$25M From CARES Act Coming To Michigan To Help Aging Residents

MICHIGAN — A $25 million allotment from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act will help aging residents in Michigan during the coronavirus pandemic.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services on Wednesday announced that it had received the money, which is said it was use to help aging residents in Michigan.

“The need for these services has increased as community measures to slow transmission of COVID-19 have closed locations where many people typically receive services making it difficult for families to assist loved ones who live alone,” said Dr. Alexis Travis, senior deputy director of Aging & Adult Services Agency within the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. “In addition, the adaptations necessary to provide these services in the current environment have increased costs to service providers. We are thankful these additional dollars are now available to serve older Michiganders.”

Don't miss important updates from health and government officials on the impact of the coronavirus in Michigan. Sign up for Patch's daily newsletters and email alerts.

Michigan has been hit hard by the coronavirus, reporting more than 44,000 cases of the virus as of Tuesday.

The CARE Act provides funding for programs that assist older Americans. Michigan will spend its money to help residents 60 and over served by Older Americans Act programs. Such programs provide services to older Americans, such as assistance bathing and dressing, transportation and education.

Provided by a network of community-based organizations — such as Area Agencies on Aging, local community and senior centers and Commissions and Councils on Aging — these programs help millions of older adults stay healthy and continue living independently.

The aging network supported by these programs are delivering meals, ensuring safe transitions home following hospitalizations, and providing other essential services to older Michiganders during this challenging time.

The CARES Act funding coming to Michigan includes:

• $633,406 to support State Long-Term Care Ombudsman programs in providing consumer advocacy services for residents of long-term care facilities. Restrictions on visitation have significantly increased demand for ombudsman services as families seek assistance in ensuring the well-being of their loved ones. Ombudsman programs will expand their virtual presence to residents and their families, and continue to promote the health, safety welfare, and rights of residents in the context of the coronavirus. This funding will help with hiring additional staff and purchasing additional technology, associated hardware, and personal protective equipment for use once in-person visits resume.
• $15,201,736 for home-delivered meals for older adults. Meal providers can also expand “drive-through” or “grab-and-go" meals for older adults who typically would participate in meal programs at community centers and other locations that have been closed due to social distancing measures.
• $6,334,057 for home and community-based services, which will help more older adults shelter in place to minimize exposure to the coronavirus. These include personal care assistance, help with household chores and grocery shopping, transportation to essential services when necessary, and case management.
• $3,099,016 to expand a range of services that help family and informal caregivers provide support to loved ones at home. These include counseling, respite care, training and connecting people to information.