Senior benefits in Macomb County, Michigan

If you are looking after an older adult, AgeWays gives you a free subscription to Trualta, an online training and support service you would otherwise pay for. You get expert guidance on things like preventing falls and handling difficult behaviour, training matched to your own situation, peer support groups, webinars and a community chat. You can watch videos, read articles or join live sessions whenever it suits you. Register through AgeWays or call them to set it up.

In this county: This is for the family caregiver, not the older adult — so it can help an adult child or spouse doing the caring. AgeWays offers it to caregivers in Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair and Washtenaw counties. The FAQ says caregivers living in the region, or caring for someone 60 or older who lives there, qualify. No income test is published.

AgeWays Nonprofit Senior Services (Area Agency on Aging 1-B) serves older adults in Macomb County. Services include home-delivered and congregate meals, in-home 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 1-800-852-7795 to ask what help is available.

$1,500–$6,000/yr

Macomb Community Action, the Community Action Agency for Macomb County, helps income-eligible households with electric, natural gas, and deliverable-fuel bills, shutoff protection, and weatherization. Apply for state energy help through MI Bridges, dial 211 for local referrals, or call the MCA Community Action Centers at 586-469-6999.

$200–$1,500/yr

In this county: Energy assistance is income-based and subject to available funds. State help (LIHEAP/Michigan Energy Assistance Program/State Emergency Relief) is applied for through MI Bridges. The agency makes the final determination. Not legal or financial advice.

McLaren Macomb in Mount Clemens offers financial assistance for emergency, catastrophic, and medically necessary care. Discounts are based on the federal poverty guidelines, with eligibility extending up to 400% of the federal poverty level depending on family size and income. Ask a financial counselor or call 586-710-8300 to apply.

The Community Living Program helps older adults stay safely at home, at no cost. A care team works out a plan with you and anyone helping look after you. Services can include in-home support such as medication reminders, short-term family respite so your caregiver can rest, help identifying assistive devices, light housekeeping, simple meal preparation, and help with shopping and errands. State and federal money pays for it. Voluntary contributions are welcome but never required, and refusing to contribute does not affect the care you get.

In this county: Available to eligible residents of Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair and Washtenaw counties. There is no cost and contributions are never required, but the services you receive depend on the care plan AgeWays agrees with you and on available funding — this is not an entitlement.

In-home services for veterans using a self-directed model: the veteran has a say in who provides the care and how it is delivered. Standard supports can include a care assessment, ongoing case management, help with personal care and homemaking, a personal emergency response system, transportation, and fiscal-intermediary services that handle paying the workers. AgeWays receives referrals from the Detroit and Ann Arbor VA Medical Centers; veterans interested in VDC should ask their VA care team for a referral. AgeWays: (800) 852-7795.

SMART runs fixed-route buses and the curb-to-curb SMART Connector across Macomb County. Riders age 65 and over, people with disabilities, and Medicare card holders qualify for reduced fares with a SMART Reduced Fare ID. Apply for the ID and plan a trip by calling SMART at 1-866-962-5515.

$200–$1,200/yr