Episode 102 – Taking on becoming older Michiganians

“For a long time, I assumed caregiving was simply what spouses do. Then hernia surgery showed me just how much family caregivers carry every day.” We have participated in Older Michiganians Day at the Michigan State Capitol for more than two decades, advocating for programs and policies that help people age and live independently in their own homes. What began as advocacy for Jennifer and the MI Choice Medicaid Waiver Program has evolved into something much broader: advocating for caregivers, aging in place, and the support systems that help people live with dignity in their own homes. In this episode, we reflect on a surprising realization that the young couple who first attended Older Michiganians Day more than 20 years ago (that’s us!) now officially qualify as "older Michiganians" themselves. We discuss Dan's opportunity to speak on the Capitol lawn about family caregiving, the lessons learned during his recent hernia surgery recovery, and why support for unpaid family caregivers is becoming increasingly important as Michigan's population ages. In this episode, we get real about: Realizing we have become the "older Michiganians" we once joked about not being How the MI Choice Medicaid Waiver Program helps Jennifer remain at home The often-invisible work performed by unpaid family caregivers Proposed Michigan legislation supporting family caregivers Aging with Multiple Sclerosis while continuing to advocate for change We hope this conversation encourages you to learn more about caregiving, advocacy, and the importance of supporting those who support others. Here are the links that offer further insights into our conversation: This conversation serves as a companion to our recent Older Michiganians Day essay, where we share photos from the event, Dan's speech, and additional information about the caregiving advocacy efforts discussed in this episode. Learn more about the Michigan MI Choice Medicaid Waiver Program Explore Older Michiganians Day 2026 resources supporting family caregivers and aging in place Thank you for listening to A Couple Takes on MS. We are honored to be included among FeedSpot's 40 Best Multiple Sclerosis Podcasts. While rankings aren't why we do this work, we're grateful for the opportunity to share our experiences and connect with others navigating life with MS. *** Remember to rate, review, and subscribe to A Couple Takes on MS Podcast for two insightful perspectives on this one multifaceted disease.