Supportive Services

Alzheimer Support Group is designed to assist caregivers of Alzheimer patients. The group meets the third Wednesday of the month from 2:00 until 3:30 p.m. at the Ionia Commission on Aging at 115 Hudson St. Craig Stevens is the group moderator and can be reached at 616-527-5365.

Care-giver Support is available through various support groups as well as one-on-one sessions with a caseworker who is available to help with the caregiving needs of elderly persons. For more information Support Services at 616-527-5365.

Grandparents Parenting is held the second Tuesday of each month from 6:30 -8:00 p.m. in the conference room at Freedom Acres School. Freedom Acres is located at the Ionia ISD 2191 Harwood Road in Ionia. This support group is designed to assist grandparents who find themselves rearing their grandchildren. Childcare is provided for young grandchildren so that their grandparents can attend the meeting. For more information contact Rona Shane at Community Mental Health 616-527-1790 or 517-647-2128.

Respite Care is available for primary caregivers on a weekly basis. Relief aides are matched with the level of care needed for the elderly person which can range from companionship to hands-on care. There is a cost share in place for this program.

Information and Referral Services are available to help clients locate appropriate agencies to respond to client needs. Contact COA 616-527-5365 for help.

Medicare/Medicaid Assistance Program (MMAP) is staffed by counselors who can aid clients with questions/concerns about applying for Medicaid and answering routing insurance questions. Both Craig Stevens and Debbie Steele are certified MMAP counselors who can be contacted at 616-527-5365.