Michigan-Based Organizations & Programs

Area Agency on Aging 1-B – Caregiver Coaching
(Washtenaw & Livingston Counties)
One on One support for family caregivers caring for an aging or chronically ill parent, spouse, sibling or other loved one. FREE caregiver coaching matches you with a compassionate, trained volunteer who will work with you on a personal level to find resources, make decisions and manage a crisis. Contact Amy Smyth 248-794-4577 or asmyth@aaa1b.org.

If you are not local to this region, please visit the Area Agencies on Aging Association of Michigan here to locate your county’s services. The Area Agencies on Aging are nonprofit 501(c) 3 organizations with a 40+ year history of serving older adults and people with disabilities in Michigan. They are part of a national network of Area Agencies on Aging and leaders in aging services — setting the course in providing the services, innovations and advocacy needed to make sure a growing senior population has the resources and supports it will need.

Institute of Gerontology – Wayne State University
Established in 1965, the Institute of Gerontology has long been a leader in outreach to both professional caregivers and members of the community. As a nationally recognized authority on aging issues, their mission is to conduct research and translate that knowledge into meaningful programming for seniors, their caregivers and the professional community serving them. Their team of faculty, students, staff, and countless volunteers all share a passion and dedication to the promotion of successful aging. Please follow this link to information about programs, including A Meaningful Life with Alzheimer’s Conference, the Healthier Black Elders Center, Financial Decision Making, and more. Learn more here.

Michigan Alzheimer’s Disease Center
Established at Michigan Medicine and based in the Department of Neurology, the Michigan Alzheimer’s Disease Center aims to conduct and support research on Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders, promote state-of-the-art care and wellness for individuals and families affected by memory loss, and increase dementia awareness through collaborative education and outreach efforts. The center supports recruitment for memory and aging research, connects interested volunteers to research opportunities, provide programs focusing on whole-body health and well-being through their Wellness Initiative, and collaborates with local chapters of the Alzheimer’s Association to enhance community outreach through education programs. Learn more here.

Turner Senior Wellness Programs
A division of Michigan Medicine’s Geriatric Center, the Turner Senior Wellness Program’s mission is to be a vital learning, health and wellness center, a pioneering program where older adults initiate, guide and implement the center’s direction and activities, working together to improve and enhance the quality of life for older adults and their families in our community. Older adults not only participate, learn and interact but also volunteer to serve one another and their community. The Turner Senior Wellness Program offers an array of high quality, low cost programs and resources for seniors and consultation for family caregivers looking for services and programming. Learn more here.

Universal Dementia Care Program
With the support of grants assisting and community funding, Universal Dementia Care offers families who have a loved one living with dementia the following services: training and educational opportunities to raise awareness of dementia symptoms, management, and coping techniques, coaching and counseling on the care and services available to those confronting dementia concerns, and addressing the sense of hopelessness and assisting with understanding of aging issues including dementia planning for end of life transitions. To learn more about their services, visit their website here.