Senior Services
In 1998 the voters of Kent County approved the first senior services millage at .25 mill for eight years. In August 2006, the senior millage was renewed and increased to 1/3 mill for another eight year term. The Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan was selected to provide oversight of the services that 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 2009, $7.1 million dollars were allocated to services. The millage funds have expanded services that are also funded by State and Federal dollars. New services have been developed to address other current needs and promote healthy lifestyles to prevent or delay more intensive future needs. 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.
For further information on the senior millage go to
www.aaawm.org and
click on Kent Senior Millage.
Four Categories of Funding
Priority Services 48%
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 13%
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 21%
Essential for older adults and/or their caregivers for entrance to the senior services network.
General & Preventive Services 17%
Includes health promotion-disease prevention programs, first line support programs, and volunteer opportunities.
Emergent Needs 1%
Addresses needs usually based on weather emergencies and home heating utility assistance.
33 Agencies Contracts 49 Unique Services Funded
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.
New Services this Year
- Ridelink Coordinator position with the Rapid. When an older adult needs
transportation, they call one number and a specific coordinator arranges the rides
with numerous locally funded agencies. This coordination provides better utilization
of limited providers and funding. Medical and grocery shopping trips are priority
- Funding senior center activities. Through a collaboration with Baxter Community Center.
Baxter offers a variety of services for all age groups, but plans on designating senior
days at the Center. Older adults can shop at the Marketplace, join a physical activity,
health promotion or cooking class. There is a medical and dental clinic on site, along
with intergenerational volunteer opportunities
- See the brochure for complete lists of services for 2009
History of the Kent County Senior Millage
- Voters approval a renewal and increase in Aug 2006
- Services originally started in 1999
- Current 8 year millage - .33 of a mill for 2006-2013
- 2009 funding is a $234,000 increase over 2008 funded services
Eligibility Requirement
- Kent County resident
- 60 years of age or older
- Donations accepted and some cost sharing is required
