Advocacy Services
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
- Advance Directives
- Conservatorships
- Finances and referral services
- Guardianships
- Healthcare
- Housing
- Legal Aid Referrals
- Nursing Home Referrals
- POAs (Power of Attorneys)
- Social Security issues – Social Security Disability and SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
Phone and Fax Numbers:
Phone (989) 732-9977
FAX (989) 731-2739
Frequently Asked Questions
OCCOA provides information and referrals to help determine the best choices available.
The agency can help with social security questions, and can help you file for SSI and SSD, if needed.
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.
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.
Advocacy Services Staff
Kelsey Helton – Advocacy/MMAP Specialist
Charles May – Advocacy/MMAP Specialist
Theresa Ross – Advocacy Department Office Manager and MMAP Specialist
LINKS
1 (800) 642-3195
1-800-MEDICARE (1 (800) 633-4227) TTY: 1 (877) 486-2048
1 (800) 633-4227
1 (800) 772-1213 TTY 1 (800) 325-0778
www.benefitscheckup.org
“We are never really happy until we brighten the lives of others!”
~ Helen Keller
