Over the past two decades, Maureen Musi has seen a dramatic increase in demand for the services and programs provided by Aging & In-Home Services of Northeast Indiana (AIHS). As chief operating officer, she sees firsthand how the agency makes a difference.
“When I started here 20 years ago, we averaged about 300 calls a month and we now average about 3,500,” Musi says.
An aging population is behind the spike. United States Census figures show nearly 56 million Americans, or 17% of the population, are 65 and older. Many of them want to be able to stay in their own home, even as they require assistance to do so. AIHS helps them navigate their options.
AIHS serves nine counties in northeast Indiana: Adams, Allen, DeKalb, Huntington, LaGrange, Noble, Steuben, Wells and Whitley. It operates on a “No Wrong Door System,” meaning if someone calls from outside their service area, they’re able to connect callers with their region’s designated Aging & Disability Resource Center. Often, callers don’t even know where to begin, simply because they don’t know what questions to ask, what resources are available, or where to turn for help for their loved one.
“There are no stupid questions,” stresses Megan Clouse, AIHS Vice President, Communications & Resource Development. “We take a very individualized and person-centered approach. It looks different for every family because everyone is in a different walk of life.”
Darryl Knipstein reached out to AIHS several months ago, looking for resources to help him take care of his wife. She’s lived with multiple sclerosis for more than three decades.
“My wife isn’t able to cook or clean, she doesn’t drive and I’m still working, so I just can’t do it all,” Knipstein says. “Without their help, I probably would be in bad shape.”
“The amount of stress that people have around these issues is huge. We do this work every day, and while each individual’s story is unique, we’ve likely seen a similar scenario and are equipped to help guide those who truly have no way to handle what they are going through,” Musi says.
While a person generally contacts AIHS to get help for a family member, the organization also provides supportive services for the caregivers as they are trying to solve problems and make difficult decisions.
“We’re seeing many types of caregivers these days,” says Musi. “The typical caregiver is a woman in their mid-40s who is working full time. But we are also seeing millennial and male caregivers on the rise. Then, there is this other group called ‘the sandwich generation’ providing care for their aging loved ones and their own children or grandchildren. Multigenerational caregiving is not necessarily a new concept, but doing it while working brings its own set of challenges. We’ve tailored our family caregiver programming to meet the needs of each of these groups and are proud to provide service where they need it — whether that be in person, over the phone, via Zoom or even in their home.”
Knipstein says he appreciates the help he receives from AIHS. “We definitely need a place like this in our community. It was important for me and I’m sure for tons of other people who don’t even know the organization exists.”
“Often, AIHS meets people in a crisis,” explains Clouse. “As much as we hate to say it, unfortunately most people don’t know us until they need us, but we’re trying to change that.”
The entry point into the array of services AIHS provides is its Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC). The ADRC employs state-certified case managers who operate as Options Counselors. Options Counselors provide unbiased advice at no cost to the caller.
“These are the folks who answer the 3,500+ calls each month,” says Musi. “Navigating both the medical and social service systems is not easy. Our counselors are trained to help you figure out what your individual needs are and then provide you with options so that you can make informed decisions that work best for you and your family.”
Address: 8101 W. Jefferson Blvd., Fort Wayne, Indiana 46804
Phone: (260) 745-1200
Website: agingihs.org
Email: info@agingihs.org
Products & Services: Aging & Disability Resource Center, Family Caregiver Center, PACE of Northeast Indiana, Geriatric & Disability Case Management, Programs for Productive Aging, Home & Community Services, Nutrition, Advance Care Planning