As the pandemic continues, senior care facilities and nonprofits serving aging populations are adapting in new and innovative ways to continue supporting this vulnerable population.

“From the onset of this unprecedented pandemic, we have experienced significant challenges as never before,” Lynn Alexander, senior vice president and chief marketing officer, Presbyterian Villages of Michigan Foundation, a CMF member, said. “Our challenges include the availability of personal protection equipment (PPE); supporting our front-line staff and residents; access to reliable and timely testing; and funding to offset a decline in occupancy and a steep increase in expenditures.”

Agencies and organizations supporting the aging population also face a unique set of challenges particularly around ageism.

“This virus really highlights the value our society holds on being young and showcases how it discards our older adults,” Wendy Brightman, president, United Methodist Retirement Communities (UMRC) Foundation, a CMF member said. “Ageism marginalizes and excludes older adults. These attitudes lead to the marginalization of older people within our communities and have negative impacts on their health and well-being.”

Senior care facilities and organizations supporting aging populations recognize that the pandemic will have a significant impact on the population long term.

“Many seniors have complex care needs that require medical attention and are not COVID-19 related,” Vincent Tilford, executive director, Luella Hannan Memorial Foundation, CMF board member and chair of CMF’s Michigan Grantmakers in Aging (MGIA) Affinity Group said. “People in general, not just seniors, are cut off from medical care during this emergency because either they are afraid of the virus infecting them and/or their health providers are unable to provide in-patient services.”

While organizations and care providers navigate this landscape, they have stepped up efforts and adapted their work to continue supporting Michigan’s aging populations.

UMRC has worked to comply with social distancing and protection guidelines from experts and the monitoring of staff and residents for symptoms, among other precautions. The Hannan House which houses the Luella Hannan Memorial Foundation has transitioned to virtual and teleservices for seniors, including lifelong learning classes and wellness check-ins.

With donor support, UMRC raised over $850,000 to support the emergent needs of direct care workers by providing, food, utility payments, transportation, health care costs and other necessities. With a grant from the Michigan Health Endowment Fund, they have also provided workers with telehealth services.

UMRC has additionally launched a campaign to ensure workers are recognized for their efforts during this crisis. “With the unanimous support of our board, we launched the Not All Heroes Wear Capes Campaign to support the direct care workers who bravely walk toward the crisis every day,” Brightman said. The campaign has so far highlighted workers including Jennifer Shores, director of nursing at UMRC’s Kresge Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center and Danny Smith, a 29-year veteran of the Environmental Services team at UMRC’s Chelsea campus.

With Michigan’s changing landscape, senior care providers and funders share that the needs of the aging population will continue to grow during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Philanthropy plays an important role in mitigating those challenges.

“Seniors are outliving their financial nest eggs while co-pays and insurance premiums are dramatically increasing,” Alexander said. “These factors add up to placing our society in a position of neglecting the very citizens who helped to make America what it is today. As philanthropists we have the capability to provide solutions to this situation.”

While funders work to support vulnerable populations across the state, intergenerational support is crucial for the health and well-being of all Michiganders.

“As we make investments in our society to improve economic, health and other desired outcomes, we should always consider, if possible, how our grants can make a difference across generations,” Tilford said.

“Let’s think intergenerationally and support all of Michiganders, including our elders,” Brightman said.

Want more?

Read UMRC’s Not All Heroes Wear Capes campaign blog posts.

Learn more about CMF’s Michigan Grantmakers in Aging Affinity Group.