Valley Area Agency on Aging empowers senior citizens through information and assistance resources

This story series, Gray Matters, is produced in partnership with Valley Area Agency on Aging (VAAA) and focuses on our aging population and the people who care for them. To learn more about VAAA's programs and services, please call: (810) 239-7671.
 

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.”

VAAA’s Information and Assistance resources include several key services:

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.

“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.

Here are a few ways seniors and caregivers can access the VAAA Information and Assistance resources:

To learn more about VAAA’s programs and services, please call: (810) 239-7671.