Senior benefits in St. Clair 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 St. Clair 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.

Estimated service value: $1,500–$6,000 a year

Blue Water Community Action, the Community Action Agency for St. Clair County, helps income-eligible households with heat, electricity, and water bills and shutoff protection. The first step is to apply for State Emergency Relief on MI Bridges; BWCA navigators can help. Apply through MI Bridges, dial 211 for referrals, or call BWCA at 810-982-8541.

Estimated bill savings: $200–$1,500 a year

McLaren Port Huron offers financial assistance for emergency, catastrophic, and medically necessary care in St. Clair County. 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 1-844-321-1557 to apply.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

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.

Blue Water Area Transit runs fixed-route buses and accessible ramp-equipped service across the St. Clair County region around Port Huron. Riders age 60 and over, Medicare card holders, and people with a disability or ADA card pay a reduced fare. Reserve an accessible ride or ask about fares by calling dispatch at 810-987-7373.

Estimated service value: $150–$900 a year

In this county: Reduced fare requires proof of age, Medicare, or a disability/ADA card. Fares and service rules are set by the Blue Water Area Transportation Commission and can change. Not legal or financial advice.