Senior Services
In 1998 the voters of Kent County approved .25 of a mill for senior services. The Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan was selected to administer the millage. The senior millage was approved for eight years and services began in the summer of 1999.
To be eligible for services, you must be a Kent County resident and 60 years of age or older. Donations are requested for all services and some services require the cost to be shared based on the individual’s income.
In 2004, $4.3 million dollars were allocated to services. The millage funds have allowed expansion of the services that are also funded by State and Federal dollars. Millage funds have also allowed new services to be developed. The 60 plus population continues to increase and despite the great benefit of the senior millage, some services have waiting lists.
Services are divided into four categories. The following explain each category and how much of the current funding is allocated to each service. There is also an emergent fund for services related to weather or local emergencies.
Priority Services54%
In-home and nutritional services for the most frail and needy elders and their caregivers in order to maintain their care and independence in their own homes.
Supportive Services 10%
These services strengthen and sustain the priority services to lengthen the time frail individuals may remain living at home in a safe environment; encourage self-reliance on the part of the less frail and support independence of the more active older adult.
Access Services 23%
Essential for older adults and/or their caregivers for entrance to the senior services network.
General & Preventive Services 13%
Includes health promotion-disease prevention programs, first line support programs, and volunteer opportunities.
Emergent Needs .7%
Addresses needs usually based on weather emergencies.
The following in-home services can be accessed by contacting:
| Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan
|
(616) 456-5664 or 1-888-456-5664 |
| HHS Health Options |
(616) 956-9440 or 1-800-634-2712 |
Homemaker: Provides routine household tasks to maintain an adequate living environment for older individuals with functional limitations.
Personal Care: Provides assistance with activities of daily living; primarily personal grooming care and bathing assistance.
Prescription Assistance: Prescription assistance will be provided to low-income individuals, age 60 or older through donations by pharmaceutical manufacturers. Discount prescription coverage available to those who do not meet income requirements.
Respite: Provides companionship or assistance with activities of daily living for mentally or physically disabled and frail elderly persons in the absence of the primary care giver.
