Ph: (989) 732-1122 Fax: (989) 731-2739 Contact Us: click here Business Hours: 8:30 a.m. to Noon 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Monday - Friday
120 Grandview Blvd., Gaylord, Michigan  49735

Advocacy Department

The mission of the Advocacy Department is to provide compassionate and confidential assistance and support to older adults, and/or their caregivers, who are dealing with various life issues.

Our Advocacy Department includes assistance with, but is not limited to:

• Adult Foster Care
• Advanced Directives
• Conservatorships
• Finances and referral services
• Guardianships
• Healthcare
• Housing
• Legal Aide
• Nursing Homes
• POAs (Power of Attorneys)
• Social Security issues - Social Security Disability and SSI (Supplemental Security Income)

OCCOA Advocacy Coordinator
Loretta Miller assists a client with
questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I go about placing my loved one in a nursing home or adult foster care facility?

OCCOA provides information and referrals to help determine the best choices available.

If I need help applying for social security, where do I go?

The agency can help with social security questions, and can help you file for SSI and SSD, if needed.

I have a lot of prescriptions that cost more money than what I can afford. Are there any programs available to help me pay for my prescriptions?

The OCCOA Advocacy Department can provide you with information about the various programs that are available, as well as help you determine which programs you might qualify for and will benefit you the most.

I have a living will and want to know if it will be honored in the event of a medical emergency that I might have.

A living will is no longer honored in the state of Michigan. We suggest a power of attorney (advance directive) for medically-related wishes. Advanced means you decide what you do or don't want done before any medical emergencies arise. Directives tell hospitals, doctors, and loved ones the types of medical care you would like to receive in the event that you are unable to decide for yourself (i.e., being put on a feeding tube, ventilator, etc.) The OCCOA Advocacy Department can help you with the necessary paperwork to establish your advance directive. 

Phone and Fax Numbers:

Phone (989) 732-9977
FAX (989) 732-9050

Advocacy Staff:

Loretta Miller - Advocacy Coordinator

John Panci - Advocacy Assistant Coordinator & MMAP Counselor

Cheryl Borowiak - Advocacy Program Assistant

Annie Rivers - Advocacy Office Assistant/NAPIS Intake Specialist

Sandy Allison - Volunteer
 

OCCOA Advocacy Department

L to R:  Loretta Miller, John Panci, Cheryl Borowiak, Sandy Allison, Annie Rivers

LINKS

Medicaid
800-642-3195

Medicare
1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) TTY: 1-877-486-2048

Medicare Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage)
800-633-4227

Social Security Benefits
1-800-772-1213 TTY 1-800-325-0778

www.benefitscheckup.org