Area Agency on Aging of Northwest MI 10 Care Management Program

The Area Agency on Aging of Northwest Michigan (AAANM) helps caregivers access respite through its Care Management service, in which a professional coordinates the in-home supports — including breaks for the caregiver — that keep an older adult safely at home. For families managing complex needs, having an expert arrange respite removes one more burden from already-stretched caregivers.

A care manager, often a nurse or social worker, assesses the situation and builds a plan that can include respite alongside personal care, homemaking, meals, and other services, connecting the family to programs like the MI Choice Medicaid Waiver where appropriate. Respite might be scheduled in-home coverage, an adult day program, or short-term care, and the care manager adjusts the plan over time as needs change. AAANM has served its region since 1974 and covers ten counties, including Grand Traverse, Emmet, Charlevoix, Leelanau, and Manistee.

This resource matters because respite is among the most protective supports for a caregiver, but arranging it — finding providers, confirming coverage, scheduling — can itself be exhausting. A care manager handles that coordination, making relief actually attainable. For northwest Michigan caregivers needing a break, AAANM’s Care Management is a valuable option. Reach AAANM at (231) 947-8920 or (800) 442-1713, or visit aaanm.org.