Aging Resources

Aging individuals are invited to participate in any of DSAWM’s All Ages or Teen and Adult programs. DSAWM also offers a few select programs specifically for mid-aged and older adults, including our Aging with Down Syndrome Support Group. Resources relevant to this stage of development include transitions coordination, medical support, and financial assistance.

DSAWM Programs and Services for Aging Adults

Aging with Down Syndrome

Caregivers of individuals with Down syndrome over the age of 30 are invited to this support group sponsored by DSAWM and Alzheimer’s Association. Participants share experiences and discuss the process of caring for loved ones growing older with Down syndrome. Visit the DSAWM calendar to find the next meeting.

Book Club

Teens and adults aged 16 and older with Down syndrome meet to discuss books selected by Next Chapter Book Club. Book Club meets twice a month and is open to all reading levels, including non-readers. Visit the DSAWM calendar for upcoming meetings.

Buddy Up Tennis

Buddy Up is a weekly tennis program that teaches individuals with Down syndrome the game of tennis while supporting healthy activity and motor function. Athletes aged 5 and older work with professional coaches and one-on-one Buddies. To learn more about Buddy Up Tennis, visit the Buddy Up website. Visit the DSAWM calendar for upcoming sessions.

Cooking Capers

Teens and adults with Down syndrome aged 16 and older learn culinary terminology, cooking methods, measurement, and kitchen safety while crafting a delicious, healthy, gluten-free meal. Cooking Capers meets twice a month during the school year. Visit the DSAWM calendar for upcoming classes.

Member Financial Assistance

DSAWM’s Member Financial Assistance Fund is designed to provide financial support to families raising individuals with Down syndrome who need help with certain Down syndrome-related expenses including adoption, education, therapy, adaptive devices, respite, and hospital stays.

Rapid Runners

In this summer running program, teens and adults with Down syndrome aged 14 and older train for a 5K race by following individualized training plans based on the Couch to 5K program. Visit the DSAWM calendar for more details.

Shape Up

Shape Up is a health and fitness program for people with Down syndrome aged 14 and older. The weekly class consists of 45 minutes of nutrition instruction and 45 minutes of aerobic exercise. Visit the DSAWM calendar to view scheduled classes.

Skill Building Series

The Skill Building Series teaches life skills such as grocery shopping, resume preparation, public speaking, and navigating the city to foster independence for teens and adults with Down syndrome. Visit the DSAWM calendar for current offerings.

Water Ski Clinic

DSAWM hosts an Adaptive Water Ski Clinic in partnership with Kentwood Parks and Recreation every summer that focuses on sitting and standing skiing. The clinic is held on Reeds Lake every July.

Weekly Update Newsletter

The Weekly Update newsletter is emailed every Thursday and shares upcoming programs and services from DSAWM and our community partners. For new parents, it is an easy way to get connected and learn about the opportunities available to you and your family.

Access GR!

Through a partnership with ACCESS GR, DSAWM can connect members with the rich arts & cultural scene in West Michigan. Free tickets are available in a limited supply for both ongoing venues and special event venues. Accommodations can be made to make sure the arts are accessible to everyone.

Holiday Party

Every December, DSAWM families gather in Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo to visit with Santa and reconnect with friends. The Grand Rapids Holiday Party is a member-only event and is held at the Grand Rapids Public Museum.

Member Picnic

Each summer, DSAWM families gather at Tunnel Park in Holland for a day of friends, food, and fun in the sun. The Member Picnic is a member only event and is held in July.

Rock Your Socks Dance

Rock your socks off at our annual Rock Your Socks Dance in honor of World Down Syndrome Day (3/21). The event is open to anyone interested in celebrating Down syndrome.

Step Up for Down Syndrome

Step Up For Down Syndrome is the largest Down syndrome awareness event in Michigan and DSAWM’s biggest fundraiser. Families, friends, and the public are invited to this annual celebration and walk held each September where we come together to support our loved ones with Down syndrome.

Community Supports

Resources listed are not necessarily endorsed by DSAWM, but are a list of options that are available. If you know of additional West Michigan resources, please let us know at director@dsawm.org.

Transitioning into Older Adulthood

Day Programming
The social programs listed below are open to West Michigan residents aged 18+.

Arts
- Artists Creating Together Grand Rapids
- Arts in Motion Grand Rapids
- The Habitat Performing Arts Center Adaptive Dance Kalamazoo
Athletics
- All Starz Bowling League Grand Rapids, hosted at Eastbrook Lanes, contact: League Coach Scott Goldman, 616-644-4567 /sgbowl2000@yahoo.com
- Kentwood Parks and Recreation Adaptive Recreation Kentwood
- Special Olympics Michigan multiple locations
- West Michigan Miracle League Rockford
Animals/Nature
- Fellinlove Farm Holland
- Growing Roots Wayland
Social Recreation
- Compassionate Heart Ministries Club 404 Zeeland (up to age 45)
- Heritage Homes Social Rec Program Ottawa county
- IKUS R.E.C. Connect Ottawa county
- Just Like Home Ionia
- Sarah Care Grand Rapids
- Sheldon House Grand Rapids
Housing (Assisted Living & AFC homes)
Identifying an Assisted Living/AFC Home for Your Loved One with Down Syndrome
- Network 180 maintains a directory of accredited AFC (adult foster care) homes in West Michigan. If you have questions, contact Network 180 at 616-336-3909.
- Disability Advocates of Kent County’s Occupational Therapy Department offers a thorough assessment of the person, home, and environment to identify barriers to independent living to residents in Kent, Ionia, Montcalm, Mecosta, and Osceola counties. DAKC can be reached at 616-949-1100.
- Oasis Community is focused on answering the call of Kent and Ottawa counties’ growing adult disabled population by creating sustainable housing within inclusive neighborhoods throughout West Michigan. Oasis is available to answer your housing questions through the contact form on their website.
- The Arc of Kalamazoo offers a program called After I’m Gone that is intended to assist families in planning for the future of a loved one with a disability, including identifying area housing options. To learn more, contact 269-342-9801.
- Disability Network Lakeshore is available to assist lakeshore area residents in transitioning into assisted and independent living facilities. Contact 616-396-5326 for more information.
Housing Options as Recommended by DSAWM Families
- Cameo House Coopersville
- David’s House Grand Rapids
- Dwelling Place Permanent Supportive Housing Grand Rapids
- Gracious Grounds Spring Lake
- Hope Network AFC Homes Grand Rapids
- MOKA Residential Homes Muskegon, Ottawa, Kent, Allegan counties
- Pine Rest Christian Homes Grand Rapids
- Thresholds Grand Rapids
Transitioning Caregivers
Providing Care as an Aging Caregiver
- MI-OCEAN (Michigan Older Caregivers of Emerging Adults with Autism and other Neurodevelopmental Disabilities) is a statewide project aimed at addressing the needs and health concerns of aging caregivers (age 55+) of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The project uses a family support model to identify and address various issues that may negatively impact the health and well-being of aging caregivers and those that depend on them.
- The Arc of Kalamazoo offers a program called After I’m Gone that is intended to assist families in the Kalamazoo area in planning for the future of a loved one with a disability. To learn more, contact 269-342-9801.
- The NDSC Family Care Toolkit allows caregivers to record and keep all important information in one place relevant to the care for a person with Down syndrome. The toolkit is divided into 6 sections – Home, Family, Daily Living, Medical, Resources, and Emergency – which includes everything from how to use remotes to emergency medical consent forms.
- Published by NDSS, the Aging and Down Syndrome: A Health & Well-Being Guidebook provides an overview of the medical and psychosocial needs that are unique to individuals with Down syndrome as they age. Physical copies are available at DSAWM.
Transitioning Care to a Sibling
- NDSC Adult Sibling Program NDSC offers many workshops at their Annual Convention for adult siblings and caregivers. Additionally, their Adult Siblings Toolkit is available to download for free and designed to jump-start conversations with parents about becoming more involved in their brother or sister’s life. Siblings can use this information to be effective advocates and perhaps, caregivers, after their parents are no longer able.

Medical

Alzheimer's Disease
Individuals with Down syndrome are at an elevated risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease as they age. Fortunately, many resources exist to support families and caregivers of individuals experiencing both Down syndrome and Alzheimer’s Disease.
- NDSS’ Alzheimer’s Disease & Down Syndrome: A Practical Guidebook for Caregivers provides a concise, but informative overview of the relationship between Down syndrome and Alzheimer’s Disease, as well as provides guidance and resources for caregivers. The publication is available for digital download from the NDSS website.
- DSAWM and the Alzheimer’s Association partner to host a monthly support group for parents and caregivers of individuals with Down syndrome over the age of 30. Aging with Down Syndrome participants share experiences and discuss the process of caring for loved ones growing older with Down syndrome. Visit the DSAWM calendar to find the next meeting.
For more information about the programs and services offered by the Alzheimer’s Association Greater Michigan chapter, visit alz.org/gmc or call 800-272-3900.
Communicating with Your Physician
- Published by NDSS, the Aging and Down Syndrome: A Health & Well-Being Guidebook provides an overview of the medical and psychosocial needs that are unique to individuals with Down syndrome as they age. Physical copies are available at DSAWM. Please contact us at 616-956-3488 or victoria@dsawm.org to request a copy.
- Boston’s MassGeneral Hospital For Children created a Talking to the Doctor Workbook for individuals with Down syndrome that focuses on sharing feelings and asking questions. They also offer remote second opinions to patients and health care providers in the United States. Similarly, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia offers a Toolkit for Transitioning to Adult Medical Care for individuals with Down syndrome.
- LuMind IDSC has also launched the first-of-its-kind DSC2U, an “online toolkit that provides customized, expert-driven information for people with Down syndrome from age 1 through adulthood. Immediately upon completion of the form, caregivers receive two personalized documents: one for themselves and one to share with their primary healthcare provider. Both documents contain detailed, customized suggestions, follow-up questions, and conversation prompts that are designed to optimize time with a primary care provider and offer caregivers the vocabulary and tools they need to advocate for their loved one.”
- For support when speaking with dental providers, take a look at the Dental Care Guidance for Caregivers of Patients with Down syndrome.
Finding a Provider

Looking for a medical provider? The Preferred Medical Provider List is maintained by Down Syndrome Head Start and lists doctors, dentists, and other providers recommended by Michigan families experiencing Down syndrome. **Please note that Down Syndrome Head Start’s website has been down as of November 2018. This list has not been updated since 2017. If you are looking for more up-to-date information, we recommend reaching out on the Michigan Parents of Children with Down Syndrome Facebook group.

Looking for a dentist? The Special Care Dentistry Association (SCDA) is a unique international organization of oral health professionals and other individuals who are dedicated to promoting oral health and well-being for people with special needs. A list of Michigan dentists belonging to SCDA can be found on their site. The Michigan Parents group on Facebook is also a good resource for finding dental recommendations.
Paying for Healthcare Expenses
- Individuals with disabilities are eligible for Social Security and Medicaid upon turning 18. For more information about applying for or utilizing benefits, contact the Disability Advocates of Kent County’s Family Support department or your local Arc office.

Financial

Local Assistance Programs
DSAWM Financial Assistance is available to members for expenses related to the following when relating to support, care, or treatment of person with Down syndrome: adoption, respite care, and educational, medical, therapeutic, and adaptive services or devices. DSAWM members are also eligible for our Meal Voucher Program which offsets meal expenses for families whose child with Down syndrome is experiencing an overnight stay in the hospital.
- Family Hope Foundation offers scholarships of up to $1,000 twice a year to West Michigan families for therapies that have little or no insurance coverage
In need of immediate assistance? Contact 2-1-1. Michigan 2-1-1 is available 24/7 via phone, text, or online search to connect callers with local community-based organizations across the state that provide support and assistance to those in need.
National Assistance Programs
- AMBUCS provides AmTrykes, therapeutic tricycles for children and adults with disabilities, including children with low muscle tone
- Different Needz Foundation provides grants for medical equipment and/or services, including developmental therapies
- LifeLine Pilots provides free medical and compassion flights to patients in the Midwest with financial need
- Modest Needs provides short-term financial help for families in crisis situations
- NDSS provides scholarships to individuals with Down syndrome in the areas of post-secondary education, entrepreneurship, and self-advocacy
- Needy Meds provides discounted and free medication programs and other services for low income families
- Ruby’s Rainbow provides scholarships to individuals with Down syndrome who are pursuing post-secondary education, enrichment, or vocational classes
- Special Kids Photography of America provides grants for family pictures
- Wings of Mercy provides free medical flights to patients in eastern Michigan with financial need