UP organizations convene around programs to improve care for aging adults

MARQUETTE, Mich. (WLUC) - U.P. organizations shared new initiatives to improve care for aging adults in the region on Wednesday.

The Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation, Superior Health Foundation and Michigan Health Endowment Fund held the “Investing in the Health of the Upper Peninsula Grantee Convening” event in Marquette.

Three health foundations and their 14 grantees discussed problems and solutions to care. Michigan Health Endowment Fund senior program officer, Tim Niyonsenga, says one challenge is the U.P.’s geography.

“The resources are not as concentrated, so we have to be kind of creative with some of the solutions because what may work downstate may not necessarily work up here,” he said.

Last year, the three foundations awarded $632,590 in grants to 14 organizations to pursue projects such as the Trillium House’s volunteer care companion program. Executive Director Melissa Cavill says they’re building the program to run over two years. It will train people to care for family members at home or help as volunteers at Trillium House.

Read the full story at TV6.