Senior Expo puts Kalamazoo-area resources all under one roof

Editor’s Note: Aging Matters is a series that examines programs, issues, and solutions that impact today’s seniors. This series is sponsored by Milestone Senior Services.

If you’re an older adult, a caregiver or a family member trying to figure out what help is available in Kalamazoo County, you can spend a lot of time searching for answers. The Senior Expo aims to make that easier — bringing more than 150 organizations under one roof Oct. 6 so people can find information, ask questions and connect face-to-face with the services they need.

“The purpose is a one-stop shop for older adults and caregivers to find information and resources here in Kalamazoo County,” says Don Saldia, division manager for the Kalamazoo County Area Agency on Aging, which sponsors the expo.  “There is so much value in having some face-to-face conversation with the many organizations here that support older adults.”

The free event, now a quarter-century old, will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Expo Center, 2900 Lake St. in Kalamazoo.  It is funded by the county Senior Millage, which supports services that provide alternatives to long-term care facilities, promote independence, and ensure seniors’ access to helpful resources.

Saldia says more than a thousand people of all ages have attended past expos. He adds that every year there have been more exhibitors and more than 150 have registered this year, a record.

Attendees can connect with a wide range of organizations offering information and support, including home health-care agencies, Senior Millage-funded programs, caregiver resources, nursing homes, senior centers, senior housing, home-improvement companies, end-of-life and estate services, long-term-care services, socialization opportunities like hobby clubs, medical-equipment providers, Metro Connect transportation, and Lending Hand free medical and rehabilitation equipment.  

The expo also will offer the convenience of getting a flu shot at the event.  Anybody planning to get vaccinated should bring their health-insurance card.

Animal services will be represented, including pets available for adoption. And there will be a few food vendors, as well.

Milestone Senior Services will have a team of employees at the expo to talk about programs that include nutrition, home repair and accessibility, companionship, behavioral health, volunteer services, and the Michigan Choice Waiver Program.  People can sign up to get a callback from Milestone with details about their special interest and how to get assistance.

The Area Agency on Aging (AAA) provides free assistance for older adults and their caregivers, connecting them with community resources. AAA’s clinical social workers assess needs, navigate available services, and provide referrals to help ensure that older adults receive the right care for their situation.

For seniors or caregivers needing door-to-door assistance, contact Metro Connect at 269-350-2970.