Caregiving: A community conversation
By Alexandra Newman “We start off life and it follows a predictable, developmental sequence. We don’t think about the probability that we’ll become caregivers.” That was a quote that stuck with me from a Community Conversation about caregiving that was held last month at the South Haven Center for the Arts. As part of the […]
Be on the lookout for Medicare fraud, elder abuse
By Sara Duris Q. My father went to a local health fair and was offered a knee wrap to help his arthritis. He was told it was free but on his recent Explanation of Benefits, it appears Medicare was billed for an expensive knee brace that isn’t even like what he got from the vendor. […]
Finding creativity, purpose, growth, learning at every age
By Alexandra Newman As you’re reading this, I’m on a boat off the coast of Florida sailing toward Mexico. My first time venturing outside of the United States. My mom, sisters, and I have been planning this trip for over a year, and I am so incredibly excited that it’s finally here. During the cruise, we’ll be celebrating my mom’s 60th birthday – a milestone I hope to celebrate in […]
The quiet impact of showing up: The value of the Senior Companion Program
By Christine Vanlandingham Sometimes the most meaningful support doesn’t arrive with fanfare. It shows up at the door on a Tuesday morning. It sits at the kitchen table. It listens. That’s the heart of the Senior Companion Program. Across our community, Senior Companions – older adult volunteers themselves – are paired with other older adults […]
Protecting older adults and the programs that serve them
By Lynn Kellogg “The budget reconciliation act (H.R. 1)—formerly named the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” or OBBBA—was signed into law on July 4, 2025. It cuts over a trillion dollars from Medicaid, Medicare, and the Affordable Care Act (ACA).” Implementation is planned after the mid-term elections. The quote above is from Justice in Aging, […]
AAA announces 2026 Consumer Collaborative meetings
Anyone utilizing Region IV Area Agency on Aging (AAA) services are invited to attend this year’s Consumer Collaborative meetings. This includes consumers, clients and caregivers (family & friends). Meetings will include a speaker and an opportunity to give feedback on AAA programs and services. All meetings are one hour and will take place via conference […]
It started with a phone call
By Alexandra Newman It all started with a phone call to find their local senior center. An anecdote I often use when talking about Area Agency on Aging’s Info-Line for Aging & Disability. I use it to say that no question is too big or too small for our Aging Specialists. It doesn’t have to […]
The still point in a turning world
By Christine Vanlandingham In today’s world, the pace is relentless. Deadlines loom, inboxes overflow, and the expectations associated with leadership roles, caregiving responsibilities, community involvement, or balancing work and family rarely pauses for breath. We are constantly responding and reacting. But in the rush to keep up, we risk losing something essential: the space for […]
Building community solidarity
By Alexandra Newman This summer we celebrated four years of owning our home. In those four years, I learned the names of just four of my neighbors, five if you count a dog. I spent countless hours outside on my front porch and in my garden, but only a handful of neighbors had stopped by […]
Make a Will to Preserve Your Legacy
By Sara Duris August is national Make A Will month but many people ask why is it important to have a will? A Last Will and Testament is a legally binding document that outlines your wishes after your death. This includes: According to a 2024 survey by Caring.com, nearly 7 in 10 American adults don’t […]