AAA Assessment Underway - What's Needed in your Community
Tuesday May 7, 2019
In honor of Older Americans Month, the Area Agency on Aging (3C) is seeking input from Branch and St. Joseph County residents, service participants and key community leaders.
The Branch-St. Joseph Area Agency on Aging (3C), an autonomous department within the Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency, is one of Michigan’s 16 designated Area Agencies on Aging. It is responsible for identifying needs, providing comprehensive information & assistance/referral services, and assuring that a full array of services and supports is available to older adults and families across Branch and St. Joseph counties.
Rebecca Burns, MPH, RS
Health Officer
Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency
Andrejs Rozentals
St. Joseph County resident
Michigan Senior Advocates Council member
Every three years the Area Agency on Aging (AAA) prepares a Multi-Year Area Plan. This plan spells out the needs of older adults and sets priorities for funding and services. Currently, the AAA is seeking input from Branch and St. Joseph County residents, service participants and key community leaders. According to Laura Sutter, AAA 3C Director, “If you are an older adult, the caregiver of an older adult or have an interest in sharing your perspective as an advocate or professional - we want to hear from you! The feedback we receive will be used to help us target federal and state resources as well as develop and improve upon services that are available across our two-county area.”
In order to provide input, the Area Agency on Aging has posted 2 “Survey Monkey” tools (an internet-based survey) which can be accessed by going to:
For Older Adults/Caregivers Take Older Adults Survey
For Key Community Leaders Take Coummunity Leaders Survey
This questionnaire takes approximately 5 to 10 minutes to complete. Laura adds “For those who would prefer to fill out a paper survey you can ask for a copy at your local senior center or congregate meal site. We can also talk with you over the phone and you can share your input with one of our staff who will confidentially complete the form. Everyone’s input is welcomed and needed.”
The Survey Monkey will be open until May 27th. Information collected is anonymous. Feedback received via the survey will be presented at two local public hearings, scheduled for:
Thursday, May 30th at 11:00am at the Community Health Agency Coldwater office or
Friday, May 31st at 2:00pm at the Community Health Agency Three Rivers office.
If you have questions regarding the process or would prefer to complete the survey over the phone, please call the Area Agency on Aging 3C at (888) 615-8009 (Toll Free) or (517) 278-2538.