Commission on Aging

 

Purpose
Offering Support-Building Independence
The purpose of the Mecosta County Commission on Aging (COA) is to improve the quality of life of the county's 60-plus population. The agency's goal is to support Seniors in their efforts to remain in their own homes, maintaining independence, health, dignity, and self-respect. Eligibility for services will be determined on a priority basis.

Services
As well as providing activities and exercise programs for seniors, the Commission on Aging is centrally located to provide the following services to all cities in Mecosta County:  Homemaker Aides, Respite Aides, Meals on Wheels, door to door response transportation to medical appointments including dialysis, and Home Maintenance assistance for minor repairs.  These programs assist seniors in remaining independent and in their own homes.   
Donate
If you wish to make a general donation to the agency, or would like to donate to commemorate a loved one, please click on the donate button below.  We appreciate every donation which assists us in continuing our mission for the seniors of Mecosta County.  Thank you 

The Keyhole Online
March 2024
February 2024
January 2024
Goals
The Activity Center's goal is to help area Seniors remain healthy and active through participation in recreational, educational and leisure activities. The Commission on Aging and Activity Center encourage the community to share their skills and at the same time enrich their own lives by gaining knowledge through their volunteer experience.

Funding of Activities
The Activity Center is a service of the Commission on Aging. It is funded through Senior Center staffing funds of the Older Americans Act through the Office of Services to the Aging, Area Agency of Western Michigan, the County Senior Millage, the Senior Center Board and Donations.

Funding and Compliances
The Commission on Aging (COA) is funded by County millage, private contributions, memorials, Mecosta & Osceola United Way and the Michigan Department of Transportation. Grant funding through the Older Americans Act, Office of Services to the Aging, Area Agency on Aging of, Title 111B, State Alternative Care, and Senior Center staffing also play an important role in service provision.

The Commission on Aging (COA) and Activity Center certifies that it will comply with the Department of Health and Human Services Regulations under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988.

Programs and Activities

The following are areas where volunteers are needed:
  • Activity Center Host/Hostess
  • Educational Instructors
  • Craft Instructors
  • Gift Shop Helpers
  • Greeting Card Recyclers
  • Kitchen Crew
  • Grounds Maintenance
  • Decorating Crew
  • Board Members
  • Theatrical, Musical
  • Medical Drivers
  • Senior Newsletter
  • Tax Aides
  • Insurance Counseling
  • Fund Raising
  • Meals on Wheels Delivery
  • Special Committees

Volunteers positions are not limited to the above list. We encourage your creativity. If you have something to offer, we are interested in hearing from you!

The following are examples of programs the Activity Center offers:
  • Educational Classes
  • Nutritious Meals
  • Enhance Fitness™ Classes
  • Line Dancing
  • Computer Classes
  • Card Recycling
  • Art Classes
  • Card Games
  • A Matter of Balance
  • Health Clinics
  • Gift Shop
  • Conference Rooms
  • Game Room/Wii Games
  • Dining Area
  • Picnic Area
  • Bingo
  • Library
  • Low Vision Support Group

Each weekday, a nutritious, home-cooked meal is served by experienced cooks at the Mecosta County Activity Center, offering the perfect opportunity for seniors to meet with friends, participate in activities and enjoy a delicious meal! Dine-in meals are available to the general public and Meal Sites are also located in Barryton!

TRANSPORTATION:

Qualifying Seniors are transported to and from medical appointments and other limited needs. Volunteer Drivers are trained to transport individual Seniors. DART Tickets are available to qualifying Seniors in Big Rapids. Four vans are available for handicapped, medical and group social trips.

Title VI Rights

HOMEMAKER AIDE:

Services such as light housekeeping, errands, grocery shopping and personal support are provided to eligible Seniors on a priority of need basis.

SPECIALIZED RESPITE:

A trained respite aide and/or volunteers provide in-home companionship and supervision for the frail elderly, as needed, in the absence of the primary caregiver.

MEALS ON WHEELS MECOSTA COUNTY:

A hot, delicious mid-day meal delivered to the door of home-bound senior citizens living in Mecosta County who are 60 years of age or older, unable to prepare their own meals or attend one of our meal sites.

CONGREGATE MEAL SITES:

Barryton Senior Center and Mecosta Activity Center.

S.O.A.R. (Senior Outings And Recreation):

Transportation to the Activity Center for those age 60+ who no longer drive and live in Mecosta County.

OUTREACH AND ASSISTANCE:

Outreach Workers assess the needs of Seniors and initiate available services in coordination with other agencies.

EQUIPMENT LOAN CLOSET:

Donated wheelchairs, walkers and other medical equipment are available for use through the Commission on Aging, free of charge to Mecosta County Seniors.

MEDICARE/MEDICAID ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (MMAP):

Trained volunteers help with insurance questions and billing problems.

ADVOCACY:

The COA is continuously updated on Senior related issues and concerns. When a Senior encounters a difficult problem, the COA staff will make every effort to act in their behalf.

INFORMATION AND REFERRAL:

Information is provided regarding matters of concern to Seniors. When needed, referrals are made to appropriate agencies, persons, or community resources.

LIVING WILLS & DURABLE POWER OF ATTORNEEY FOR HEALTH CARE:

The COA has forms and instructions available for county residents.

NEWSLETTER:

The "Keyhole" is mailed out monthly to area residents, containing a calendar of events, information, and items of interest to Seniors as well as programs, activities and menu for lunches offered daily at the Activity Center.

RESOURCE GUIDE:

A list of agencies who can provide individuals under private pay, for a variety of needs and/or services.

SENIOR HOME MAINTENANCE PROGRAM SERVICE:

Membership entitles individuals 55 and over to reduced costs of skilled home repair maintenance services as well as job opportunities for those 55 and older who have the needed repair skills. Seniors helping Seniors at reduced rates!

We would also like to introduce Senior Enrichment Day. Senior Enrichment day is a 1 day conference offering opportunities for older adults to enrich their lives. There are many classes and workshops offered that cover an array of subjects such as: Topics on Dementia, Acrylic Painting, Enhance Fitness, Wood Carving, Keeping your brain young, and Zumba to name a few. A host of exhibitors will be available to discuss the services available to you in Mecosta County. The price of the conference is $12.00 and includes lunch. This payment must be included with your registration. If classes require additional fees for materials, these will be collected at the class. Please make sure to bring the exact amount.

Senior Enrichment Day is held at Big Rapids High School which is located at 21175 Fifteen Mile Road Big Rapids, MI 49307. Hope to see you there!

Our mission is to provide nutritious hot meals to homebound seniors living in Mecosta County.

Meals on Wheels Mecosta County offers a hot, delicious mid-day meal delivered to the door of home-bound senior citizens living in Mecosta County who cannot otherwise attend one of the Meal Sites, and are 60 years of age or older and unable to prepare their own meals.

For homebound seniors who need additional assistance with nutritional needs this program also offers homemade frozen meals for evenings, weekends and holidays.

All meals are USDA approved and are low in sodium and sugar.

The clients are provided with a monthly listing of meals received and are encouraged to contribute $2.00 per meal. The donations are used to provide more meals to serve seniors. Inability to contribute does not affect the quantity or quality of meals provided to qualifying seniors.

For more information, contact Beth Whyte Nutrition Program Coordinator at 972-2884.


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Customer Members are senior citizens 55 years or older who become members of our co-op and pay a one time membership fee of $20.00. To see if you qualify, please read and fill out the Consumer Membership Application. This will allow you to take advantage of our discounted rates for home repairs in the areas of:

  • ELECTRICAL
  • INSTALLING DOCKS
  • PLUMBING
  • CARPENTRY
  • GARAGE DOORS
  • WASHING & WAXING BOATS AND CARS
  • PAINTING
  • YARDWORK
  • SNOW SHOVELING/BLOWING/PLOWING
  • HANDY MAN
  • POWER WASHING
  • HOUSEWORK & WINDOWS
  • CUTTING SMALL TREES AND SHRUBS

Please see the Price List for a list of prices for each service.

Our workers, 55 years and older, are retired electricians, plumbers, contractors and general workers.

Our workers are checked out and approved by our Home Maintenance Program Board.

Our workers perform all services in a timely manner and make sure to clean up after the work is completed. All jobs are monitored by the Home Maintenance Program Board.

Only licensed workers will be sent on jobs that require a license.

Hours for our Home Maintenance Program are Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.; however, from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. you may leave a message on voice mail (103) or dial 0 for our receptionist.

All requests for service shall be called into this office for processing. We will do our best to make this program a rewarding experience for you.

What is MMAP?

The Michigan Medicare/Medicaid Assistance Program (MMAP) is a free health-benefits counseling service for Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries and their families or caregivers. Our mission is to educate, advocate, counsel and empower people to make informed benefit decisions.

MMAP is an independent program funded by state and federal agencies and is not affiliated with the insurance industry. Nationally, this program is called the State Health Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program (SHIP).

How can MMAP help me?

When you contact the MMAP office, we will link you with a local MMAP counselor, who can meet with you and help you:

  • Understand doctor bills, hospital bills and Medicare Summary Notices.
  • Understand Medicare/Medicaid eligibility, enrollment, coverage, claims and appeals.
  • Enroll in Medicare Savings Programs.
  • Review your Medicare supplemental insurance needs, compare policies and purse claims and refunds.
  • Identify resources for prescription drug assistance.
  • Understand health care options under managed care and Medicare + Choice.
  • Explore long term care financing options, including long term care insurance.
  • Identify and report Medicare/Medicaid fraud and abuse.

Who are MMAP counselors?

MMAP counselors are specialists trained in Medicare and Medicaid law and regulations, health insurance counseling and relevant insurance products. MMAP counselors are not connected with any insurance company, nor are they licensed to sell insurance. Their purpose is to serve you objectively and confidentially.

What if I am homebound?

A MMAP counselor will meet with you in your home if you cannot get out or don't have transportation.

How do I contact MMAP?

To schedule an appointment with a MMAP counselor, call 1-800-803-7174. For more information, [please visit our website. This website is accessible to people with disabilities. We are also located at 6105 West St. Joseph, Suite 209, Lansing, MI 48917-4850.

Is this service really free?

Yes. MMAP counselors give their time and expertise at no cost to you. MMAP receives funding from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the Administration on Aging and the Michigan Office of Services to the Aging.

Group Presentation Available

MMAP counselors also conduct public presentations on Medicare, Medicaid, Medicare supplemental insurance, long term care insurance, Medicare + Choice options, Medicare/Medicaid fraud and abuse and other issues of importance to beneficiaries and their families.