Our Mission~

To coordinate a comprehensive network of services in Western and Southern Wayne County to enable older persons to function as independently as possible in the community environment which best suits their needs. To provide the advocacy, programming, planning, contracting, funding, and personnel necessary to accomplish the foregoing purpose.

The Senior Alliance® (TSA) is a private non-profit agency that was established in 1980, and designated by the Michigan Commission on Services to the Aging to operate as the Area Agency on Aging (AAA) for the 34 suburban communities in Southern and Western Wayne County. In 1998, the Michigan Department of Community Health authorized the agency to function as an Organized Health Care Delivery System. This new designation allowed the agency to add services to low-income disabled adults. Serving older persons, however, continues to be the main focus of the agency.

The 34 communities served by TSA are jointly known as Planning and Service Area (PSA) 1-C in Michigan. Currently there are 16 AAAs in Michigan, and over 660 nationwide. Each AAA is responsible for administering a network of community and in-home services for older persons within their assigned PSAs.

With 171,813 persons age 60 and over (2000 Census) residing in the service area, TSA serves the second largest senior population in Michigan.

The federal Older Americans Act (OAA) provides the legislative and funding basis for this system of services. In Michigan, state funds are added through the Older Michiganians Act. Both federal and state funds for aging services are disbursed to the AAAs by the Michigan Office of Services to the Aging. The agency also operates the State's Medicaid Waiver program (MI-Choice).

TSA policy is set by a 37 member Board of Directors. Board members are appointed by the Mayors or Supervisors of each of the communities in the service area. The board is advised in turn by an Advisory Council comprised of seniors, service providers, and the general public. The agency's Executive Director is Bob Brown. TSA's current service network includes close to 40 different programs and services benefiting either older adults or disabled adults.

All persons age 60 and older who reside in the region are entitled to receive services funded by the Older Americans Act and Older Michiganians Act from TSA, regardless of their financial or social status. The agency, however, will give preference to older persons who are considered to be in the greatest economic or social need. Services provided through the Medicaid Waiver program are restricted to persons who meet qualification requirements.

Some services require an in-home assessment to determine need. No fees are charged to seniors for receiving services. Recipients are encouraged to contribute towards the cost of providing the service. The Older Americans Act amendments of 2000 now allow cost-sharing for some services. Under a cost-sharing arrangement, recipients of services are expected to share in the actual cost of care.

The Senior Alliance holds Resource Development activities throughout the year to supplement public funding and raise awareness of our programs throughout the communities we serve. Please consider making a contribution to help provide a home-delivered meal to someone confined at home, respite for a weary caregiver, or information services to an elderly individual. With your help, we can reach more of our older adult neighbors and their families.

For information regarding Resource Development events or to make a contribution to The Senior Alliance, please call (734) 727-2050.