Sixty Seconds Newsletter
A Monthly Update from
Senior Resources of West Michigan
An Area Agency on Aging Serving Muskegon, Oceana & Ottawa counties
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Senior Resources MI Choice Waiver program earns high quality scores
Annually, 1% of all capitation payments are withheld by the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services (MDHHS) from MI Choice Waiver agents to initiate quality improvement efforts within the program. Waiver agents have the ability to earn between 50% and 150% of the withhold. Waiver agents are ranked on the following criteria:
o Encounter Data
o Significant Support Participant Count
o Acuity Levels of Participants
o Clinical Quality Assurance Review Ranking
o Timely reports to MDHHS
We are honored to announce, for fiscal year 2020, the extreme attention to detail, hard work and team-based efforts of the Senior Resources work force earned a number 1 ranking in the following categories: Encounter Data and Timely Reports. Overall, Senior Resources received a rank of 6th of 20 MI Choice Waiver agencies in the state. Senior Resources received 125% of the quality withhold for FY 2020.
Annually, the MI Choice Waiver program also receives a clinical audit in which participant records are reviewed to assure compliance with all contract standards and to assure participants needs are met. We are proud to announce the MI Choice Waiver program received an overall compliance level of 4.00 out of 4.00 for FY 2020. The compliance level shows that Senior Resources substantially meets assurances.
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May is Older Americans Month |
May is Older Americans Month, with the theme "Communities of Strength."
This year, Michigan is hosting its first ever Senior Action Week May 10-14. Each day spotlights a critical area for senior services:
Monday, May 10 - Promote the MI Choice Waiver program, expand access for all who qualify, and seek program improvements which will allow MI Choice to serve Medicaid beneficiaries more effectively. This includes rebalancing of Medicaid funding.
Tuesday - Expand access to home & community-based services for older adults and persons with disabilities who are not Medicaid beneficiaries.
Wednesday - Urge policymakers to expand access to affordable, reliable high-speed Internet for all Michigan residents, regardless of where they live in the state.
*A livestream event from 10-11:30 on May 12 will feature several lawmakers; click here on May 12 at 10 a.m. to join.
Thursday - Advocate for increased pay for all direct care workers and support quality training programs which produce increased career opportunities.
Friday - Ask Legislature to revisit the establishment of the Kinship Caregiver Navigator program at the state level to assist kinship caregivers in attaining resources and training.
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Senior Resources seeks companion care providers |
Do you enjoy spending time with older adults, or know someone who does? Senior Resources has part-time positions available for activity-based companion care positions.
This is a great position for retirees or anyone who enjoys helping older adults remain independent in their homes.
We are especially seeking adults in Muskegon County and northern Ottawa County.
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One Day University offers free online lectures
Senior Resources has partnered with One Day University to offer free memberships for older adults in Muskegon, Oceana, and Ottawa counties. One Day University (ODU) offers access to hundreds of online talks with some of the nation's most popular professors.
These short online courses are one-hour presentations that cover everything from art to zoology. Access to a vast library of recorded lectures and content, invitations to special events with professors and discounts to live events come standard with OneDayU membership, provided through Senior Resources.
To sign up:
1. Go to www.onedayu.com/membership
2. Click on the button that says “Sign up Now”
3. Enter our community code, SRWMI-N4A, in the coupon code box
4. Click “Proceed to checkout”
5. Enter your name and email address to complete enrollment
Questions? Issues? Please email N4A@onedayu.com or call 800-300-3438 and a One Day
University customer service representative will help you as soon as possible. Please reference
community code SRWMI-N4A in your email.
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Area plan annual plan public hearing set on May 11
Senior Resources of West Michigan, the area agency on aging for Muskegon, Ottawa, and Oceana counties, is holding a public hearing via a virtual meeting to listen to the comments and opinions of older adults and caregivers regarding our plans for service provision for the period of Oct. 1, 2021 – Sept. 30, 2022.
The Public Hearings will include a review of the plan, including services we wish to fund, as well as an opportunity for participant input and comment. Tuesday, May 11, 2 pm.
Senior Resources administers a variety of federal, state, local and private funds to support services such as in-home care, senior meals, transportation, programs for caregivers, health promotion, legal and other services for individuals aged 60 and over. Senior Resources identifies needs and develops an area plan, informs and educates seniors, families, and the public on available services and issues affecting older adults, and advocates on behalf of all older adults in Muskegon, Oceana, and Ottawa counties.
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Become a Dementia Friend!
People with dementia sometimes need help going about their daily lives and to feel included in their communities. Dementia Friends works to give people an understanding of dementia, and the small things they can do to make a difference. Due to the pandemic, we are currently offering Dementia Friends via Zoom video-conferencing. All sessions are one hour.
To register for future sessions, email DementiaFriends@seniorresourceswmi.org with the date you would like to attend. A Zoom link and materials will be sent to you via email ahead of the session.
May 6, 2021, 9 a.m.
June 9, 2021, 11 a.m.
For more information, contact Lisa Tyler, ltyler@seniorresourceswmi.org, or 231-733-3509.
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Free Resources for older adults and caregivers through website
Active Daily Living, a free resource for older adults and caregivers, is available through the Senior Resources website. It is designed for seniors and/or family members concerned about the physical safety of a loved one. Interactive modules, videos, and weekly newsletters offer no-cost or low-cost tips developed by aging experts to help with activities of daily living.
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Community Resources for COVID-19
CALL 2-1-1 - dial 2-1-1 for health and human services help, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Senior Resources - Call our Long-Term Care Options Counselors at 231-733-3585
Muskegon County:
- https://www.maskupmuskegon.org/
Oceana County:
Ottawa County:
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If you suspect someone you know is being abused, call 1-855-444-3911 to report your suspicions, 24-hours per day. Please note that this centralized intake line is for the entire state of Michigan and you may be on hold for some time. In case of emergency, call 9-1-1 to report to your local police department.
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Senior Resources of West Michigan Inc
560 Seminole Road
Muskegon, MI 49444
231.733.3585
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