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Information & Assistance

Care Connections

Medicare/Medicaid Assistance Program

Caregiver Corner

Did You Know?
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The typical caregiver is a
married, employed 47 year old woman caring for her widowed mother who does not live with her.

Care Connections

Senior Resources assists people affected by age or disability to make decisions regarding their long term care by providing information and/or coordination of services. A variety of programs designed to meet your needs are available. Please review the programs listed below to learn more about the services available through Senior Resources or contact us by phone at 231-733-3585 or email. (Scroll down for details on each service and to see other helpful links.)

Older Americans Act Funded Programs

  • Case Coordination and Support
  • Care Management

Medicaid Funded Programs

  • Targeted Care Management
  • MiChoice Waiver
  • MChoice Waiver in Residential Settings
  • Nursing Facility Transitions

Other Programs

  • Caregiver Respite
  • Custom Care
  • Information and Assistance
  • Community Living Consultation
  • Veteran's Home and Community Based Service

Case Coordination and Support

Case Coordinators are eldercare professionals that know the resources available in our community to help those experiencing some difficulty with activities of daily living. The Case Coordinator will listen to your unique situation and offer assistance in finding the resources to help meet your need. Case Coordinators generally visit you in your home twice a year and contact you monthly by phone.

Services provided for Case Coordination are paid for in part through federal and state funds allocated under the Older Americans Act and granted to Senior Resources. Funds are allocated annually and generally can be used only for persons over 60 years of age. To be eligible for Case Coordination services one must be unable to perform tasks needed to remain at home. Because of limited funding, participants are generally limited to getting help only once or twice a week. There are no income requirements. Participants will be asked to cost share as they are able. Services which may be available are limited to the following:

  • Adult Day Care
  • Homemaking
  • In-Home Respite
  • Personal Care

*Note: Due to high levels of need for this program and reduced funding as a result of recent State budget cuts, there is a waitlist to receive services. You may still receive Case Coordination service on a full pay basis while you are on a waitlist or elect to have the Case Coordinator assist in finding other community resources while you wait.

The Next Step Call Senior Resources at (231) 733-3585 or email us.

Care Management
Care Managers are nurses, social workers, or human service professionals that assist people who are at risk of nursing home placement remain independently living in the placement of their choice. Care Managers know the resources available in the community and help to educate and connect their participants to the services of their choice. Through an assessment process Care Managers are able to identify the areas of greatest risk of nursing home placement and make recommendations for services. Care Managers complete quarterly assessments and contact the participant by phone on a monthly basis. Services provided for Care Management are paid for in part through federal and state funds allocated under the Older Americans Act and granted to Senior Resources. Funds are allocated annually and generally can be used only for persons over 60 years of age. To be eligible for Care Management one must be at risk of nursing home placement. Because of limited funding, participants are generally limited to receiving services only once or twice a week. There are no income requirements but those in greatest need are prioritized. Participants will be asked to cost share as they are able. Services which may be available are limited to the following:

  • Adult Day Care
  • Homemaking
  • In-Home Respite
  • Personal Care
  • Medication Management
*Note: Due to high levels of need for this program and reduced funding as a result of recent State budget cuts, there is a waitlist to receive services. You may still receive Care Management service on a full pay basis while you are on a waitlist or elect to have the Care Manager assist in finding other community resources while you wait.

The Next Step Call Senior Resources at (231) 733-3585 or email us.

Targeted Care Management
The purpose of Targeted Care Management (TCM) is to provide resources for managing the community-based care needs of Medicaid eligible persons age 60 and older who are not enrolled in the MI Choice waiver program. Individuals enrolled in the program must meet nursing home level of care criteria. The Care Manager provides the following services:

  • Assessment
  • Care planning
  • Arranging services
  • Follow-up and/or Monitoring
  • Reassessment

The Next Step Call Senior Resources at (231) 733-3585 or email us.

MI Choice Waiver Program
MI Choice is a home and community-based program. Eligible adults must meet financial requirements and be medically appropriate for nursing home care to be a MI Choice participant. This program allows the individual to access services in the community along with receiving support in their own home or other residential setting. Each participant can obtain basic Medicaid-covered services and must receive one or more MI Choice Waiver services. The program includes prescreening, assessments, case management, direct purchase of services, and re-assessment contacts. MI Choice Waiver is a statewide program funded by the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH).

Eligibility Requirements: Age

  • Frail adults 65 years of age or older
  • Persons who are disabled age 18 or old

Financial
To be financially eligible for MI Choice, participants must qualify for Medicaid using special income and asset rules. The income limit is 300% of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) allotment set by the federal government each year. Persons currently receiving SSI benefits or Medicaid services meet the program financial criteria. A participant’s individual income is allowed to be up to $2,022 per month for 2011. Amount subject to change. If the client has a spouse, the spouse’s income is not computed in the qualifying amount. Allowable assets for an individual client are limited to $2,000. If the client has a spouse living in the community, the federal Protected Spousal Asset guidelines are utilized. The Protected Spousal Asset is one half of the couple’s countable assets – in 2011 it is no less than $21,912 and not to exceed $109,560. Amounts are subject to change.

Medical
Medical status must meet the Michigan Medicaid nursing facility level of care determination criteria.

Service Need
In addition to the other requirements, participants must need at least one MI Choice Waiver service on an ongoing basis. These services include: Adult Day Services, Chore Services, Counseling, Transportation, Environmental Modifications, Medical Equipment and Supplies, Independent Living Skills training, Home Delivered Meals, Personal Care, Homemaker services, In-home Respite Care, Out-of-home Respite Care, Personal Emergency Response System.

Waitlist
If you are found to probably be eligible for this program your name will be added to the shared waitlist for our area. Senior Resources and HHS are providers of this program and both agencies are able to serve individuals as they are chronologically taken off the waitlist. You may express a preference for one of the agencies or choose the first available. Priority is given to open Adult Protective Services cases, Nursing Facility Transitions and Children’s Waiver Services. An alternative Medicaid program for those residing in Muskegon and Northern Ottawa is the PACE program. Please call 231-733-8686 to learn more about PACE.

The Next Step
Call Senior Resources at (231) 733-3585 or email us.

MiChoice Waiver in Residential Settings

Medical
Knowing what senior living options are available for you or a loved one can become very confusing and a bit overwhelming at times. Knowing what options are available can make all the difference in the world.  


Today there are options of transferring to an assisted living setting or an adult care community from your home or from a Nursing facility. The new MI Choice Waiver in Residential Settings program will assist participants who meet medical and financial criteria, find alternative living options that best fit their needs.  These qualified individuals may receive Medicaid covered services like those provided by nursing homes in a residential setting.

Eligibility Requirements: Age

  • Frail adults 65 years of age or older
  • Persons who are disabled age 18 or old

Financial
To be financially eligible for MI Choice, participants must qualify for Medicaid using special income and asset rules. The income limit is 300% of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) allotment set by the federal government each year. Persons currently receiving SSI benefits or Medicaid services meet the program financial criteria. A participant’s individual income is allowed to be up to $2,022 per month for 2011. Amount subject to change. If the client has a spouse, the spouse’s income is not computed in the qualifying amount. Allowable assets for an individual client are limited to $2,000. If the client has a spouse living in the community, the federal Protected Spousal Asset guidelines are utilized. The Protected Spousal Asset is one half of the couple’s countable assets – in 2011 it is no less than $21,912 and not to exceed $109,560. Amounts are subject to change.

Medical
Medical status must meet the Michigan Medicaid nursing facility level of care determination criteria.

Service Need
In addition to the other requirements, participants must need at least one MI Choice Waiver service on an ongoing basis. These services include:

Residential Services, Adult Day Services, Counseling, Transportation, Specialized Medical Equipment and Supplies, Fiscal Intermediary, Goods and Services, Counseling, Non-Medical Transportation, Private Duty Nursing, Training.

Waitlist
Participants in this program are given first priority if they are transferring from a nursing home to a residential setting. Participants who qualify for Waiver services who currently reside in a residential setting are prioritized chronologically.

The Next Step
Call Senior Resources at (231) 733-3585 or email us.

Nursing Facility Transitions
Nursing Facility Transition Services are available to assist persons receiving long term care in transitioning from a Nursing Facility into the community. Based on the individual program participant’s needs, available services may include but are not limited to: Coordination and Support, Housing assistance, Furniture for participant’s home, Home modifications, Groceries, Moving expenses, Utility deposits/hook-up fees, and Household goods. Other items required for a successful transition from a facility to a community based environment may also be available.

Nursing Facility Transition Services are funded by the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) and offered statewide.

Eligibility Requirements: Persons must reside in a nursing facility and be eligible for Medicaid to obtain Nursing Facility Transition Services. Program participants may be eligible for ongoing services through the MI Choice Waiver Program.

Age Requirements:

  • Frail adults 65 years of age or older
  • Persons who are disabled age 18 or old
Financial
To be financially eligible for MI Choice, participants must qualify for Medicaid using special income and asset rules. The income limit is 300% of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) allotment set by the federal government each year. Persons currently receiving SSI benefits or Medicaid services meet the program financial criteria. A participant’s individual income is allowed to be up to $2,022 per month for 2011. Amount subject to change. If the client has a spouse, the spouse’s income is not computed in the qualifying amount. Allowable assets for an individual client are limited to $2,000. If the client has a spouse living in the community, the federal Protected Spousal Asset guidelines are utilized. The Protected Spousal Asset is one half of the couple’s countable assets – in 2011 it is no less than $21,912 and not to exceed $109,560. Amounts are subject to change.

Medical Medical status must meet the Michigan Medicaid nursing facility level of care determination criteria.

Waitlist Participants in this program are given first priority if they are transferring from a nursing home to a residential setting.

The Next Step
Call Senior Resources at (231) 733-3585 or email us.

Caregiver Respite

The federal National Family Caregiver Support Program (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services/Administration on Aging, Michigan Office of Services to the Aging) provides funds that are allocated to Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) for services to family caregivers. Services are offered to caregivers of individuals 60 or older or caregivers themselves who are 60 or older and are caring for someone who needs assistance with two or more activities of daily living or has a cognitive impairment and has limited ability to care for him or herself. A very limited amount of funds are available for this program.

The Next Step
Call Senior Resources at (231) 733-3585 or email us.

Custom Care

Custom Care assists families and seniors with all of life’s decisions, so you don’t need to do it alone. We have years of experience in providing assistance for seniors and extensive knowledge on aging issues and the services in your area. For a reasonable fee Custom Care professionals will help you and your family navigate through the maze of decisions seniors face as they age.

After your plan is determined, we will work with you, your family, and community providers to arrange, monitor and bill for services. A single bill can be sent monthly with a detailed list of services provided.

Eligibility
Anyone desiring assistance in making long term care decisions and want to privately pay for services in their home or another placement of their choice is appropriate for this program.  Service options include:

  • Homemaking
  • Personal Care
  • Home Health Aide
  • Lawn Maintenance / Snow Removal
  • Respite Care
  • In-home Counseling
  • Private Duty LPN/RN
  • Medication Management
  • Personal Emergency Response System
  • Medication Dispenser
  • Home Delivered Meals
  • Transportation
  • Adult Day Services

The Next Step
Call Senior Resources at (231) 733-3585 or email us.

Community Living Consultation

This program is for older adults who are concerned about their ability to live independently in their homes. The program provides support in planning how to maximize resources to meet personal goals and remain in the community. A caring professional will listen and help you navigate through the resources available and the costs involved. The consultant supports, encourages, and assists you in decision making but does not make decisions for you. The consultant is available to meet with the participant and/or their family to discuss options in person or by phone.

Eligibility Requirements - Age
Frail adults 60 years of age or older.

Medical
Require assistance with daily care needs.

The Next Step
Call Senior Resources at (231) 733-3585

Veteran’s Home and Community Based Services

This program is not yet available at Senior Resources.

Other Helpful Links

Tanglewood Park
Tanglewood Park is a unique facility where 4 non-profit agencies come together to provide a one-of-a-kind senior center to benefit every stage and phase of aging.

PACE - Program of All - inclusive Care of the Elderly The LifeCircles Program of All-inclusive Care of the Elderly (PACE) will work with you and your family to provide the care you need to live safely in your home. You can call 231-733-8686 for more information.

AgeWell / Meals on Wheels
Agewell Services/Meals on Wheels program offers much more than ‘just a meal’ to seniors in Muskegon, Oceana and Ottawa Counties.

For active retirees and those over 50 who seek fitness and wellness programs, arts, music, travel, and lifelong learning opportunities.

Community Access Line of the Lakeshore - CALL211
For anyone of any age who is seeking information and referral on health and human services.

Centers for Independent Living
Centers for Independent Living are the first stop for people with disabilities and their families. They are grassroots, community based non-profit organizations run by people with disabilities for people with disabilities.

Benefits for Veterans, Dependents, and Survivors
An explanation of benefits available through the veteran’s administration.

VA Aide and Attendance for Veterans and Surviving Spouses
This pension is designed to help supplement medical expenses such as home health care and assisted living.

Medicare coverage of home health care
An explanation of when Medicare covers home health care.

Advance Directives
Planning for Medical Care in the Event of Loss of Decision-Making Ability.

Planning for your Peace of Mind

Long Term Care Options
Use this Medicare site to learn about the different options available for those seeking long term care.

End of Life
This site provided by the Michigan Department of Community Health offers resources for end of life issues.

Cost comparisons
Nursing home, assisted living, adult daycare, home health care and homemaking average cost in Michigan according to Genworth 2009 survey.

Adult day services
This site explains what adult daycare is and how it may benefit you or your loved one. To find local providers you can use the locator provided at this website or search the Senior Resources contracted service providers list.

Assisted Living

Senior Resources contracted service providers
A list of all of the service providers contracted with Senior Resources to provide home health care, homemaking, personal care, adult daycare, respite, durable medical equipment, chore services etc.

Our mission is to provide a comprehensive and coordinated system of services designed to promote the independence of older persons and their families in Muskegon, Oceana and Ottawa counties - a mission compelling us to focus on older persons in greatest need and to advocate for all.

 
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