Long Term Care Reform is currently experiencing exciting change, with emphasis on person centered thinking, planning and delivery through home and community based living. Disability Advocates of Kent County has been a significant part of systems changes in long term care reform in Michigan State law, policy and best practices.

DAKC continues to participate in long term care advocacy through our consumer led Long Term Care Reform Workgroup. The workgroup members include consumers, professionals, providers, friends of people with disabilities and seniors. They gather with the common interest to promote model practices and facilitate change through choice in long-term care supports and services. Our members are actively involved at State level advocacy by holding positions in Governor Granholm’s Long Term Care Commission, Michigan Department of Community Health Consumer Task Force and Disability Network/Michigan’s Long Term Care Team, among others. Our members are frequently involved in public testimony regarding long term care reform issues across Michigan.

The Workgroup participates in the local community through peer support advocacy, community presentations on mental health parity, and periodic training to providers and consumers to hire and supervise personal care assistants. The Long Term Care Reform Workgroup holds public meetings on long term care reform issues on the 3rd Tuesday of each month.