Senior benefits in Berrien County, Michigan

Region IV Area Agency on Aging serves older adults in Berrien County. Services include home-delivered and congregate meals, in-home care and personal care, caregiver support, Medicare/Medicaid counseling (MMAP), long-term care options counseling, and help applying for the MI Choice waiver. Older adults age 60 and over, and adults with disabilities, can call 1-800-442-2803 to ask what help is available.

$1,500–$6,000/yr

Southwest Michigan Community Action Agency (SMCAA) delivers low-income energy assistance for Berrien County, including help with electric, natural gas, and deliverable-fuel bills and shutoff protection. Apply for state energy help through MI Bridges, dial 211 for local referrals, or call SMCAA at 269-925-9077.

$200–$1,500/yr

Corewell Health Lakeland Hospitals (St. Joseph, Niles, and Watervliet) offer financial assistance for emergency and medically necessary care. Free care is available for Michigan residents with household income at or below 250% of the federal poverty level, with sliding-scale discounts up to 400%. Ask any financial counselor or call 1-877-687-7309 to apply.

Integrated Care at Home brings medical care to you instead of you travelling to it. A nurse practitioner provides primary care in your home. A licensed counsellor can help with anxiety, depression, phobias or addiction. A community health worker helps you coordinate home and community services and work towards your health goals. A registered dietitian gives practical nutrition advice. The team is backed by social workers and nurses at the Area Agency on Aging. It is designed to cut emergency room visits and hospital stays.

OAHMP pays for changes around your home that help you stay in it safely. An occupational therapist visits and works out what you need, then the programme provides it. Common items are grab bars, shower chairs and toilet risers in the bathroom; handrails and bed or seating mobility bars; motion-activated lights and glare-reducing bulbs; lever door handles, swing-away hinges and automatic locks; fire extinguishers and smoke or carbon monoxide detectors; and voice-activated systems or video doorbells. To start, call the Info-Line on 1-800-654-2810 and ask for an occupational therapist assessment.

Berrien Bus offers curb-to-curb, advance-reservation rides across Berrien County. Riders age 60 and over, people with disabilities, and Medicare card holders qualify for half fare with a Reduced Fare Card. Reserve a ride at least 24 hours ahead by calling 269-471-1100.

$200–$1,200/yr

In this county: Half fare requires a Reduced Fare Card. Fares and reservation rules are set by Berrien County and can change. Not legal or financial advice.