Allendale Lifelong Learners is a group that is growing and changing, but a friendly and social place for anybody aged 55 or older. Kathy Hanes has been the Allendale Lifelong Learners director for the past several years and plans events, outings and meeting each month.
Each week we meet for a social event that involves food: whether it is for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Most gatherings have a minimal charge and are available to everybody. The Lifelong Learners have an information newsletter that is sent out each month. This is a local publication that is full of valuable information and a calendar of events for the senior community. There are approximately 250 newsletters printed monthly and there has been an increase in event attendance, due to this added service.
Look for the monthly outings to continue with evening and/or day trips occurring each month. These monthly outings are in addition to the already established noon meals, which occur on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month. If you have questions, or would like more information on how you can become involved in the Lifelong Learners, please call Kathy Hanes at (616) 843-0572, or email Kathy at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
The Lifelong Learners Monthly Newsletter is available by email. Please email Kathy at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to have the latest copy sent to you. Also, this newsletter is available on the web site and also in the Township Office lobby.
Four Pointes Center for Successful Aging
You can find more information about Four Pointes by going to their web site.
The mission of Four Pointes is to promote and safeguard the independence and well being of people over the age of 60 in northern Ottawa County. Four Pointes acts as an advocate, information clearinghouse, and provider of services to individuals and their families through a variety of programs.
The elderly in northern Ottawa County face many challenges. The board and staff at Four Pointes are working to meet those challenges with respect, empathy, and relevant programs. Allendale's caseworker is Kate Laughlin, (616) 842-9210. She is a great resource if you have questions. Give her a call today!
Four Pointes is here to serve residents who are over the age of 60 with relevant programs to help seniors live independently. The Allendale Representative on Four Pointes' board is currently vacant. Please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you are interested in serving on this board.
Doing more with less…. Four Pointes has found creative ways to maintain and even expand services and programs for seniors over the past year. To find out what services are available in the Allendale area, just call the Executive Director, Brigit Hassig, at (616) 842-9210 or (616) 997-1786. The office is located at 1051 South Beacon Blvd., Grand Haven MI 49417.
Four Pointes has added a Home Services Coordinator to supervisor and coordinate programs offered through homemaking and personal assistance. The addition and enhancement of programs in spite of current funding challenges is a testament to the dedication of the Four Pointes staff and volunteers.
The cost of prescription drugs is one of the biggest issues facing seniors today, and Four Pointes has been proactive in its efforts to offer support in this area. Four Pointes's pharmaceutical assistance programs saved a significant amount for low-income seniors during the last fiscal year.
One of the most important services provided by Four Pointes is case coordination, which matches individuals’ needs with local services available to them. Case coordinators saw each of their clients to assist with Medicaid and Medicare issues.
Available services from Four Pointes are:
• Homemaking help
• Adult daycare
• Personal care referrals
• Respite care
• Medicaid waiver referrals
• Care management referrals
• Home delivered meals
• Housing information and referrals
• Medicare/Medicaid assistance programs
• Prescription cost assistance programs
Four Pointes is here to help with information and assistance. Home delivered meals is just one of the many programs offered.
Assistance to seniors who wish to maintain dignity and independence while remaining in their own home is available:
• Home help/companionship
• Homemaker tasks
• Transportation
• In-home respite
• Errands and chore services
• Minor home repairs
Four Pointes loans equipment to clients at no charge for as long as it is needed. Donations of gently used items such as wheelchairs, walkers, bath and transfer benches, and four pronged canes are greatly appreciated.
Four Pointes Senior Placement Center is a program that matches employers with retired or non-working seniors aged fifty-five and older who are interested in re-entering the workforce. After filling out a profile sheet, seniors are matched with jobs that reflect their interest or experience. They then proceed through the normal interview process directly with employers.
Four Pointes services senior residents in Allendale Township, Chester Township, Coopersville, Crockery Township, Ferrysburg, Grand Haven, Grand Haven Township, Polkton Township, Robinson Township, Spring Lake Village, Spring Lake Township, Tallmadge Township and Wright Township.
New Nursing Home Guide Released
All of Michigan's 444 nursing homes are featured in a guide that includes information on services and payment options, as well as results of state inspections. The guide, recently released, is published by the Health Care Association of Michigan, the Michigan Association of Homes and Services for the Aging, and the Michigan County Medical Care Facilities Council. For more information or access to the guide on the internet, click here!
Site Offers Senior Services
There's a new web site offering Michigan senior citizens and those providing services to them a new source for information on programs available. The Office of Services to the Aging and e-Michigan have a senior resource hotline to call for information to provide seniors with lists or programs both statewide and regionally. In addition, it also provides a list of nursing homes, senior centers, and home health agencies.
Senior Resource Line: (800) 442-0054