AN UPDATED NEEDS ANALYSIS OF MICHIGAN’S AREA AGENCIES ON AGING - Abstract citation ID igaf122.3426 - Session 7540 Poster

Sep 29, 2026

Background: As individuals age, medical complexity can increase and assistance with activities of daily living becomes necessary. Michigan’s Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) connect caregivers with respite care, caregiver training, and care plan monitoring and development. Methods: A needs assessment of Michigan’s 16 AAAs was conducted via an online questionnaire to directors in 2020 and 2024; 16 responded in 2020 and nine responded in 2024. Results: AAAs emphasized respite care and caregiver training in both years, with fewer in-person services, more telephone and online delivery, contract-related changes, and growth in caregiver-related activities. Conclusion: AAA needs guide governmental planning, funding distribution, and outreach expansion.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages1

Reading Time3 min

AccessFree to download

Background

Methods

Results

Service delivery changes

Caregiver activity categories

Conclusion

1016 Innovation in Aging, 2025, Vol. 9, No. S2 SESSION 7540 (POSTER) SOCIAL SERVICES: POLICY, FINANCING, AND DELIVERY SYSTEMS Abstract citation ID: igaf122.3426 AN UPDATED NEEDS ANALYSIS OF MICHIGAN’S AREA AGENCIES ON AGING: SUPPORTING THOSE WHO SUPPORT OTHERS Natalie Delemeester1, Joan Ilardo2, and Angela Zell2, 1. Michigan State University, Okemos, Michigan, United States, 2. Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States Background: As individuals age, they often develop more complex medical needs that may necessitate assistance with activities of daily living. Such assistance has traditionally been provided by children, and in 2019, there were an estimated 11 million Americans caring for both their own children and their parents. The Michigan Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) are an instrumental part of connecting caregivers with resources such as respite care, caregiver training, and care plan monitoring and development. Methods: In 2020 and in 2024, a needs assessment of the 16 AAAs in Michigan was conducted via an online questionnaire sent to each AAA director. In 2020, all 16 responded. In 2024, nine responded. The data from the nine from both points in time were then compared. Results: The responding AAAs prioritized providing respite care and caregiver training in 2020 and 2024. The AAAs reported a 50% decrease of in-person provision of services with a corresponding growth of 125% increase in telephone and use of online service provision. This was in the setting of the elimination of phone and online services from POS contracts. There was also a 228% increase in persons from POS contracts doing caregiver actives who were identified as “other”. All nine AAAs predicted future growth over the next three years. Conclusion: Understanding the needs of the AAAs is essential for continued governmental planning and distribution of funds. The AAAs anticipate increased future demand and are expanding how they reach caregivers while also utilizing more diverse contracted workers.

FAQs

What was the purpose of the updated needs assessment for Michigan AAAs on Aging?

It assessed the needs of Michigan’s 16 Area Agencies on Aging to understand priorities and how caregiver support services should be planned and funded. The goal was to inform governmental planning and ongoing distribution of resources.

How was data collected in 2020 and 2024?

Needs assessment questionnaires were sent online to each AAA director. In 2020, all 16 AAAs responded; in 2024, nine AAAs responded, and the data from those nine were compared across time points.

What changes in service delivery did the responding AAAs report between 2020 and 2024?

They prioritized respite care and caregiver training in both years but reported a 50% decrease in in-person services. Telephone and online service provision increased substantially (reported as a 125% increase), alongside contract-related elimination of phone and online services from POS contracts.

What did the AAAs predict about future demand?

All nine AAAs predicted increased demand over the next three years and planned to expand how they reach caregivers while also utilizing more diverse contracted workers.

Sep 29, 2026

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