GRAND TRAVERSE COUNTY — The Area Agency on Aging of Northwest Michigan and the Michigan Long Term Care Ombudsman Program are looking for volunteers.
Those who volunteer would help care for those in nursing homes, homes for the aged, and adult foster care facilities across ten counties in Northwest Michigan.
The Michigan Long Term Care Ombudsman Program serves those who live in those facilities, with volunteers acting as an advocate and a listening ear.
But right now, they only have two volunteers,
Kandi Lannen, the Executive Director of the Area Agency on Aging of Northwest Michigan, says “Within our region up here, there’s over a 3400 beds, and licensed facilities, and so you can see that two people is still not enough. And so volunteers are extremely important to help also be the eyes and the ears and the advocates for those that are in those settings. ”
Volunteers receive thorough training in resident rights and advocacy, along with ongoing guidance from local Ombudsman staff. Mileage reimbursement and continued learning opportunities are also provided.
The program serves those in Antrim, Benzie, Charlevoix, Emmet, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Leelanau, Manistee, Missaukee, and Wexford counties.
To volunteer, visit www.aaanm.org