to 18.7%. By 2040, 22% of the population will be comprised of the adults we serve.

The shortage of caregivers – both family and paid – will continue to grow.  AgeWays will continue to advocate for higher pay for direct care workers and to look for funds to help family caregivers who may not be able to work or who need respite. AgeWays will also look at bolstering transportation options for paid caregivers.

AgeWays continues to advocate on behalf of nursing home residents. An expansion of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman program will help to get more eyes and ears in licensed facilities in order to ensure residents are safe and cared for.

AgeWays is committed to serving the LGBTQ community. The agency has partnered with MIGen to train our Resource Center staff in identifying and welcoming members of the LBGTQ community who often face barriers in getting services.

 Services

AgeWays is positioned to continue helping the increasing number of older adults in southeast Michigan and their families.

Our direct services:

Caregivers: Caregiver coaching, caregiver respite, caregiver workshops, caregiver training.

Information & Assistance: A telephone line staffed by trained resource specialists who have access to thousands of resources.

Community Living Program: In-home assistance for a few hours per week to adults 60 and older who meet financial eligibility requirements.

Health and Wellness classes: Classes and workshops in person and virtually for older adults and family caregivers.

Long-Term Care Ombudsmen: We have six ombudsmen who visit nursing homes and other licensed long-term care facilities throughout our six-county area to check on the well-being of residents. The ombudsmen also meet with families of residents each month to hear and follow up on complaints.

MI Choice Medicaid Waiver Program: Long-term, in-home care for financially and medically qualified adults.

Myride2: Mobility options – resources and training.

Medicare/Medicaid Assistance Program: Helping beneficiaries understand their options.

Planning and Advocacy: Our team works with legislators on the local and state level to understand and promote programs and initiatives to benefit older adults and caregivers.

Community Based Services we help to fund:

• Adult day programs
• Grandparents raising grandchildren (kinship care)
• Home chore services
• Home injury control
• Legal services
• Meals on Wheels
• Volunteer caregiving