Senior Resources outlines county plan for older-adult services; commissioners take no formal action

Pam Curtis, chief executive officer of Senior Resources of West Michigan, and Amy Fleurier, community services director and planner, briefed the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners on the agency’s multiyear area plan for older-adult services.

The presentation described how Senior Resources plans to use federal Older Americans Act funding and state Older Michiganians Act dollars to support in‑home services, caregiver supports, adult day centers and related programs that help older adults remain at home. Curtis said the agency serves Ottawa, Muskegon and Oceana counties and that Ottawa County was one of several partners in the plan.

Fleurier said the agency coordinates with a broad “aging network” and local providers — naming 4 Points, Evergreen Commons and GT Connections as local partners — and that roughly 95 employees work for Senior Resources across its three‑county service area. She said the agency partners with more than 70 local agencies to deliver services.

Commissioners and members of the public asked how the agency finds and serves older adults; Fleurier said the agency uses referrals, outreach, social media, billboards and provider partnerships. When asked about service gaps, Fleurier said local input identified two recurring problems: insufficient transportation and a shortage of affordable, senior‑appropriate housing. She characterized those gaps as largely systemic and beyond the immediate scope of Senior Resources’ federally funded programs.

Curtis and Fleurier notified the board that no formal action was required by the county; the presentation met a statutory notice requirement. Fleurier told commissioners she would accept questions and comments about the plan through June 30 and provided contact information in the board packet.

Commissioners thanked the presenters and asked staff to invite Senior Resources back for additional updates and possible coordination with county programs.