Senior benefits in Monroe 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 Monroe 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

Monroe County Opportunity Program (MCOP), the Community Action Agency for Monroe County, helps low-income households with electric, natural gas, and deliverable-fuel bills and shutoff protection. Help is generally tied to a State Emergency Relief approval. Apply for state energy help through MI Bridges, dial 211 for local referrals, or call MCOP at 734-241-2775.

$200–$1,500/yr

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

ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital offers financial assistance for emergency and medically necessary care. Patients with family income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level may qualify for free care, and those between 201% and 400% receive a large discount on charges. Ask a financial counselor or call 1-844-373-0871 to apply.

In this county: Free care for family income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level; patients between 201% and 400% are charged a reduced share of gross charges. The hospital makes the final determination. Not legal or financial advice.

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.

Lake Erie Transit serves Monroe County with fixed-route buses and door-to-door Essential Transportation Service (ETS). Riders age 60 and over and people with disabilities qualify for half fare on regular routes, and ETS door-to-door rides are reserved for older adults 60 and over and people with disabilities. Call 734-242-6766 to arrange a ride.

$200–$1,200/yr

In this county: Half fare requires proof of age (60+), disability, or a Medicare card. ETS door-to-door rides need advance reservation. Fares and rules are set by Lake Erie Transit and can change. Not legal or financial advice.