Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan

06/12/2026

NEXT WEEK: Help shape the future of aging services in West Michigan! Join us for our virtual public hearing to review the proposed FY27-29 Multi-Year Plan. This plan aligns with the state's priorities and outlines our goals for the next three years.

Community input helps determine how services are prioritized in West Michigan. Help ensure that your voice is heard! Join us on Monday, June 15th, at 9:00 am. Register today at www.aaawm.org/myp

06/11/2026

June is Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month.

It's a month dedicated to recognizing the importance of prioritizing brain health and raising awareness about Alzheimer's disease and other dementias.

There are many healthy brain habits you can incorporate into your daily life. Here are just a few:
- Challenge your mind by learning something new.
- Eat nutritious meals frequently.
- Stop smoking, or reduce your smoking habits.
- Get good quality sleep consistently.

To learn more about brain health and dementia, and get involved, visit www.aaawm.org/dfmi.

06/10/2026

It's that time of year again! Our Back-to-School Support for Grandparents Raising Grandchildren is back!

If you're a grandparent age 55 or older and are the primary caregiver of a school-aged child, this is for you! Our annual Back-to-School initiative is now open, helping you kick off the school year strong.

This opportunity ends Friday, July 10th. Learn more about how to apply at www.aaawm.org/backtoschool.

06/08/2026

Join our Advocates for Senior Issues this Friday, June 12, at Kids' Food Basket. It will be an advocacy-filled morning!

It's the final Advocates for Senior Issues meeting before Summer break!

Please join us at Kids Food Basket on Friday, June 12! The meeting will begin at 10:00 am, and there will be a guided tour from Kids' Food Basket CEO Bridget Clark Whitney, beginning at 9:30 am.

Representative Hillary Scholten will be joining us to answer questions from the group. Following, guest speakers Dr. Arianna Colini Baldeschi and Dr. Nathaniel Buteyn from the Van Andel Institute will be teaching us about current developments in the medical and related health field(s).

We invite you to join us as we listen, learn, advocate, and grow together! This will be the last meeting until we kick off again in September. For more information on AFSI, please visit www.aaawm.org/asfi.

06/05/2026

It's Medicare Fraud Prevention Week—a time to raise awareness about Medicare fraud and increase education about Medicare benefits and enrollment. Did you know that the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan administers a program to help adults better understand Medicare?

It's called SHIP. The Michigan State Health Insurance Assistance Program. It's a free, unbiased, volunteer-staffed service that assists Medicare beneficiaries with questions or problems with Medicare, Medicare Supplemental Insurance, Medicare Part D enrollment, and related issues.

Do you have Medicare questions? It's a great time to get started learning more about your Medicare benefits. Learn more at www.aaawm.org/ship and sign up for a visit with a trained SHIP counselor who can answer your questions!

06/03/2026

We're excited to share that the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan (AAAWM) has been chosen as a recipient of the Stewart Foundation Spring 2026 Community Service Awards! Each year, the Stewart Foundation recognizes organizations across the nation making a difference in the lives of others and the larger community.

At AAAWM, our mission is to support older adults, those with disabilities, and their caregivers to live independently and with dignity. Covering a 9-county region, we provide person-centered care that helps individuals age in place. We're honored to have been chosen as a recipient of this year's Stewart Foundation Community Service Award. For more information, visit www.stewart.com/en/landing-pages/community-service-awards.

05/29/2026

⏱️60-Seconds of Senior Info: As May comes to a close, it’s time for another 60 Seconds of Senior Info with AAAWM!

This month’s update includes:
- Mental health supports for older adults & caregivers
- Advocacy efforts impacting seniors across West Michigan
- An upcoming FY27-29 Multi-Year Plan hearing date
- Volunteer opportunities with AAAWM

Join us for a quick update on the issues, programs, and opportunities shaping aging in our community. Learn more at www.aaawm.org.

05/27/2026

May is Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month!

This month presents an opportunity to raise awareness and understanding of the rich and diverse history of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders in the United States, while also taking time to recognize the achievements and contributions individuals have made in our society.

We've compiled a list of resources for you to explore to learn more about AANHPI history and culture. Join us in recognizing AANHPI month! Read more at www.aaawm.org/article/aanhpi-2026.

05/23/2026

Does someone you know live in a nursing facility, even though that wasn’t their long-term plan? If they are enrolled in or eligible for Medicaid, they may be able to transition back home or into another community living setting!

Community Transition Services (CTS) is a state-funded program that helps eligible individuals move from a nursing facility to home and community-based living options, including:
• A private home or apartment
• The home of a loved one
• Assisted living communities

Every situation is different, but at the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan, we walk alongside individuals and families throughout the transition process. Learn more at https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/doing-business/providers/community-transition-services or call us at (616) 456-5664.

05/21/2026

May is Dementia Awareness Month.

At AAAWM, we know that awareness and education are important first steps to understanding dementia. “Education is essential in gaining an understanding of an individual’s experience with dementia—whether it’s your loved one, neighbor, or friend. There is more to a person than their dementia; learning about the disease and available resources can help build your confidence as a caregiver, knowing how you can positively support their journey,” says Brandon Beck, Program Administrator for Caregiver Services at AAAWM.

Dementia Friends Michigan (DFMI) is an educational program administered by AAAWM that discusses warning signs and symptoms, successful communication strategies, and local resources. Learn more and register for an upcoming session at www.aaawm.org/dfmi.