Programs developed by a local organization to manage the COVID-19 pandemic are being taken nationwide.
The Region IV Area Agency on Aging (RIVAAA) has been recognized by USAging for two programs it developed and launched during the COVID-19 pandemic. The St. Joseph-based agency – which serves all of Berrien, Cass and Van Buren counties – earned national awards for its program supporting older adults who contracted the virus, as well as the program aiding direct care workers who experienced hardships caused by the pandemic.
Region IV CEO Christine Vanlandingham said both programs will be spotlighted and introduced at other agencies across the nation because of their effectiveness. The two programs were among just 13 innovation projects and 30 achievement programs nationwide to receive honors.
“Region IV is just absolutely delighted,” Vanlandingham said. “I’m so proud of our AAA team here in SWMI for pioneering these award-winning initiatives.”
RIVAAA won the Aging Achievement Award for its program providing in-home supportive services – such as personal care, meals, transportation and assistive devices – to older adults sick with COVID-19. Through coordination with local health system and public health partners, the agency said this program has reduced length of hospital stay, avoided hospitalizations and decreased emergency department visits supporting recovery at home.
The Aging Innovations Award was given for the agency’s program developed to aid direct-care workers with emergent needs that could impact their ability to maintain employment, such as car repairs, child care resources, cell phone minute costs, mentorship & job training needs and many other unique supports that helped to reduce turnover rates and sustain direct care workers across the tri-county area.
“We all know the crunch and the challenge that the individuals who provide care to our vulnerable older adults face,” Vanlandingham said. “We need to honor and support the people that are caring for our most vulnerable.”
The 2022 USAging Aging Innovations and Achievement Awards programs recognize Area Agencies on Aging and Title VI Native American Aging Programs that have developed and implemented cutting-edge concepts, innovative ideas, and successful strategies to support older adults and their caregivers. Among the selection criteria was the ease with which other agencies could replicate the program in their communities.
“Through the Aging Innovations and Achievement Awards, we salute our members’ outstanding accomplishments and hold up their programs in the hopes that doing so will seed replication and additional innovation by their peers around the country,” said Sandy Markwood, CEO of USAging. “We applaud our members for their tireless efforts to creatively develop vital services and supports for older adults, as well as their caregivers and people with disabilities in communities nationwide.”
By Ryan Yuenger
ryany@wsjm.com
