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COA advisory committee flags staffing shortages, Beaver Island meal-program changes
Summary
At its Jan. 27 meeting, the COA Advisory Committee heard that staffing shortages and an anticipated Area Agency funding cut are prompting program changes, including a revised Beaver Island homemaking supports program, increased restaurant reimbursements and new participant materials.
The COA Advisory Committee met via Teams on Jan. 27, 2025. Meeting Chair Wanda Carr presided, and the committee recorded attendance and approved the agenda and prior minutes by consent after motions from Janet Kalbfell.
The executive director reported a string of operational updates and staffing challenges that could affect services to older residents, particularly on Beaver Island. "We have hired a new cook for the BASC — Christopher Ray — and he starts today," the executive director said, and staff noted an open Beaver Island Site Coordinator position and the creation of a Beaver Island Senior Advisory Committee in response to concerns raised last October.
Why it matters: COA services — congregate meals, home-delivered meals and homemaking supports — are relied on by homebound and rural seniors. Committee members were told the Area Agency on Aging of Northern Michigan anticipates unspecified funding cuts for fiscal 2024–25 and is increasing program and staffing requirements, creating uncertainty for local program planning.
Program and facility updates provided to the committee included:
- BASC operations: Staff said the BASC has shifted to a more positive environment under Site Coordinator Krista and that the building’s board has new leadership and a cooperative landlord relationship.
- Charlevoix renovation: Construction in Charlevoix is reported to be on schedule with a projected completion before June 2025; engineering plans are being prepared for a parking lot that will prioritize handicapped spaces near the building.
- East Jordan center: East Jordan is operating part time under Site Coordinator Brenda; staff noted a November visit by LCC as part of ongoing outreach and that the East Jordan Senior Center received the EJ Chamber Spirit Award.
Staffing and service capacity details included that Kimmie Langerman was hired in October as Health Care Services Coordinator; COA currently has two homemaking staff whose schedules are at capacity and one part‑time certified nursing assistant. The executive director said COA is exploring alternatives to in‑home health care services because of limited provider availability in northern Michigan.
Beaver Island program changes and meal logistics were a central focus. The BI Reimbursement Program was converted to the BI Homemaking Supports Program; staff said it no longer offers personal care or mainland respite services but continues to provide up to $100 of support per month and now includes a liability waiver per the attorney’s recommendation. Staff said they hope to seek commissioner approval in March to pilot a similar mainland program.
On meal services, staff reported that the BI School, The Shamrock and the Wild Strawberry Café — and potentially the Beachcomber — will participate in the 2024–25 voucher program. Voucher rules were described as 10 vouchers per person per month, with vouchers valid through Sept. 30, 2025. The committee heard that restaurant reimbursement was increased by $1 per meal and that there are currently two home‑delivered meal clients on Beaver Island. Staff described cold/frozen meals prepared on the mainland and transported to Beaver Island each Monday on the 10:30 a.m. flight (reservations due Friday before for a $3 fee) and said special monthly meals have been flown in or catered in person at Gregg Fellowship Hall and the Community Center.
To help participants, staff are preparing a Dining Guide that will explain voucher rules, list participating restaurants and senior menus, and producing "How To" flyers for the voucher, home‑delivered, cold/frozen, congregate special meal and homemaking support programs.
The meeting closed after a brief round‑table exchange of observations and a motion to adjourn by Janet Kalbfell supported by Wanda Carr. The next COA Advisory Committee meeting is scheduled for April 21, 2025, at the Boyne Area Senior Center conference room.
