The Compass Newsletter

A Monthly Update from

Senior Resources of

West Michigan

An Area Agency on Aging Serving Muskegon, Oceana & Ottawa counties

In This Issue...

This month’s issue centers on what matters most—safety, independence, and connection.

From preventing scams and abuse to supporting brain health and aging at home, we’re sharing resources, stories, and ways we continue to advocate for older adults across our community.

We also highlight ways you can get involved and connect with the programs and people here to support you.

We’re glad you’re here and appreciate you being part of our community.

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is June 15th

In June, World Elder Abuse Awareness Day brings attention to an issue that too often remains hidden. Elder abuse—including financial exploitation, scams, neglect, and emotional mistreatment—can affect older adults across all communities. Raising awareness is one of the most important steps we can take toward prevention.

Senior Resources is proud to support the Safe Seniors Collaborative, which works year-round to educate, advocate, and protect older adults in Muskegon, Ottawa, and Oceana counties. Through outreach and shared resources, Safe Seniors helps individuals recognize warning signs, stay informed, and know where to turn for help.

This is Medicare Fraud Prevention Week!

Fraud Prevention Week is a reminder that staying informed is one of the best ways to stay protected. Scammers are constantly changing their tactics, often targeting older adults with messages that feel urgent or too good to be true.

Creating an account at Medicare.gov is a simple way to track your claims and spot potential fraud early. Our SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) team is here to help—offering guidance to recognize red flags, avoid scams, and protect your valuable Medicare benefits.

If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and reach out—we’re here to help you navigate with confidence.

Call our team at 231-733-3572 or learn more at SMP Resource Center.

Become a Dementia Friend

We were so grateful to welcome Jaccie Smith, Senior Care Services Director from the Oceana County Council on Aging to Senior Resources for a recent Dementia Friends presentation for participants, caregivers, family members, and community partners attending our Mi Choice Masters Consumer Quality Collaborative gathering in May.

June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month—a time to learn more about brain health and how we can support those living with memory loss. Worldwide, more than 55 million people are living with Alzheimer’s or another dementia, and many of us have at least one potential risk factor. The good news: it’s never too early or too late to take steps that support a healthy brain. ( Learn more at www.alz.org/abam )

Understanding dementia starts with awareness—and small moments of support can make a meaningful difference. Dementia Friends is a global movement that helps people better understand what it’s like to live with dementia and how to support those who are affected.

Senior Resources offers Dementia Friends information classes that provide simple, practical ways to make a difference in your community—whether you’re a caregiver, professional, or someone who just wants to help.

Ready to get involved? Visit Become a Dementia Friend or call 231-733-3509 to learn more about upcoming classes and how to sign up.

Mi Choice Waiver: Care at Home

Across our June newsletter, we’re highlighting ways to stay safe, informed, and supported—from preventing scams and abuse to promoting brain health. At the heart of it all is one simple goal: helping older adults live safely and independently.

The MI Choice Waiver program helps older adults and individuals with disabilities receive the care they need while continuing to live at home or in their community. From in-home care and transportation to meals and caregiver support, these services protect independence and strengthen families.

At Senior Resources, we are always advocating for you—working to expand access to programs like MI Choice so more people can age safely, with dignity, in the place they call home.

This approach not only improves quality of life but is also more cost-effective than institutional care, helping strengthen communities across Michigan.

Remember, we’re here to help. Call 231-733-3585 or 1-800-442-0054 to learn more about how MI Choice may support you or someone you love.

Pam Curtis Named a Best & Brightest CEO

We’re proud to share that our CEO, Pam Curtis, has been named one of the

Best & Brightest CEOs in the nation—an honor that reflects her deep commitment to older adults, caregivers, and the communities we serve.

Pam’s leadership continues to shape the way we advocate, support, and empower those we serve every day. Read more about this recognition

Our team recently gathered along the shores of beautiful Lake Michigan for a staff retreat filled with connection, collaboration, and a

shared focus on serving older adults and caregivers.

If you suspect someone you know is being abused, call 1-855-444-3911 to report your suspicions, 24-hours per day. Please note that this centralized intake line is for the entire state of Michigan and you may be on hold for some time. In case of emergency,

call 9-1-1 to report to your local police department.

Visit safeseniors.info for more information.

Senior Resources of West Michigan

560 Seminole Road

Muskegon, MI 49444

231-733-3585

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