Here is the form that can be used to create a letter to the Charlevoix County Commission in support of maintaining full COA services on Beaver Island:
Mr. Joel Evans, Chair
Charlevoix County Commissioners
10448 Lord Rd.,
East Jordan, MI 49727
Dear County Commissioners:
You may not have been aware that the Commission on Aging has taken steps that have significantly decreased the scope and availability of senior home care/personal services to the the Beaver Island community. Our island population is older, 10 years older on average than most of Charlevoix County, with roughly 31% over the age of 70. Many no longer have children living on the island that can assist in our care to “age in place”. Islanders have another unique issue in that we are unable to share county services due to our geographic isolation.
Aging in Place is an important economic issue for the Beaver Island community and the county. All of us on Beaver Island pay taxes to ensure that elder-care in-home services are available throughout Charlevoix County through the Commission on Aging. Beaver Island sends more than $75,000 to Charlevoix in COA taxes. These COA taxes collected from Beaver Island more than offset the cost of in-home services according to Shirely Gillespie. This year the county taxpayers will be asked for a renewel of that millage. We need to protect the services for our elders so that they are assured that they can receive care on the island. Most island elders don’t need full-time services. Some of the services COA provides deals with assistance for daily tasks such as light housekeeping, laundry, medication reminders, providing nutritional meals, and personal care. COA’s trained caregiver allows our elders to receive services and care at home. Many studies have shown that the ability to remain in one’s home significantly increases longevity and quality of life.
If the island is no longer attractive to those over 60 chosing to retire and pay taxes here, it has long range implications for the island’s economy and that of Charlevoix County. We respectfully request that the Charlevoix County Commissioners provide assurances that all taxpayers in Charlevoix County be treated equally and that adequate COA services be available to island residents. We are requesting that commissioners postpone any decision to further decrease senior services by the COA until a more thorough review of COA’s budget and plan is discussed with the island townships and community.
Sincerely,