COA Pilot Program

April 10, 2026  For Immediate Release Contact:   Paula Chermside, COA Director                   231-533-8703, coa@antrimcountymi.gov COA Pilot Program to Start May 4 BELLAIRE, Mich. – Starting May 4, an adult day respite program will be offered every Monday from 9:30 am - 1:30 pm at the Commission on Aging in Bellaire, 308 E. Cayuga Street. The program will provide eligible participants with the chance to socialize and enjoy enrichment opportunities with other seniors. Individualized needs and interests will be assessed, and participants will be under the care of a COA caregiver. This program also provides peace of mind to family members, who will know that their loved one is being taken care of while they have time for errands and their own self-care. Eligible individuals must be: 60 years or older Experiencing memory loss, cognitive impairment, or physical challenges In need of caregiver support The COA’s goal for the respite program is to enhance a participant’s quality of life while supporting independence. Participant benefits include reducing isolation and loneliness, supporting caregiver respite, promoting well-being, and providing a safe and structured routine. Services provided during the program include, but are not limited to, lunch and snacks, assistance with cutting food and/or feeding, medication reminders, wellness programs, and social activities such as games, music, and movies. Due to space limitations, the program can currently only serve a limited number of seniors on Mondays from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm. Fundraising efforts are underway to construct an addition that will allow the COA to serve more seniors every day of the week. This pilot respite program is being funded by a grant from the Area Agency on Aging of Northwest Michigan. To learn more, contact the COA at coa@antrimcountymi.gov or 231-533-8703.   ###