Area Agency on Aging wants input on funding priorities for seniors

The Area Agency on Aging 1-B is hosting a forum to gather public input about funding priorities for older adult services over the next three years.

The public is welcome to comment on the use of more than $20 million of federal and state funding allocated to serve older adults in the AAA 1-B’s six-county region, which includes Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair and Washtenaw counties. The majority of the funding is earmarked for senior nutrition programs, including Meals on Wheels and congregate meal programs. Other programs include in-home care services, chore services, adult day services and services for grandparents raising grandchildren.

“This year, more than 2,500 Livingston County residents will celebrate their 65th birthday, and the number of new seniors will increase every year for the next two decades. We need to plan for how we can support older residents to age in place with the highest possible quality of life,” says Dianne McCormick, director of the Livingston County Health Department.

Jim McGuire, director of research, policy development & advocacy at the Area Agency on Aging 1-B, says it’s critical that stakeholders have a say in how monies are distributed, given the growing need for services.

“Many services available to help vulnerable Livingston County seniors maintain their independence are plagued with wait lists because public funds are not adequate to help all of those who cannot afford to pay for needed help,” he says.

There is no cost to attend the forum. Reservations are not required.

For more information, contact Amanda Sears at (248) 262-9222 or asears@aaa1b.com.

The Area Agency on Aging 1-B is a nonprofit that serves and advocates for more than 737,000 people 60 years and older and adults with disabilities in Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair and Washtenaw counties. Call (800) 852-7795 or visit us at www.aaa1b.org.

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The Livingston Post is the only locally owned, all-digital information and opinion site in Livingston County, Mich. It was launched by award-winning journalists who were laid off from the Livingston County Daily Press & Argus by Gannett Co. Inc. in 2009.