Department invites public input from older adults for new state plan

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Bureau of Aging, Community Living and Supports is inviting the public to join community conversations online and throughout the state to discuss the needs of older adults.

MDHHS is seeking input regarding the needs and gaps in programs and services that affect quality of life for older residents. MDHHS will use information gathered during the community conversations and from survey responses to identify priorities for the department in support of the health and well-being of Michigan’s older adult population.

A draft plan goes before the state’s Commission on Services to the Aging for approval before being submitted to the Federal Administration for Community Living by July 1 for implementation during fiscal years 2023-2026.

“The needs assessment that is underway will provide MDHHS and partners with important information for the development of Michigan’s next three-year State Plan on Aging,” said Farah Hanley, chief deputy director for health. “We welcome input as the voices of Michigan’s older adults are critical to the plan and their input will provide valuable insights into the priorities and needs of this growing segment of our population.”

State units on aging are tasked under the Older Americans Act with developing and administering a multi-year State Plan on Aging that provides goals and objectives related to assisting older residents, their families and caregivers in their states. The plan serves as a blueprint outlining coordination and advocacy activities to meet the needs of older adults and for building capacity for long-term care efforts in the state.

Anyone interested in providing information on the needs of older adults is invited to participate in a community conversation or complete a survey. The community conversations are January and February at various locations across the state and in four separate online forums.

For in-person gatherings, appropriate health and safety precautions will be taken. Survey questionnaires will be available online and in paper form in English, Spanish and Arabic.

For a current list of community conversation locations, dates, and times, or to access the survey, go to the Behavioral and Physical Health and Aging Services Administration webpage at www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/adult-child-serv/adults-and-seniors/behavioral-and-physical-health-and-aging-services?utm_campaign=&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery. This site will also be used to communicate cancelation information and updates.