FLINT, Michigan — The Valley Area Agency on Aging (VAAA) plays a vital role in supporting seniors and caregivers across Genesee, Lapeer, and Shiawassee Counties by providing comprehensive information and assistance resources.
These services are essential in helping seniors navigate the complexities of healthcare and social services, ensuring they receive the support necessary to live independently and with dignity.
“Our mission is to provide answers, advocacy, and action for seniors and caregivers in our community,” said Patti Kerns, Director of Eligibility and Outreach at VAAA. “Our goal is to help seniors age in place in the community safely for as long as possible by providing programming and access to needed services.”
VAAA offers a wide range of services, including home-delivered meals, caregiver resources, balance classes, in-home services, and referrals for senior services.
Kerns noted, “One unique quality about VAAA is that our staff is trained in all programs and services offered in the community. As a non-profit, we provide seniors and caregivers with all available options, empowering them to make informed choices.”
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VAAA provides resources and support for family caregivers, including respite care options, counseling, and educational materials.
VAAA’s Information and Assistance resources include several key services:
Information and Referral Services: Connects seniors with the right programs for them and utilizes counselors to discuss long-term care needs, helping families make the best choices.
Assistance with Benefits: Helps seniors understand and apply for programs such as Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and other financial assistance.
Caregiver Support: Provides resources and support for family caregivers, including respite care options, counseling, educational materials, and assisting them in learning about issues related to their loved one and increasing their knowledge of caregiving skills and techniques for caring for their loved ones.
Nutrition Programs: Provides services related to senior nutrition such as meal delivery programs (e.g., Meals on Wheels), congregate meal sites, and nutritional counseling to ensure seniors have access to healthy meals.
Home and Community-Based Services: Assists with accessing services that help seniors remain in their homes such as in-home personal care, homemaker services, and transportation.
Transportation Services: Assists with accessing transportation options for medical appointments, grocery shopping, and other essential activities, often tailored to the needs of seniors with limited mobility.
A cornerstone of VAAA’s effectiveness is its focus on staff training. “We require specific training with the Alliance for Information and Assistance (AIRS) certification for all Information and Assistance (I&A) staff,” said Kerns. “Additionally, we monitor and maintain an extensive portfolio of resources tailored to our senior population and their caregivers. To further enhance our services, we provide in-house training facilitated by trained staff and community partners, ensuring we have access to all community resources.”
This commitment to education enables VAAA to stay adaptable, addressing the changing needs of seniors, whether it’s connecting them with transportation or guiding caregivers through the Medicaid process.
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VAAA assists with accessing services that help seniors remain in their homes such as in-home personal care, homemaker services, and transportation.“For seniors and caregivers, the most common requests often revolve around fundamental needs and challenges associated with aging and caregiving,” Kerns shared. These include healthcare services, home care assistance, nutrition, transportation, housing, legal assistance, socialization, and activities. “Our caregivers are often seeking respite care, support groups, training and education, and access to self-care resources.”
By addressing these concerns, VAAA aims to enhance the quality of life for seniors and provide caregivers with the resources they need to manage their responsibilities effectively. The agency’s holistic approach allows both seniors and caregivers to maintain their independence and well-being.
“We advocate for seniors by providing information so they may access medical care, including primary care, specialists, and mental health services,” said Kerns. “Seniors often need help navigating Medicare and Medicaid, managing chronic conditions, and obtaining necessary prescriptions. We provide information and programs to assist seniors and families in making educational decisions for long-term care options and aging in place.”
VAAA’s Medicare/Medicaid Assistance Program (MMAP) utilizes trained volunteers across three counties to provide information on insurance options and Part D prescription coverage.
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VAAA's services and resources help seniors receive the support necessary to live independently.Here are a few ways seniors and caregivers can access the VAAA Information and Assistance resources:
Phone: Seniors and caregivers may call VAAA’s office to speak with a representative who can provide information, answer questions, and guide them through the process of accessing services. Call 810-239-7671 for the Information and Assistance Department.
Online Resources: VAAA’s website often includes a range of resources, including information about services, eligibility criteria, application forms, and contact details. Visit the website
here.
Online Forms: VAAA offers online forms for requesting services, applying for benefits, or requesting to schedule a consultation.
Social Media Platforms: VAAA uses social media channels such as Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube to provide updates, share resources, and engage with the community.
Email: Contacting VAAA via email can provide a convenient way for individuals to request information or assistance, especially if they prefer written communication. Email:
[email protected]
To learn more about VAAA's programs and services, please call: (810) 239-7671.