Region IV Area Agency on Aging, a private not-for-profit corporation, has been the nerve center for aging services in Southwest Michigan since 1974. The Area Agency on Aging (AAA) works to assure the highest quality of life for the older persons it is committed to serve. Its mission is Offering Choices for Independent Lives. AAA is committed to seeing that service systems are operated effectively and efficiently. The Agency centers its activities on the needs of its clients and their families, with an abiding commitment to Continuous Quality Improvement. AAA performs three primary activities: • Advocates on behalf of older and disabled persons • Identifies needs of the elderly and disabled, and creates plans for meeting those needs through a system of in-home and community services to enable people to maintain their independence and dignity • Administers federal, state, local, and private funds to support those services. AAA maintains services largely through contracts and purchase agreements with local provider organizations, and monitors agencies to ensure the job is done in an efficient and effective manner. Services include : • In-home services are provided to homebound and disabled persons. these services help people stay in their own homes and with their families for as long as possible. In-home services include home-delivered meals, home health services, homemaker or personal care, and respite care to assist elderly caregivers. • Community-based services include adult day care, senior center programs, group setting meals, legal services, elder abuse prevention, employment services, long-term care ombudsman, and volunteer opportunities. • Access services help people connect with appropriate services. Information & Assistance and Care Management help persons locate appropriate services and assist in evaluating choices of care.