Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan

It's Medicare Fraud Prevention Week—a time to raise awareness about Medicare fraud and increase education about Medicare benefits and enrollment. Did you know that the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan administers a program to help adults better understand Medicare?

It's called SHIP. The Michigan State Health Insurance Assistance Program. It's a free, unbiased, volunteer-staffed service that assists Medicare beneficiaries with questions or problems with Medicare, Medicare Supplemental Insurance, Medicare Part D enrollment, and related issues.

Do you have Medicare questions? It's a great time to get started learning more about your Medicare benefits. Learn more at www.aaawm.org/ship and sign up for a visit with a trained SHIP counselor who can answer your questions!

We're excited to share that the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan (AAAWM) has been chosen as a recipient of the Stewart Foundation Spring 2026 Community Service Awards! Each year, the Stewart Foundation recognizes organizations across the nation making a difference in the lives of others and the larger community.

At AAAWM, our mission is to support older adults, those with disabilities, and their caregivers to live independently and with dignity. Covering a 9-county region, we provide person-centered care that helps individuals age in place. We're honored to have been chosen as a recipient of this year's Stewart Foundation Community Service Award. For more information, visit www.stewart.com/en/landing-pages/community-service-awards.

May is Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month!

This month presents an opportunity to raise awareness and understanding of the rich and diverse history of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders in the United States, while also taking time to recognize the achievements and contributions individuals have made in our society.

We've compiled a list of resources for you to explore to learn more about AANHPI history and culture. Join us in recognizing AANHPI month! Read more at www.aaawm.org/article/aanhpi-2026.

Does someone you know live in a nursing facility, even though that wasn’t their long-term plan? If they are enrolled in or eligible for Medicaid, they may be able to transition back home or into another community living setting!

Community Transition Services (CTS) is a state-funded program that helps eligible individuals move from a nursing facility to home and community-based living options, including:
• A private home or apartment
• The home of a loved one
• Assisted living communities

Every situation is different, but at the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan, we walk alongside individuals and families throughout the transition process. Learn more at https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/doing-business/providers/community-transition-services or call us at (616) 456-5664.

May is Dementia Awareness Month.

At AAAWM, we know that awareness and education are important first steps to understanding dementia. “Education is essential in gaining an understanding of an individual’s experience with dementia—whether it’s your loved one, neighbor, or friend. There is more to a person than their dementia; learning about the disease and available resources can help build your confidence as a caregiver, knowing how you can positively support their journey,” says Brandon Beck, Program Administrator for Caregiver Services at AAAWM.

Dementia Friends Michigan (DFMI) is an educational program administered by AAAWM that discusses warning signs and symptoms, successful communication strategies, and local resources. Learn more and register for an upcoming session at www.aaawm.org/dfmi.

Join us for Tai Chi for Beginners at the AAAWM Eaglecrest Engaging Wellness location, starting Monday, June 1st!

Tai Chi is a 45-minute class focused on slow, graceful movements. It's proven to improve balance and flexibility, and reduce joint pain. Tai Chi Beginner classes will be held at AAAWM Eaglecrest on Mondays and Wednesdays at 11:15 am.

We look forward to seeing you soon! For more information on Engaging Wellness classes, please visit aaawm.org/ew or call Engaging Wellness at (616) 588-2580.

Mark your calendar! Help shape the future of aging services across the region.

Join us virtually for a Multi-Year Plan Public Hearing on Monday, June 15, at 9:00 am to learn more about regional priorities and share your perspective on the needs facing older adults and caregivers.

During the public hearing, we hope to hear directly from community members about challenges, gaps in services, barriers to support, and opportunities that should help guide aging services over the next 3 years.

To learn more and register for the virtual public hearing, visit www.aaawm.org/myp. We look forward to seeing you there!

MYP 27

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Taking care of your mental health is important no matter your age. And, as we age, we encounter new challenges in our daily lives.

At AAAWM, we understand that change can be hard to navigate, which is why we've gathered a short list of ways you can prioritize your mental health this month:

1. Prioritize quality sleep and other healthy habits like eating nutritious foods and getting daily exercise.

2. Stick to a routine. Having a daily routine helps give structure to our days.

3. Stay socially connected. Go on a walk with a friend or chat on the phone with a loved one. Human connection is so valuable!

4. Take your medications at the same time every day, as prescribed by your doctor, to ensure that you stay on top of your individual health needs.

If you or someone you know could use assistance, we're here to help! Please call us at (616) 456-5664 or connect with us at www.aaawm.org/reach-out.

It’s Older Michiganians Day (OMD)! We bundled up and made our way to the Capitol in Lansing for a day of advocacy. It was cold and breezy, but our advocates braved the chill. Clearly, nothing can stop their dedication (not even Michigan weather)!

Our CEO, Kendrick Heinlein, kicked things off with opening remarks, joined by featured speakers and legislators from across Michigan. OMD is an annual tradition that brings together older adults, caregivers, and community leaders to champion the issues that matter most to seniors. Every year, we fill the Capitol Lawn with energy and purpose, joining other Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) to support services and policies that preserve dignity and independence.

But you don’t have to travel to Lansing to make your voice heard; advocacy starts at home! Find out how you can get involved and make a difference at https://www.aaawm.org/get-involved