Advocacy

AARP Michigan believes any election reform legislation should protect and enhance access to voting and ensure safety for voters 50 and older and others who participate in the process.

Staff cases fall, but staffing and PPE shortages also rise during the four weeks ending May 16 in Michigan, updated AARP dashboard indicates.

 Deaths of nursing home residents in Michigan dropped to .04 per 100 residents, the lowest number since the dashboard was launched in June of 2020, and down from .08 in the previous report. But COVID cases increased to .52 per 100 residents, compared to .32 in the prior report.

"All Americans should be able to exercise their right to vote freely, easily, and safely," says Paula D. Cunningham, AARP Michigan State Director.

Lower prescription drug prices, nursing home reforms, expansion of home and community based services, bridging the digital divide, and increased access to health care through telehealth are among AARP Michigan's priority issues this year.

Deaths of nursing home residents in Michigan for the month leading up to March 21 are significantly lower than in the previous period, dropping from a rate of .70 to .08 per 100 residents. New infections among residents also dropped substantially from 2.3 per 100 residents to .32. Cases among staff fell by half, from 2.3 per 100 residents to 1.15.

Beginning in early April, the federal government will begin offering financial assistance to help with funeral costs for people who have died of COVID-19.

AARP Michigan volunteers report their experiences and signing up for COVID-19 vaccinations, obtaining an appointment, and actually getting the shot in the arm.

Nursing Home Dashboard Report also shows more than one-third of nursing homes still have staffing shortages. Report covers four weeks leading up to Feb. 14.

New AAARP analysis shows from December 21 to January 17, the rate of coronavirus cases per 100 Michigan nursing home residents declined from 11.0 to 6.1 among residents and 10.6 to 5.9 among staff. Resident death rates dipped slightly, from 2.17 to 2.12 deaths for every 100 people living in a nursing home.