A state agency is inviting the public to help shape Michigan’s three-year plan to support older adults — and your voice matters.
What: Community Conversations on Aging
Bellaire event: Antrim County Commission on Aging, 308 E. Cayuga St on Oct.30 at 1pm
Traverse City event: Michigan Works Conference Center, 1209 S. Garfield Road on Oct. 31 at 9am
RSVP: Please call (231) 947-8920
The Area Agency on Aging of Northwest Michigan is hosting community conversations to hear directly from residents about the needs and challenges facing older adults in the region.
Community conversations will be held in both Traverse City and Bellaire later this month.
The agency coordinates vital services like home care, meal delivery and medication management, and they’re seeking input to guide future improvements.
Kandi Lannen, CEO of the Area Agency, said the conversations are planned for feedback, but also to introduce their services to senior residents who can use their help.
“Oftentimes, we don't hear from people until they're in a crisis and they need help,” Lannen said. “If they can call us, we can help them pre-plan for long-term care services — give them things to think through — so there isn't a crisis that we can't help them with.”
The state’s last multi-year plan focused on expanding local services, improving nutrition access, and promoting health programs for older adults. Caregiver support is also an increasing priority.
“That's been on our radar for a very long time, and we've been able to do programs that help support caregivers," Lannen said. “We're rolling out a new program this year to help address that need as another arm of many different resources that will be available throughout this region.”
The community conversations will offer residents a chance to share experiences, ask questions, and directly influence how aging services are designed and delivered across northwest Michigan.
