Covid-19 Response Data Impact Report (3/16/20-6/7/20)

During the 12-week span from mid-March 16, 2020 to the first week of June, Region IV Area on Aging was called to action to care for the population most vulnerable to the COVID-19 pandemic. With one in four persons in Berrien, Van Buren, and Cass counties being at high risk, the need for innovation of […]

How to use ZOOM!

There have been a lot of changes since March of 2020, and with those changes has been an increased need to connect through our computers and cell phones. If you are new to this, or know someone who is, we have instructions to help you learn how to use ZOOM. At Area Agency on Aging’s […]

Volunteers Sew and Donate Masks for AAA Seniors

Area Agency on Aging Background

Annie didn’t know where to find a face mask. As an 89-year-old woman living in an adult foster care facility, her options on finding a mask were limited. There were some in the home for caregivers to use, but they were in limited supply and the residents wanted some masks of their own. One day […]

Staying Engaged During the COVID19 Crisis

For AAAs and other organizations serving older adults, finding ways to help older adults stay connected to the community, and thus prevent social isolation has always been critical to our missions. And now as older adults stay at home to avoid contracting COVID-19, social isolation and loneliness have become a growing concern for a vast […]

Nursing Homes and COVID-19-FAQ

As the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic outbreak continues to evolve, it is important for the long term care ombudsman program to continue to advocate for residents in licensed nursing homes, adult foster care, and homes for the aged more than ever. Please take a moment to see these frequently asked questions for some of the answers you […]

Area Agency on Aging and United Way Team Up to Deliver Shelf Stable Food to Seniors

St. Joseph, Michigan – The spread of the COVID-19 virus has created unique challenges for area seniors. Many of the vital local systems older adults have relied on for food and consistent nourishment have been put on temporary pause, leaving many seniors with limited options. Recently, the State of Michigan purchased 10,000 Quarantine Boxes, also […]

Area Agency on Aging Launches Friendly Caller Program for Isolated Seniors

St. Joseph, Michigan – As Region IV Area Agency on Aging (AAA) continues to help those seeking critical services through our info-line, we also know there are area seniors who may just need someone to talk to so they do not feel isolated or alone. In response, we have launched the Area Agency on Aging […]

COVID-19 causes Medicare rule changes and waivers – Sara Duris – April 15, 2020

Q.  What sort of changes have taken place with Medicare to help address the COVID-19 virus? A.   The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) have instituted a number of rule changes and temporary regulatory waivers to respond to the healthcare needs caused by the pandemic.  In an effort to put “Patients Before Paperwork” CMS […]

Home Care Heroes

Right now, as we work from home, and find new books and Netflix shows to keep us occupied, there is a group of workers on the COVID 19 front lines battling to keep area seniors and individuals with disabilities healthy, taken care of, and connected to services and support to meet their vital needs. These workers […]

Area Seniors Need Your Help

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 20, 2020 St. Joseph, Michigan – Isolation is its own health risk. The spread of the COVID-19 virus has created unique challenges for area seniors. Many of the vital local systems our older adults have relied on for companionship, nourishment, and daily care, have been put on temporary pause. Area seniors […]